Did You Know?

Photograph of Patrick Gass, taken in the 1860s. Used with the kind permission of Jeanette D. Taranik, Patrick Gass' great-granddaughter

Photography wasn't invented until 1839. The first cameras were very large and used silver plates instead of small rolls of film. Taking just one photo was a long process involving the application of chemicals onto a plate, rather than just clicking a button. People having their portraits taken had to sit very still for long periods of time. Most did not smile.

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