The John Howard Pierce Photograph Collection is the subject of a Lyman Museum special exhibit that opened May 20.
The John Howard Pierce Photograph Collection is the subject of a Lyman Museum special exhibit that opened May 20.
This is the second exhibit of Pierce photographs that have been identified by the community and several waiting to be identified. The exhibit will run through the year.
Pierce, who worked for the Hawaii Tribune-Herald from 1951-68, became the curator of the Lyman Museum upon his retirement. He was an avid photographer, taking thousands of photographs of Hawaii Island from the time he arrived in 1950 until his death in 1979.
The importance of the collection lies in the period it covers — those years before and after statehood, Hilo’s economic development and tourism, and a burgeoning Hawaiian renaissance.
Lyman Museum archivist Hannah Loo has been working with the Tribune-Herald, submitting a Pierce photograph each week for publication and asking the community’s help in identifying the people, places and events in the photos. The annotated photographs in this exhibit demonstrate the success of this collaborative effort. The exhibit offers a unique chance for local visitors to recognize a piece of their past and for first-time and seasoned travelers to view Hawaii through a historical lens.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum is located at 276 Haili St. in Hilo and open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For admission and more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.