This is a FLAT 2-dimensional time-lapse picture,
come see 3D pictures at the exhibit!

EXPLORATIONS OF THE THIRD DIMENSION
3-D stereoscopic images of the past and present

This exhibit illustrates some of the important aspects of stereography,
3-D technologies, and their place in history.

Stereography has been around since the 1830's. Stereoscopic photography reached its peak of public interest in the 1860's, with home parlors, railroad travel bureaus and libraries developing vast collections of views. It was a way to see the world before the time when travel was affordable or convenient to the public. Throughout the remainder of the nineteenth century, viewing stereoscopic images was a very popular pastime.

By the 1920's, the AM radio had become the most valued centerpiece of the home parlor, and listening to the airwaves drew attention away from stereoscopic viewing. At the same time, passenger train travel reached its peak, and the advent of the affordable automobile made travel easy and convenient. Much of the world formerly seen only through stereoscopic images was now within reach by train or automobile.

A new era in stereoscopic interest began with the introduction of View-Master at the1939 New York World's Fair, followed in the 1940's by a wave of camera manufacturers offering easy to use camera-viewer-projector systems to the consumer. They successfully sought the endorsement of celebrities like John Wayne, Harold Lloyd, Edgar Bergen and President Dwight Eisenhower. Advertising agencies, film studios, and manufacturers often used stereography to promote their products.

Interest peaked again in the early 1950's when Hollywood introduced numerous 3D motion pictures, setting off yet another wave of popularity with films like House of Wax, and Alfred Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder.

Stereoscopic interest declined once again in the 1960's as the television era moved into full swing. But once again in the mid 1970's, a percentage of the baby boomers, whose parents had stereo cameras in the 1940's to 60's, helped to perpetuate the interest in stereo photography.

The 1990's advent of the affordable personal computer and the internet provided yet another catalyst that has brought much of the collective interest in stereo together through digest forums websites, and the ability to deliver stereo images via the computer screen. There are local stereo clubs and societies, as well as national and international stereoscopic societies.

Worldwide, thousands of stereographers practice their craft professionally, or for personal enjoyment. There are numerous publications on stereography, as well as manufacturers and distributors of current and vintage stereographic cameras, accessories and related items. 

About 3D

About the Exhibit
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Gleason Public Library
22 Bedford Road (Route 225)
Carlisle, MA 01741
978-369-4898

Library Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wed., 1:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri., Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.