Photography

The millions of photographs in the Museum's collections compose a vast mosaic of the nation's history. Photographs accompany most artifact collections. Thousands of images document engineering projects, for example, and more record the steel, petroleum, and railroad industries.

Some 150,000 images capture the history, art, and science of photography. Nineteenth-century photography, from its initial development by W. H. F. Talbot and Louis Daguerre, is especially well represented and includes cased images, paper photographs, and apparatus. Glass stereographs and news-service negatives by the Underwood & Underwood firm document life in America between the 1890s and the 1930s. The history of amateur photography and photojournalism are preserved here, along with the work of 20th-century masters such as Richard Avedon and Edward Weston. Thousands of cameras and other equipment represent the technical and business side of the field.

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge offered a place where hopeful musicians could put their demo 45s in the jukebox.Currently not on view
Description
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge offered a place where hopeful musicians could put their demo 45s in the jukebox.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.109
catalog number
2003.0169.109
accession number
2003.0169
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
maker
Hosoe, Eikoh
ID Number
PG.69.152.3
accession number
301337
catalog number
69.152.3
Rebecca "Dolly" Parton (b. 1946) was the subject of Henry Horenstein's first published photograph. It appeared in Boston After Dark (now the Boston Phoenix). He had an hour to meet and photograph Parton, a lengthy sitting photographers today rarely have.
Description
Rebecca "Dolly" Parton (b. 1946) was the subject of Henry Horenstein's first published photograph. It appeared in Boston After Dark (now the Boston Phoenix). He had an hour to meet and photograph Parton, a lengthy sitting photographers today rarely have. When Horenstein photographed Parton, she already had twenty albums to her name. But the crossover hit, "Here You Come Again," made her a superstar in 1977.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
Associated Name
Parton, Dolly
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.103
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.103
Inkjet Print by Charles Rushton of Robert Shlaer, 1994.Black and white portrait of an old man standing with his arms crossed in front of a large rock. He is wearing a pinstripe button up shirt with his sleeves rolled and suspenders.
Description (Brief)
Inkjet Print by Charles Rushton of Robert Shlaer, 1994.
Black and white portrait of an old man standing with his arms crossed in front of a large rock. He is wearing a pinstripe button up shirt with his sleeves rolled and suspenders. He has a full long beard and is wearing glasses. To the left trees and smaller rocks are visible and there is an old camera on a tripod. Recto: signed, titled and dated by artist.
Description
Charles Rushton is an American photographer that made portraits of New Mexico photographers between the years of 1980 and 1994. This particular collection consists of 38 prints: twenty-nine- 8"x10" gelatin silver prints and nine- 8½"x11" inkjet prints acquired from the photographer. The collection includes photographers Tom Barrows, Van Deren Coke, Betty Hahn, David Michael Kennedy, Patrick Nagatani, Beaumont Newhall and Joel-Peter Witkin. The earliest print in this collection is of Manuel Carrillo in 1982, and the last piece added to the collection is of Holly Roberts in 1994.
Rushton chose this particular project after attending a Zone VI workshop offered by Fred Picker in Vermont in 1980. While at the workshop Rushton was given specific advice to pick a topic and stick to it instead of switching random topics every day. This was when Rushton had the idea to photograph artists and photographers upon returning home to New Mexico. With the help of photographer friend, Bob Hooten, Rushton was able to obtain the names of photographers that suited the parameters of his project. After a few years, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History purchased several of Rushton's prints for their collection of portraits of New Mexico Artists and expressed interest in seeing his future work. With the permission of the museum, Rushton used the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History name to help him gain influence and access to more famous photographers such as Beaumont Newhall.
Rushton studied photography under Fred Picker, Oliver Gagliani (depicted in the collection) and Arnold Newman (depicted in the collection). Rushton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lawrence University, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from St. Thomas University, a Master of Arts in Library Science degree from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography degree from the University of Oklahoma. Rushton is currently a professor of digital photography at Oklahoma City Community College and Moore-Norman Technology Center.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1994
print made
2008
maker
Rushton, Charles R.
ID Number
2008.0178.33
catalog number
2008.0178.33
accession number
2008.0178
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
PG.007224
accession number
251656
catalog number
7224
Jean Shepard (b.1933) joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1956. Beginning with her first solo top ten single, "A Satisfied Mind" in 1955, Shepard's pure country voice led to hit after hit.Currently not on view
Description
Jean Shepard (b.1933) joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1956. Beginning with her first solo top ten single, "A Satisfied Mind" in 1955, Shepard's pure country voice led to hit after hit.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.051
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.051
Inkjet Print by Charles Rushton of Meridel Rubenstein, 1989, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Black and white portrait of a woman standing, leaning against an old camera on a tripod. She is wearing light-colored jeans, a black sweater with 3/4 sleeves and a white zig-zag pattern.
