Hands on History features early photography activity

The Des Plaines History Center is presenting a day of "Photography of the Past" with its upcoming Hands on History events.

All children ages 5-12 and their families are invited to attend from 1 to 3 p.m. either Wednesday, Jan. 8, or Sunday, Jan. 12. Both afternoons will feature a lesson on the subject of how photography changed the world.

Join the Des Plaines History Center as it celebrates this history by talking about early cameras and taking some photos of your own. The History Center's Interpretive Curator Emma Marston will talk about how pictures have changed over the past years and how photos have changed our lives. Activities will include looking at different models of early cameras up close, building your own pinhole camera, and creating your own cyanotype art like early photographer Anna Atkins.

"It's so easy today to snap an instant photo with our phones and other kinds of technology, but for hundreds of years this was not the case," said Marston.

"Despite bulky equipment and photo processes that were often complicated and messy, early photographers were able to create snapshots of their world, offering us a unique glimpse into the past. The development of photography was also instrumental for scientists, archaeologists, journalists and many other professionals."

This program is free thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines. The Des Plaines History Center is at 781 Pearson St., in Des Plaines.

Hands on History is a children's program meant to invite public participation and discussion on a broad range of historical topics. The next children's activity will feature Magnificent Murals Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Sunday, Feb. 9.

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