Artifact of the Month - Eastman Kodak Brownie
1974.41.2 Gift of Frank Price
Amanda Kramp, Assistant Curator of Collections and Exhibits
When we first booked the Discover Steampunk exhibition, we were thrilled to bring its imaginative blend of art, literature, technology, and science fiction to our galleries. From the whimsical aesthetic to the interactive elements, Discover Steampunk offers a hands-on experience that celebrates innovation and the creative spirit. We were especially excited to see historical figures like George Eastman, inventor of the Kodak camera, and Isaac Singer, pioneer of the sewing machine, featured so prominently—especially since Turtle Bay’s Permanent Collection holds similar treasures.
To complement the exhibition, we’re highlighting a Steampunk-inspired piece from our collection as July’s Artifact of the Month: the oldest Brownie camera in our vault, dating to 1928. Fun fact—when it was donated in 1974, it still worked!
The Brownie camera, developed by Eastman, was revolutionary. It introduced affordable, accessible photography to the public at a time when taking photos was largely a professional pursuit. Using roll film instead of bulky glass plates, the Brownie was compact, easy to use, and surprisingly effective—making it a favorite for amateur photographers everywhere.
Visit Turtle Bay Museum to see this original 1928 Brownie camera on display and photographs of other Brownie models from our collection. While you're here, don’t miss Discover Steampunk: A Fantastical Hands-On Adventure to explore how Eastman and other visionaries helped shape this intersection of science, art, technology, and imagination.