Description (Brief)
Inkjet Print by Charles Rushton of Meridel Rubenstein, 1989, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Black and white portrait of a woman standing, leaning against an old camera on a tripod. She is wearing light-colored jeans, a black sweater with 3/4 sleeves and a white zig-zag pattern. She has hair to her shoulders, a thick necklace, a metal bracelet on her right arm and a watch on her left arm. In her left hand she is holding a coat. Behind her is a cracked wall, a lamp on the wall with dried plants hanging from it and an alcove made of wood filled with flowers, crosses, puppets, etc. Recto: signed, titled and dated by artist.
Description
Charles Rushton is an American photographer that made portraits of New Mexico photographers between the years of 1980 and 1994. This particular collection consists of 38 prints: twenty-nine- 8"x10" gelatin silver prints and nine- 8½"x11" inkjet prints acquired from the photographer. The collection includes photographers Tom Barrows, Van Deren Coke, Betty Hahn, David Michael Kennedy, Patrick Nagatani, Beaumont Newhall and Joel-Peter Witkin. The earliest print in this collection is of Manuel Carrillo in 1982, and the last piece added to the collection is of Holly Roberts in 1994.
Rushton chose this particular project after attending a Zone VI workshop offered by Fred Picker in Vermont in 1980. While at the workshop Rushton was given specific advice to pick a topic and stick to it instead of switching random topics every day. This was when Rushton had the idea to photograph artists and photographers upon returning home to New Mexico. With the help of photographer friend, Bob Hooten, Rushton was able to obtain the names of photographers that suited the parameters of his project. After a few years, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History purchased several of Rushton's prints for their collection of portraits of New Mexico Artists and expressed interest in seeing his future work. With the permission of the museum, Rushton used the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History name to help him gain influence and access to more famous photographers such as Beaumont Newhall.
Rushton studied photography under Fred Picker, Oliver Gagliani (depicted in the collection) and Arnold Newman (depicted in the collection). Rushton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lawrence University, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from St. Thomas University, a Master of Arts in Library Science degree from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography degree from the University of Oklahoma. Rushton is currently a professor of digital photography at Oklahoma City Community College and Moore-Norman Technology Center.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1989
print made
2008
maker
Rushton, Charles R.
ID Number
2008.0178.31
catalog number
2008.0178.31
accession number
2008.0178
hand colored stereograph; printed on verso "Between two stools you fall to the ground.
Description (Brief)
hand colored stereograph; printed on verso "Between two stools you fall to the ground. / Copyright."; woman in center of three men has fallen to floor between two chairs; woman is wearing a magenta and black dress and choker around her neck, she has fallen to floor in between two chairs, she is being helped by two men on either side of her and a third man is looking on; additional men and woman look on in background; all are dressed in formal attire
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th-early 20th century
ID Number
2012.3033.0491
nonaccession number
2012.3033
catalog number
2012.3033.0491
Lavender Field & Lone Tree, Provence, France, color pigment print (IRIS print) by Robert Weingarten, 24/33, printed by Nash Editions (blind stamp, lower left corner), printed on IRIS 3047. Recto: Numbered and signed.
Description
Lavender Field & Lone Tree, Provence, France, color pigment print (IRIS print) by Robert Weingarten, 24/33, printed by Nash Editions (blind stamp, lower left corner), printed on IRIS 3047. Recto: Numbered and signed. Lush green and purple rows of plants lead to single tree in distance, 2/3 of the way up the page; beautiful blue sky with whisps of white clouds.
Date made
2001
1999
maker
Weingarten, Robert I.
ID Number
2005.0266.07
accession number
2005.0266
catalog number
2005.0266.07
Billy Bird, seen here autographing a paper plate, played with Ernest Tubb (1920-2001) and was a pioneer of the electric guitar.Currently not on view
Description
Billy Bird, seen here autographing a paper plate, played with Ernest Tubb (1920-2001) and was a pioneer of the electric guitar.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.075
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.075
The youngest of the three Carter Sisters, Anita began performing with Mother Maybelle and the Carter Family at age four. She performed with her mother and sisters throughout her career, though she found success of her own during the 1950s.
