H.W. Immke Collection

The H.W. Immke Collection: Photographs of Early Princeton

The Prairie Arts Council in conjunction with the Bureau County Historical Society will present “The H. W. Immke Collection:  Photographs of Early Princeton” gallery show featuring the photographs of noted local photographer, Henry W. Immke.   Immke opened his first Princeton photography studio in 1866.  His photography work was predominately portraits as well as local and area scenes.  In 1957 the Bureau County Historical Society museum became the custodian of his glass plate negatives, photographs and photography equipment.  His glass plate collection numbers approximately 20,000 which includes the entire archive of Immke's studio portrait work as well as his field work and other personal family images.  The images contained in this collection are important cultural documents of Illinois and surroundings sites during the second half of the 19th century.  Immke's single most important work is the well known and widely acclaimed composite picture of over 400 Bureau County Early Settlers.  Among the other photos in this collection are scenes from the Rock Island Arsenal after the Civil War, Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, the construction of the C. B. & O. Railroad outside of Princeton and Starved Rock State Park in Utica.  In addition to his photographs, a selection of his photographic equipment will also be on display as a part of this special show.
 
This show was especially scheduled to be held during the annual Homestead Festival so that both residents and visitors to Princeton will be able to see the outstanding photographs by H. W. Immke.  An opening reception for this show will be held on Friday, September 7th from 5-8 PM.  Wine, champagne, punch and appetizers will be provided.  The reception is free and open to the public.  During the Homestead Festival, the gallery will have extended hours:  Saturday, September 8^th10 AM-1 PM and 3 PM – 8 PM and Sunday, September 9^th10 AM- 4 PM.  Pam Lange, director of the Bureau County Historical Society will be presenting a free special “Evening with the Director” program on Wednesday, September 12^that 7 PM at the Prairie Arts Center.  The H. W. Immke show will continue from Friday, September 7^th– Sunday, October 7^thwith the gallery open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 PM and Wednesdays from 6-9 PM.