“THE FIRST PHOTOGRAPH OF LAPHAMVILLE 1865” —This is the first known image of Laphamville, Rockford’s original name. The camera had only been invented about forty years earlier and was just then entering mainstream use (and it was still a difficult, sensitive process). This shows that even in difficult times, new technology still spread rapidly... even to a little town on the edge of the new frontier.
The Rockford Area Museum (RAM) is in the midst of a major move and fundraising campaign. To celebrate this historic event, the RAM announces a community-wide event to select an artifact, from a list of 50 selected by the museum’s board and director, which best represents our unique history. Each week, a new selection will be offered in The Rockford Squire. As the opening date nears, a voting window will be opened on the museum’s soon-to-be-new website so you, the people of Rockford, can decide. Thank you for participating and stay tuned to see your new RAM in the coming year.
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