At the May 2023 meeting, retired songwriter, journalist, and software engineer and newly elected PHSNE board member Bernie Zelich presented a program describing how he discovered the unknown photographer Annie Powell while making a music video (see snap shots, Volume 28 Number 9) . Eventually Zelich founded By Annie Powell Inc, a nonprofit devoted to acquisition, preservation, promotion,
and research.
The British-born Powell lived and worked in Lowell, MA for many years and died there in 1952 at the age of 92. She is buried near local legend Jack Kerouac in a Lowell cemetery. Powell spent five decades, 1892-1942, photographically documenting life in Lowell. By Annie Powell Inc, in conjunction with Lowell Celebrates Kerouac!, will offer a series of events “celebrating the life and work of the talented but little known photographer of historical significance.”
Powell did not sign her work, but careful detective work by Zelich determined she is the likely photographer for thousands of images. The first public showing of the photographs will take place early in 2024 followed by 100 posters displayed throughout the city. The long-running celebration will culminate with four days of free events in October 2025. A 60 page printed exhibition catalog featuring Powell’s images and story will be available. All festivities are free and open to the public. For details, see https://byanniepowell.org/.
What the heck…
Are Those Even Cameras?!
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