Revealing History

Using Digital Technology to Learn More about Our Past

Digital technology is shedding new light on previously hidden information. Nebraska photographer Solomon D. Butcher produced, over the course of nearly forty years, a record of the European settlement of the Great Plains that is both unique and remarkable. These photographs have been used for more than fifty years to study the homesteading experience. Advanced digital imaging technology is now offering a way to see these photographs like they’ve never been seen before.

Examining the Details in Historic Photographs

There are many advantages to high resolution digital imaging. One of the most interesting is the ability to take a very close look at small details within the original object. Digital imaging technology also allows for incredible selective control over light and dark within the images. High resolution digital images, allow us to through doorways and see details not seen since the negative was exposed.  With image manipulation software it is possible to change the tonal values inside the doorway, revealing previously hidden information.

Look at the photographs below to see examples of how History Nebraska is using digital imaging technology to learn more about the photograph collections.