Proceedings of the First Park Naturalists’ Training Conference, November 1 to 30, 1929
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VISUAL EDUCATION
VISUAL EDUCATION AND ITS PLACE IN THE NATIONAL PARKS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Discussion led by Dorr G. Yeager and C. A. Harwell.
The use of visual material — especially lantern slides and motion pictures — in connection with park lectures was discussed in detail by all members present. No paper was prepared on the subject.
The following memoranda were made during the discussion:
An effort should be made to have all lantern slides well colored. Quality is essential. Occasionally uncolored slides must be used, but they should never be run in the same lecture with colored slides.
The use of double dissolving projection lanterns was strongly recommended. Mr. Hall recommended the Bausch & Lomb Model BB portable dissolving lantern. Other naturalists expressed a preference for two machines mounted in tandem with a double dissolving meniscus in front of the lens. This makes it possible to use both lanterns in case they are needed for two different lectures at the same time. Also, it has the added advantage that when insufficient funds are available one lantern can be purchased and the other added later.
Transparancies are exceedingly effective for museum display, particularly when care is used to get the proper lighting effect. It is just as important that transparencies be colored as it is to have colored lantern slides.
It was recommended that diagrams and drawings be reproduced on lantern slides to supplement the photographs available. This is particularly important in telling the story of geology.
It is very important that there be available in each park suitable equipment for the storage and care of slides. Two kinds of lantern slide cabinets are manufactured at the present time; one is made by the Multiplex Company, and another by G. S. Moler, 408 University Ave., Ithica, N. Y. The latter is a more satisfactory piece of equipment and is cheaper than the former. It can be obtained in golden oak and other finishes to match office furniture. Each cabinet provides room for 1200 lantern slides which are placed in sliding sections (60 per section) so that any slide can be viewed at any time. The cost at the factory is approximately $100.
Suitable lantern slide carrying boxes should be provided and there should be equipment for transferring, mounting and labeling slides without danger of breakage.
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