For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara O’Keeffe
608-261-9596
kara.okeeffe@wisconsinhistory.org

May 6, 2019

Celebrate Photographer H.H. Bennett’s Love for Natural Landscapes This Summer at the H.H. Bennett Studio

Wisconsin Dells, Wis. – H.H. Bennett Studio will officially open for the season May 11 through October 27 and guests can experience H.H. Bennett’s original photography studio, the original storefront and a museum celebrating the beauty of Wisconsin Dells and H.H. Bennett.

“We are excited to offer some new experiences for guests this year,” said David Rambow, site director of H.H. Bennett for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “From walking tours to our Tintype Experience there is something for all visitors.”

Opening on May 18, the "George H. Houghton: Civil War Cameraman” exhibition will showcase many of Houghton's Civil War Images while delving deep into what photography and a soldier's life was like during that time period. It is through Houghton, H.H. Bennett's uncle, that Bennett first learned the photographic arts. The collection of photos in this exhibition are those that Houghton is best remembered for: glimpses into soldier’s camp life between the winter of 1861 and spring of 1863. Don’t miss a presentation and opening reception that day at 2:00 pm from Don Wickman, author of "A Very Fine Appearance" which features Civil War photographs of George Houghton. A $5 donation is recommended.

Beginning on June 7, guests can take one of three rotating walking tours including, “Haunted Kilbourn: The Lives and Deaths of Victorian Women,” “Kreepy Kilbourn: The Original Dells Ghost Walk,” “Our Honored Dead: Civil War Cemetery Tour.” All of the tours start at 6:00 pm and some topics on the tours may not be suitable for children under the age of 12. For dates and locations visit hhbennettstudio.org.

Continuing this season is the Tintype Experience which lets guests get their portrait “struck.” The experience recreates what it was like to have your portrait taken using the same wet plate photography method used by H.H. Bennett, in the same studio, over 100 years ago. Learn about this type of photography all while the authentic historic lens captures your one-of-a-kind image that will last a lifetime. Reservations are required ahead of time for this experience and more information can be found at https://hhbennettstudio.wisconsinhistory.org/tintype-experience.

HH Bennett Studio is open May 11 through October 27. For opening times and to plan your trip visit hhbennettstudio.org.
 

About H.H. Bennett Studio

Henry Hamilton Bennett, considered one of the preeminent landscape photographers of the 19th century, he started photography in 1865 and he built his first personal studio in Wisconsin Dells in 1875 and brought global attention and audiences to the Dells through his captivating photography of the natural landscape. The studio remains the oldest business currently operating in the Wisconsin Dells. This photographic studio is actually one of if not the oldest working photography studio in the country. The Studio is open to the public daily at 10:00 beginning May 11.  For more information visit www.hhbennettstudio.wisconsinhistory.org.

About Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.

###