The Emily L. Knapp Museum & Library of Local History is the repository of hundreds of photographs dating back to Brockport’s earliest days. Old photographs reveal much about history, the people who settled in the area, and the buildings that once graced, or continue to grace, a community.
Unfortunately, photographs deteriorate with exposure to elements like sunshine or indoor lighting. In order to upgrade the housing of the Knapp Collection, the Museum Board has instituted an Adopt a Picture Program, which will provide archival glass and matting to photographs.
Adopt a photo by visiting the Knapp Museum during open hours to choose the specific photograph you would like to preserve. Hours are: Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesdays from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., with additional hours the first Friday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m., and the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Each adopted photo will have a label noting who has preserved the photo or if the picture was preserved in memory of a loved one.
Frame Wright in Spencerport will participate by offering reduced prices to add conservation glass (to protect images from 99% of UV rays) and acid free matting and backing to adopted photographs. Donations of $20 preserve small photos, $45 preserve medium photos, $75 preserve large photos, and $125 preserve extra large photos.
By taking the necessary steps now, the valuable collection will be available for children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to enjoy.
