H. H. Bennett Studio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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H. H. Bennett Studio
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The H. H. Bennett Studio & History Center in 2013
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 215 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1875 |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000054 |
| Added to NRHP | October 8, 1976 |
The H. H. Bennett Studio is a historic photographic studio and museum located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, United States. A famous landscape photographer named H. H. Bennett built the studio building in 1875. His family ran it for many years until 1998. Then, it was given to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Today, the studio is a historical museum. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of the Studio
How H. H. Bennett Started
H. H. Bennett began his photography journey in 1865. He bought a portrait studio in Kilbourn City. This city is now known as Wisconsin Dells. At first, not many people wanted portraits. But Bennett became famous for his photos of the nearby Dells of the Wisconsin River.
The Studio Becomes Popular
Bennett's pictures of the Dells became very popular. People from all over the country wanted to see the Dells in person. Tourists started coming to Kilbourn City. Bennett saw this as a chance to grow his business. He sold souvenir postcards and took portraits for visitors.
In 1875, Bennett built a new red brick studio. This is the same building that stands in Wisconsin Dells today. His studio was more than just a place to take photos. It also worked as a gift shop. Visitors could buy souvenirs and crafts there. It was also an information center for the area.
Bennett's Amazing Inventions
H. H. Bennett was very creative at his studio. He invented new ways to improve photography. One of his most famous inventions was his revolving solar printing house. In Bennett's time, there was no electricity. Photographers needed sunlight to print pictures.
To get enough sunlight all day, Bennett needed to move his workspace. So, he built a small building with skylights. He put it on rollers that moved on a circular track. This track was outside his studio. Using a cable and pulley system, he could move the printing house. This made sure he always had the best sunlight for printing. Bennett's special invention is now at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
The Studio as a Museum
From Family Business to Historic Site
H. H. Bennett passed away in 1908. His children took over the photography studio. His family continued to own it until 1998. Then, they donated it to the Wisconsin Historical Society. The society wanted to use it as a historic site.
What You Can See Today
After getting the studio, the historical society restored it. They made it look just like it did in 1908. This restoration project finished in 2000. Now, the restored studio is open to everyone. It is called the H. H. Bennett Studio & History Center.
When you visit, you can see exhibits that show Bennett's workspace. It looks just like he used it. The museum also lets you see Bennett's many stereoscopic images. These are special photos of the Wisconsin Dells. You can view them in three dimensions using LCD shutter glasses. The museum also has a copy of Bennett's revolving solar printing house.
See also
- List of museums devoted to one photographer
