A faded black-and-white photograph tucked inside a family album can say more than words ever could. Creased edges, handwritten names and faces frozen in time connect us to people and stories that might otherwise be forgotten. 

Join Dr. Brian Hackett as he explores how historic photographs serve as powerful windows into the past in this free, virtual presentation on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m. Part of Behringer-Crawford Museum’s NKY History Hour series, the program will be presented live on Zoom and streamed simultaneously on BCM’s Facebook page.

In “You Can See a Lot Just by Looking: A Look at Historic Photographs,” Dr. Hackett will discuss the history found within early photographs and how to identify historic photographic technologies, including daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and tintypes. Guests will learn how clothing, poses, materials and photographic techniques can provide clues about the people, places and time periods captured in each image.

Dr. Brian Hackett is one of the first individuals in America to receive a Ph.D. in Public History. With more than 40 years of experience in the museum field, he has served in roles ranging from tour guide and curator to executive director. Dr. Hackett strongly believes the best classroom is the real world and has designed Northern Kentucky University’s Public History Program to provide students with hands-on experience in museums, archives, historic sites and historic preservation projects that make an immediate impact in the community. His specialties include exhibits, collections and material culture. Dr. Hackett often says, “If you are not having fun with history, you are not doing it right.”