August 3, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Barbara Hollander, SAMA-Altoona Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

Altoona – The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona’s latest exhibition of William H. Rau photographs takes viewers on a 19^th century trip from Johnstown to Pittsburgh. From the Conemaugh to the Three Rivers: Vintage Photographs of William H. Rau features 30 albumen and sepia-toned gelatin silver photographs from the Altoona Area Public Library Collection. The exhibition opens August 31 and will remain on view through November 18.

Rau was perhaps best known as the official photographer for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was first commissioned by the Railroad in 1891 to document the scenic views along the mainline in order to promote the railroad and increase passenger traffic. His photographs not only glorified rail travel and the progress made by the Industrial Revolution, but also helped legitimize photography as a major art form.

"Come ride the rails along lush mountain ranges, past sleepy Pennsylvania towns, and through growing industrial cities," said SAMA-Altoona Coordinator, Barbara Hollander. "William H. Rau’s photographs demonstrate the importance of the railroad in the development of Western Pennsylvania culture and industry. For any history or railroad buffs, or for anyone who is mesmerized by the beauty of our Pennsylvania landscape, this is an exhibit not to be missed."

In addition to the beautiful landscape, this exhibition also presents some of the area’s history, with photographs of a recovering Johnstown in the wake of the 1889 flood, as well as images of the recently-built Inclined Plane. Viewers also will see several examples of the region’s industrial development, such as the Cambria Iron Works in Johnstown, the natural gas wells of Grapeville, and the Edgar Thomson Steel Works in Braddock.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is located in the Brett Building at 1210 Eleventh Avenue. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. Parking is available in the garage across the street or in metered spots in the lot at the rear of the building. For more information, please call the Museum at (814) 946-4464 or visit www.sama-art.org.