Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum - Meadville, Pennsylvania - Tribute to the Industry of Stereography

The Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum is located at 423 Chestnut Street in Meadville, Pennsylvania. It is housed in a historic colonial building that once used to be a church. The building itself, which was constructed around 1856, was purchased by the Museum in 2000.

The Museum is a tribute to the industry of stereography. It is devoted to providing a hands-on setting for entertainment and learning, where the public can learn about the history of the stereographic industry.

The Museum showcases an enormous collection of stereoviews, stereoscopic equipment, and documents. In addition, the Museum houses aspects of the manufacturing process of stereography, as well as the history and artistry of it.

The main collection of the Museum consists in the manufactured products, documents, and memorabilia belonging to the Keystone View Company. The Keystone View Company was the largest domestic producer and manufacturer of stereoscopic views in the United States and was originally based in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

In addition to the central collection of the Keystone View Company, the Museum's collection contains exhibits from other stereographic companies.

The Museum's photo gallery is comprised of stereo views, tinted stereo views, and Glass Lantern slides. Their photo galleries include a various selection. The selection is diverse and includes images of famous people like: Dwight D. Eisenhower; Thomas Edison; Mahatma Gandhi; Abraham Lincoln; Low Gehrig; and Franklin D. Roosevelt. It also includes views of monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower. In addition, there are views pertaining to everyday life, such as views of people going to the movies, picturesque homes, and a number of streets.

The Air Travel Gallery contains hand tinted stereos of the Temple of Zion, the Grand Canyon Lodge, the Thomas Moran Sketching in the Grand Canyon, and the Mohave Point in the Grand Canyon. This photo gallery also includes images of blimps and air balloons.

The New York City Gallery displays stereo views from New York City in the early 1900's. Amongst the stereo views in this gallery are: 5th Avenue and 34th Avenue; the Immigration Station at Ellis Island, the Yankee Stadium; St. Patrick's Cathedral; and Times Square.

The American Indian Gallery is comprised of stereo views of American Indians, their heritage, and culture. Examples of views to be seen in this gallery are: a Sioux Musician; a Winnebago Chief; Four Sioux Warriors in Council; Powwow in the Medicine Lodge; a fine example of Indian Basketry; and Sioux and Crow Indian Chiefs in Washington D.C.

The Radio and TV Gallery showcase stereos pertaining to the early radio and television industry. Amongst some of the stereo views in this gallery are: Sound Effects Storeroom and Library; a Network Studio; and a Radio Transcription Recorder.

The Museum is open throughout the year Wednesdays through Saturdays. The Museum is open from 11am to 4pm from Wednesday through Friday. On Saturday, it is open from 10am to 3pm. The Museum is amenable to open on other days by special request. Special requests are to be made to one of the Directors of the Museum, Lance Johnson, at (814)336-3218.

The price of admission to the Museum for adults is $5. For students and seniors, the admission fee is $3. There is no admission charge to children under 6. The Museum also offers group rates. For interested parties, the Museum can be reached can be reached by calling (814) 333-4326 during open hours.