Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum

Goal: $15,000.00

Specific Need

Since 2000, the Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum has been educating visitors- not only teaching each new generation about the history of 3D photography, but inspiring countless members of and visitors to our community about Meadville’s rich industrial history.

At a time where our nation’s pliers are made by Channellock, seeds are grown by Ernst, and airplane components are designed and created by Acutec and others in the expert industrial sector in Crawford County, it’s vital we understand the context of where we’ve come from - the amazing history of the industries that make Crawford County special, including Talon, Keystone View Company, Channellock, and American Viscose.

Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum tells the story of Keystone View - the largest stereoscopic corporation in the world and predecessor to the ViewMasters we all loved as children. The building that houses the Museum was the last office of the Holland Land Company (built in 1856), operated by the Huidekoper family. 

The Crawford County Historical Society has exciting plans for Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum while continuing the vision of its founders. Lance Johnson, the Museum’s President has joined the Historical Society’s Board as a Director Emeritus and in the last year alone, we have renovated restrooms, added a more comprehensive giftshop, and repointed the exterior brickwork of the original 1856 structure. Our next plan is to replace flooring, repaint interiors, and refresh exhibits in the coming year.

We need your help inspiring young people both from Crawford County and those visiting us from outside the area. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to help with improvement projects on the building, operating the museum and preserving a massive and amazing collection of stereoscopic history. 

Please consider a gift to the Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum either through a credit card donation at crawfordgives.org between August 12-15th or by mailing a check using the enclosed form. Your gift will make a massive impact!

Thank you for all you do to preserve the history of our community!

Mission

To preserve the heritage of the Keystone View Company, a Meadville business that became the world's largest stereoscopic company.

Profile

Keystone produced three-dimensional photography that captured world history. Our museum contains photographs and equipment from the company. On display are both permanent and changing displays of stereoviews, which can be viewed through stereoscopes to experience the wonders of 3-D images. We also have an onsite research library. 

$13,379.39 received
in 41 gifts 89.20%  of  $15,000.00 Goal