The Museum’s dedication to maintaining George Eastman’s legacy is supported by the George Eastman Archive and Study Center, a research center designed to properly store and make publicly accessible Mr. Eastman’s collections.

George Eastman Collection

The George Eastman collection consists of Mr. Eastman’s restored home, furnishings, decorative arts, and related artifacts. It also includes substantial holdings of Mr. Eastman’s business and personal correspondence; personal photographs and negatives; early motion pictures; films and videos; patents; and a variety of three-dimensional objects such as vintage hunting and camping equipment.

The collection contains information on a wide variety of topics:

• Eastman Kodak Company history (1879–1932)
• History of photography, including photographic inventions and patents
• Cinematography, including early motion picture developments
• Hobbies such as fishing, hunting, camping, biking, and automobiling
• Americana
• Local history—industrial and community development such as area parks, health care, education, cultural and civic organizations, etc.
• Eastman Commercial College
• House restoration
• Gardens and greenhouses
• Genealogy—Eastman and Kilbourn family genealogies, Kodak employees and correspondents of Mr. Eastman
• American social and cultural history during Mr. Eastman’s lifetime (1854–1932)

Study Center Services

Many materials are available for on-site research using computer stations and library resources. Other materials may be purchased or borrowed from the center for educational purposes.

• Trained volunteers staff the study center and provide research assistance to visitors.
• A slide and video library contains images of George Eastman’s house before, during, and after restoration; George Eastman at different ages; his relatives, friends, and contemporaries; and most artifacts in the George Eastman collection.
• Microfilm reader printers allow easy access to Mr. Eastman’s correspondence.
• A reference library covers George Eastman; Eastman Kodak Company; local history; historic preservation and restoration; and photographic and film history.
• More than 1,500 files supply information on the life of George Eastman; the history of George Eastman House and gardens; Eastman Kodak Company; restoration suppliers and contractors; genealogical research; and much more.
• More than 62,500 artifacts in the George Eastman collection are accessible.

What we can do for you...

• Do you need a photograph or an illustration for a publication?
  The study center can provide reproduction slides or prints of any object in the George Eastman collection.

• Do you need information on George Eastman for a school report?
  Stop by the study center and pick up a package of materials

What you can do for us...

• Do you have a story to share about Mr. Eastman or an event you attended at George Eastman House?
  The Museum has an active oral history program. Please contact the curator to arrange an interview.

• Do you have an object that belonged to George Eastman or the Eastman House?
  The Museum continues to collect and preserve artifacts related to George Eastman, his historic home on East Avenue, and Eastman Kodak Company.

Directions to the George Eastman Archive and Study Center

The study center is located above the Dryden Theatre and is accessible from the second floor of the house. A stairway lift will assist visitors with physical access to the center.

George Eastman Study Center Hours

Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m.

Appointments are suggested but not required.

For more information, please call us at (585) 271-3361 ext. 242, fax us at (585) 271-6682, or e-mail us at GESC@geh.org.

The George Eastman Archive and Study Center is made possible with generous support from Eastman Kodak Company, Thomas N. Tischer, Davenport Hatch Foundation, Robert F. Holroyd, the estate of David J. Cohan, the Ruth D. Maurer Memorial Fund, and S.A.S. Design Associates.