Kodak Has Been Named A National Historic Chemical Landmark

Looking back to the early days of photography, you probably picture a time when cameras were incredibly large and even more challenging to operate.

Over the years, innovation and technology have taken the cumbersome device and turned it into something we can put in our pockets and whip out whenever we catch a beautiful sunset. But it must be said that the first company to herald in an era of portable cameras was Kodak. 

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is now looking to thank the brand for its services to bringing photography to the average person by awarding it with the National Historic Chemical Landmark. 

ACS hands out these accomplishments to organizations and individuals that have positively impacted society through chemistry and science. 

The award honors George Eastman, Eastman Kodak, and all the other scientists involved that took the long and arduous processes of olden times and turned them into a quick and easy development process. The company has been dubbed “The Birthplace of Consumer Photography” through this designation.

Kodak was first founded in 1892 by George Eastman and Henry A. Strong, and radically changed the landscape of photography. Unfortunately, in 2012, with the rise of smartphones, the firm filed for bankruptcy. 

However, if it weren’t for Kodak, many of us would not have fond memories of taking our instant cameras to the developers after a trip or event, and watching as our memories are printed out before us. In fact, taking pictures might not have become part of our everyday lives without the work contributed by the company. 

[via DIY Photography and PetaPixel, cover photo 211208274 © Ukrainian photographer Sergii Vasylchenko | Dreamstime.com]