Introduction to Historic Photography

Introduction to Historic Photography

A family-friendly hands-on-history workshop experience!

Saturday, August 16th, 2025, at 10:00AM and 2:00PM

Sunday, August 17th, 2025, at 10:00AM and 2:00PM

Join the staff of Renfrew Museum and Park and our friends, John and Christine Milleker of John Milleker Photography, for a 90-minute hands-on-history photography workshop for kids and those young at heart! Though we call it a “kids” workshop, all ages are welcome to register! Learn the processes of how anthotypes, cyanotypes, and lumen prints are created, plus how it compares to hand coloring! More details about the process can be found below. Experience the process for each, and take your artwork home to share with your friends and family! Natural resources from across Renfrew’s landscape will be used as our artwork source material and inspiration!

Saturday, 10:00AM Class – Kid’s ages 6-12 with parent/guardian (max of 2 kids per parent/guardian) – $25 per participant

Saturday, 2:00PM Class – Kid’s ages 12+$25 per participant

Sunday, 10:00AM Class – Kid’s ages 6-12 with parent/guardian (max of 2 kids per parent/guardian) – $25 per participant

Sunday, 2:00PM Class – Kid’s ages 12+$25 per participant

PROGRAM NOTES: Presentation will take place in the Wagon Shed Room of Renfrew’s Visitors Center, located in the white bank barn. The Visitors Center is fully handicapped accessible. Doors open thirty (30) minutes prior to event. Check-in at the Visitors Center Reception Desk. Entrance is located on the eastern side of the barn, directly across from the flagpole. Pre-registration is required to attend. No walk-ins, please.

Seating will be on metal folding chairs, so please ensure your own comfort and bring along a cushion if you wish.

Free parking is available at the Visitors Center lot located off of PA-16/East Main Street/Buchanan Trail East. Overflow parking is in Renfrew’s Lower Lot off of Welty Road.  Guests should expect slightly uneven terrain over grass and gravel as they make their way to the Visitors Center. We apologize for any inconvenience. Restrooms are located at the northeastern corner of the Visitors Center with entrances accessed from the exterior.

Meet your workshop hosts!

The Milleker’s are full-time photographers based in Baltimore, Maryland. They are passionate about both modern and historic photography. Alongside digital work, they specialize in hands-on demonstrations and lessons using early photographic methods from the 1800s—like cyanotypes, salt prints, and wet plate collodion. Their classes are fun, beginner-friendly, and perfect for curious minds of all ages. Whether you’d like to try something new or learn how photography was done long before smartphones, they’re excited to share these timeless processes with you!

Learn more about the Millekers here: https://www.johnmilleker.com/

Saturday, 10:00AM Class – 16 Spaces Available

Saturday, 2:00PM Class – 16 Spaces Available

Sunday, 10:00AM Class – 16 Spaces Available

Sunday, 2:00PM Class – 16 Spaces Available

Anthotypes

Prints made using natural plant juices (like spinach, turmeric, or beet juice) brushed onto paper. A shape or photo is placed on top and the sun slowly fades the exposed areas, leaving behind a soft, natural image.

Cyanotypes

A fun, blue-colored print made using paper coated with special light-sensitive chemicals. Objects or negatives are placed on top, when exposed to sunlight, the chemicals turn blue. It is then rinsed with water to reveal the image.

Lumen Prints

Photographic paper is placed in the sun with leaves, flowers, or other objects on top. The sunlight reacts with the paper to create colorful, often surprising images without any chemicals.

Hand Coloring

A black-and-white photo is printed, then gently colored by hand using watercolor, pastels, or pencils to add life and personality to the image.