Through the Lens: Magic Lantern Show

Program Type:

Arts/Crafts, History/Genealogy, Presentation, Special Event

Age Group:

Adults

Program Description

Program Details

Experience the precursor to cinema and moving pictures! Historian Mike Zahs and librarian Elizabeth Riordan will present a free, live Magic Lantern show at the Library.

They will recreate these historic projected shows using lanterns and glass slides from the 1800s. The presenters will also explore the unique features of this early form of entertainment.

Zahs has spent years preserving and sharing the slides, films, and archive of media entrepreneur W.F. Brinton of Washington, Iowa. The collection is now housed with the University of Iowa Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives. Zahs was featured in the 2017 documentary Saving Brinton.

 

Presented in partnership with Ames Public Library, Ames History Museum, and University of Iowa Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives.

Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.