Description
The youngest of the three Carter Sisters, Anita began performing with Mother Maybelle and the Carter Family at age four. She performed with her mother and sisters throughout her career, though she found success of her own during the 1950s. Anita (1933-1999) was the first to record the song "Ring of Fire," written by her sister June (1929-2003). It later became a hit for her brother-in-law Johnny Cash.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.078
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.078
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Smillie, Thomas W.
ID Number
PG.003231
catalog number
3231
Maybelle Carter (1909-1978) was an original member of the performing Carter Family. After the breakup of that group in 1943, she formed a new act, known as Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, with daughters Helen (1927-1998) shown here on accordian, June and Anita.
Description
Maybelle Carter (1909-1978) was an original member of the performing Carter Family. After the breakup of that group in 1943, she formed a new act, known as Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, with daughters Helen (1927-1998) shown here on accordian, June and Anita. Maybelle was an influential presence, particularly as the originator of a style of guitar playing emulated by Leadbelly, Woodie Guthrie, and many other musicians.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.079
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.079
For much of his career, Ernest Tubb, the "Texas Troubadour" was considered the ultimate honky tonk vocalist and stylist. Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers in the 1920s, Tubb sustained a musical career that at times also branched into film and television.
Description
For much of his career, Ernest Tubb, the "Texas Troubadour" was considered the ultimate honky tonk vocalist and stylist. Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers in the 1920s, Tubb sustained a musical career that at times also branched into film and television. No artist toured as much, or for as long as Ernest Tubb, who worked 150 to 200 shows each year between the early 1960s and 1982. No artist was kinder to his fans, and no fans were more loyal to their star. Ernest Tubb had one national fan club with a single president for its entire existence between 1944 and its deactivation in the early 1990s.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.084
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.084
hand colored stereograph; printed on verso "Monsieur & Madame Pipelct, / As they appeared on being informed by L 106 that the street door is open.
Description (Brief)
hand colored stereograph; printed on verso "Monsieur & Madame Pipelct, / As they appeared on being informed by L 106 that the street door is open. / Entered at Stationers' Hall."; woman wearing nightgown and cap is sitting up in a bed; man wearing nightshirt and cap, holding a candle is standing next to the bed; man wearing black jacket and top hat, standing in profile near an open door with back to man and woman in bed; red and gold screen in background
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th-early 20th century
ID Number
2012.3033.0429
nonaccession number
2012.3033
catalog number
2012.3033.0429
Many acts in country music were built around brother duos and family members.Currently not on view
Description
Many acts in country music were built around brother duos and family members.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.007
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.007
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
2000-01-15
maker
Kennerly, David Hume
ID Number
2003.0005.017
catalog number
2003.0005.017
accession number
2003.0005
The Johnson Mountain Boys was a traditional bluegrass band formed in the Washington, D.C. suburbs in the 1970s. Its members were vocalist, banjoist, and guitarist Dudley Connell, David McLauglin, fiddler Eddie Stubbs, and bassist Larry Robbins.
Description
The Johnson Mountain Boys was a traditional bluegrass band formed in the Washington, D.C. suburbs in the 1970s. Its members were vocalist, banjoist, and guitarist Dudley Connell, David McLauglin, fiddler Eddie Stubbs, and bassist Larry Robbins. Connell worked for Smithsonian Folkways for a time and Stubbs went on to host the Grand Ole Opry.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1981
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.030
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.030
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
2003
maker
Grace, Arthur
ID Number
2007.0115.02
accession number
2007.0115
catalog number
2007.0115.02
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2006
date printed
2011
maker
Raab, Susana
ID Number
2012.0057.01
catalog number
2012.0057.01
accession number
2012.0057
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
commissioner
National Institute of Standards and Technology
maker
Rathe, Robert
ID Number
2011.0250.01
accession number
2011.0250
catalog number
2011.0250.01
A man sells Tex Ritter photographs to fans waiting for his autograph.Currently not on view
Description
A man sells Tex Ritter photographs to fans waiting for his autograph.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.066
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.066
black and white stereograph; man and woman standing underneath an umbrella; two additional women with back to photographer also each under an umbrella in the backgroundCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
black and white stereograph; man and woman standing underneath an umbrella; two additional women with back to photographer also each under an umbrella in the background
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th-early 20th century
ID Number
2012.3033.0457
nonaccession number
2012.3033
catalog number
2012.3033.0457
Best known for her crossover hit, "Harper Valley PTA," Jeannie C. Riley (b. 1945) is pictured her on her tour bus.Currently not on view
Description
Best known for her crossover hit, "Harper Valley PTA," Jeannie C. Riley (b. 1945) is pictured her on her tour bus.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.033
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.033

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