Really enjoyed this Museum, and if Rochester gets their act together with some fast EV chargers would like to return to the area for the May lilac festival, and to visit this Museum’s gardens in bloom. The Eastman home is beyond lovely, and at one point in time was 8.5 acres in size, and a working farm. It is a must see.

George Eastman

George Eastman began his life as a bank clerk. He became obsessed with creating an easier way to make photographs. Spending all his free time in this endeavor, he created a process. Calling the company Kodak, as he liked the letter K, and randomly placed the rest of the consonants and vowels he came up with a name which remains a standard recognized world wide.

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The Museum has many events with films shown several times a week in the evening. Above is remnants of their flower exhibition had just closed.

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The tour information stated George’s company went from his mother’s kitchen to the globe, and how true a statement.

Once the Kodak trademark was registered in 1888, the camera was sold with film for 100 pictures for $25. Upon completion of the film it was returned to the Rochester factory for developing and printing for $10. The owner received the camera with a fresh roll of film. It is said the camera made excellent pictures.

The camera that began it all. Reminds me of a bird house, wouldn’t you say?

George was excellent to his employees giving health care benefits, and even tuition reimbursement. He was a major philanthropist giving away $100 million prior to his death, and at his death bequeathing the remainder of his fortune to MIT, University of Rochester, and Tuskegee Institute. His home was given to the University of Rochester president for 10 years upon his death, however later became a Museum as the cost of maintaining the home was prohibitive.

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The Museum foyer has a cafe and small gift shop.

Was told Rita Moreno visited recently.

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Eastman never married, however, did have a female companion who accompanied him on his far reaching journeys. He always thought women were after him for his money, and was consumed by his business, philanthropic, and community responsibilities.

For those camera enthusiasts there are displays of every type of camera throughout the Museum.

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