Visit the Taj Mahal, the canals of Venice, or the tombs of Ramesses in glorious 3D without leaving the comfort of your chair!

For Victorians, stereoscopy was an inexpensive means of education, travel, and entertainment. The first large, boxy models were introduced in the 1830s. By the early 1860s, physician and essayist Oliver Wendell Holmes had streamlined a smaller, hand-held viewer that we know today. Shortly thereafter, both professional and amateur stereographers offered millions of views on every conceivable subject — from landscapes to family portraits.

Situated at the Colony Club, we'll take a tour of the history and evolution of stereoscopy with Dr. Laura Schiavo, Associate Professor of Museum Studies at The George Washington University. Next, we'll be joined by Dr. Jeremy Rowe, scientist, author, and collector, who will share a sample of his vast collection of stereoscopes, stereograph cards, daguerreotypes, and more.

Want to continue gazing at home? We'll conclude the program with a door prize drawing from Dr. Rowe and the London Stereoscopic Company Ltd.; a 165-year-old company responsible for furnishing most of Europe with stereo views during the late 19th century.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• This event is accessible via Metro with the venue about a 10-minute walk from the Georgia-Petworth or Columbia Heights Station on the green and yellow lines.
• Limited street parking is available.
• Photographs are encouraged, but flash photography is not allowed.
• Each guest will be automatically entered into a raffle to win stereoviewers and antique cards.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Julie Seigel at julie.seigel@atlasobscura.com.

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Advance tickets only. All sales final. No refunds or exchanges.