Photo Detective (1 hour)
This program will enhance students' skills of observation and interpretation by introducing them to the photograph as a form of documentation that is useful for retrieving historical data.Photo Detective is adapted for use with different age groups. Older students in grades 5 - 12 will use various images of Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania region. Younger audiences, those in grades K - 4 will be shown photographs of young children dressed in the fashions of their era. The presenter, will explain the importance of the detective work they will be conducting and how it applies to historical research and the photograph identification process used at the museum.Photo Antiquities will also bring stereoviews (3-D images) and vintage photographs for the students to handle and explore. The goal is to present the photographs as a text to be discovered or a story waiting to be written, while providing historical information to fuel their imaginations. We will work on the visual exploration of each image, or more plainly, work on being "photo detectives" attempting to solve the mystery of the photographs.
Photography as History (1 hour)
Photography as History will immerse students and adults in a hands-on presentation that explains three centuries worth of discoveries that have made the fine art of photography what it is today. The presentation starts in the eighteenth century with the discovery of how light darkens silver. The program then covers the development of the photographic processes of the nineteenth century and concludes with a brief description of color photography in the early twentieth century.
The presenter, will also devote time to teaching about inventors such as Louis Daguerre who invented the first practical form of photography and his partner, Joseph Nicephore Niepce, who died just before the invention was complete. Students will also learn about the rigors of life as a nineteenth century photographer and the precision involved when having to develop photographs within five minutes of taking them.
Participants will also be told about famous and accomplished photographers of the nineteenth century, including Matthew Brady and Timothy O'Sullivan who worked to record a visual history of The Civil War. In addition, the presenter will touch upon some of the famous subjects of early photographers such as Abraham Lincoln.
This program is best suited for grades 5 - 12 and can be adapted into a presentation for adults and mature audiences.
Civil War Photography and History (1 hour)
During this presentation students will explore some of the realities of life as a soldier during The Civil War. This hands-on interactive program will give students the chance to ask questions as well as wear an authentic Civil War General's uniform. Students will be able to experience what it was like to march and drill as members of the military during the 1860's and with written permission from a school administrator authentic military equipment can be brought for the students to handle.
After learning about the life of a nineteenth century soldier, period images of the Civil War era and the difficulties of the photographers who risked their lives to make a visual record of The Civil War will be discussed. Students are encouraged to bring their own photographs for presentation and discussion. This presentation is recommended for students in grades 5 - 12.
Changing Lifestyles: Western Pennsylvania 1750-1950 (1 hour)
Students will learn about life in the southwestern Pennsylvania region from the era of Pontiac's Rebellion through the Second World War. The primary goal of the presentation is to illustrate to the students the struggles of each generation of inhabitants in the region. Students will gain insight into the realities of being a settler during the late eighteenth century when William Pitt's borough (Pittsburgh) was the western frontier of a new land.
In addition, students will learn of the great variety and number of industries that fueled the region's economy during the early nineteenth century. Participants will discover that the production of iron and steel were not the industries responsible for Pittsburgh's economic success, rather, they were the industries responsible for its worldwide fame. The presentation will also cover the first major renaissance that occurred in the city of Pittsburgh and illustrate directly how it changed the face of this dynamic region.
The presentation is fun and fascinating incorporating both old and new photographs of the region.
Native Peoples: The First Americans (1 hour)
This presentation is available at the museum only and is presented in conjunction with our latest exhibit by the same name, which will conclude at the end of November 2001.
The presentation will discuss period dress, assimilation, and the different tribes that are represented in the exhibit. The presentation will also cover biographical information on the photographers being presented as well as their purpose and views as photographers of Native American people.
Attention Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts!!!
Photo Antiquities offers presentations designed to help you earn your photography badge. We offer a tour of a real working darkroom, tips on taking photographs, a presentation on how to care for your camera equipment and a tour of the museum which enables Scouts to gain an understanding of the history of photography, where it came from and where it's going.Civic Groups
Photo Antiquities also offers a presentation for civic groups. The history of photography is fascinating and fun. A Photo Antiquities' staff member will visit your group and conduct a presentation discussing the beginning of photography in 1839 through the development of color photography at the turn of the twentieth century. Participants are welcome to bring photographs to be used for further discussion about photography.
Please call for information 412-231-7881. If you have an idea that you do not see above give us a call and will do all we can to tailor a presentation to your needs.