Robert E. Cunningham, Photographer and Collector: Shedding a Light on a Gem

About the Collection

Robert E. Cunningham (1906-1991) graduated from Oklahoma A&M College in 1932. Besides being a writer, Cunningham was a local photographer of Stillwater and a collector of glass plates. This collection of glass plate negatives and acetate base photographs held at the Oklahoma State University Library Archives represents a portion of his collection amassed over the years. This memorabilia collection is historically significant in that it depicts the early history of OSU (A&M College), local history, and portraits of early residents of Stillwater.

About the Digitization

This work of digitizing and documenting a unique collection of glass plate negatives and acetate base photographs to improve the use and accessibility of the Robert E. Cunningham collection was made possible by an 2018-2019 Improving Access to Collections Grant sponsored by the Oklahoma Historical Records Advisory Board, administered by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, and funded by the National Archives--National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

The Oklahoma State University Library is very appreciative of the opportunity to make this memorabilia collection available to the public.

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