Plan for this year’s seminar, to be held August 16-21, 2008
For fee, lodging, and contact information, see General Information.
IPI and George Eastman House offer a yearly seminar on the preservation of photographic materials and on digitizing photographic collections.
With the increased use of digital imaging technology, today's collection managers need up-to-date information on how to care for their collections and make them accessible for research. This program combines lectures and workshops in traditional preservation techniques with the theory and practice of digital imaging. The two aspects of the seminar are complementary. Concerned collection managers cannot afford to be uninformed in either area.

A week-long program of lectures and workshops on traditional photo collection preservation techniques will expand your expertise on what materials are typically found in photo collections, how they deteriorate, how to store and protect them, and how preservation fits in with other collection activities.
Throughout the week, you'll also learn about the basics of digital imaging and how various image-capture, storage, display, and output strategies compare. In addition, presentations will explain the design and application of image database systems, always keeping in context the balance that must be struck between traditional and digital preservation and access.
The week also offers two optional, but highly recommended, evening sessions that focus on special aspects of preservation.
You are also encouraged to share specific problems you've encountered with your own photograph collections in discussions with instructors and other participants.
Lectures will cover the following topics:
You will participate in workshops on:

Using selected examples and a structured technique based on visual and microscopic examination, you'll learn to distinguish an albumen print from a platinotype, a Kodachrome from an Autochrome, and an inkjet print from a traditional photographic print.
An opportunity to have your specific questions answered with the latest information on products, standards, and services.
Enjoy an evening lecture by Grant Romer dealing with a provocative but lighthearted and interesting aspect of photographic history.

Curators, archivists, librarians, conservators, and others responsible for photographic collections owned by libraries, galleries, historical societies, and private and governmental archives will benefit from this program. Because this program is an introduction—in layman’s language—to photographic preservation technology, digital imaging, and archival practice, you do not need extensive experience or knowledge.
This unique seminar is designed to keep you well informed about changes in the fields of photographic conservation and digital imaging. Our materials are continually updated. Every year, we review topics and listen to the feedback we get from professionals like you to make sure we are providing the information you need.
Fee includes the cost of all instructional materials.
This program is held at historic George Eastman House, located in one of the most scenic neighborhoods of Rochester, New York. The museum facilities and beautiful grounds will be available to you for the whole week of the seminar. Program lectures are given in the museum's Curtis Theater, and workshops take place in its conservation laboratory and adjacent classrooms. A welcome reception is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Daily sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Evening sessions are scheduled for Monday and Wednesday. The program will conclude on Thursday, August 21, at 4:30 p.m.
Lodging is not included in the cost of the seminar. Participants must make their own arrangements. The host hotel for the seminar is the Strathallan (soon to be the Hyatt Summerfield Suites). This hotel is within walking distance of the museum. Room rates range between $119.00 and $134.00 per night. The Strathallan also provides transportation to and from the airport. Their phone number is 1-800-678-7284. There is also the Dartmouth House Bed and Breakfast, located about five blocks from the museum. Their room rate is $120 per night, and their number is 585-271-7872. When calling to make a reservation, please mention "Eastman House Preservation Seminar" to get these special rates.
You may register for the seminar online, by phone or email, or by filling out and faxing or mailing the printable registration form.
Phone: 585-271-3361 x 323
Fax: 585-271-3970
E-mail: Seminar@geh.org
Mail: Stacey VanDenburgh, Conservation Dept.
George Eastman House
900 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607-2219
For more information, contact Stacey VanDenburgh
at George Eastman House.
Photos on this page by 2004 seminar participant Roberto Ortiz