In 2023 PHSNE reached an important milestone—age 50. Since its birthday in April 1973, PHSNE has grown from an “idea”, to a fledging club, to a highly respected non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic images, photographic equipment, and history of the people who created our world of photography.

In this recorded meeting, John Felix, current President of PHSNE, discusses the society’s origins and how it evolved over the years. In many respects, today’s PHSNE is not like your father’s (or grandfather’s). Some things have changed significantly while other aspects of PHSNE have changed little, or not at all.

John’s presentation touches upon the evolution of PHSNE’s Photographica show, the Journal, snapshots, monthly programs, auctions, and other aspects of our organization over the past five decades. His presentation also includes photos of many of the individuals who helped build PHSNE, as well as pictures from field trips and events over the years. Don’t be surprised if some of us look a bit younger than we do today.

The discussion includes the current status of PHSNE and the challenges the organization will face as it strives to remain a vibrant organization for another 50 years.

John became a member of PHSNE in 1980 and served in numerous positions over the past 40+ years. These include Board Member-At-Large, Program Chair, Vice President, and President in the late 1990s. After leaving the Board in the mid-1990s to spend more time with his four young children, he rejoined the Board in 2017 and began serving on the Publications Committee. He became PHSNE’s President, for the second time, in 2022.

During his time with PHSNE, John’s main interest has been collecting and studying 19th century photographs, especially those made by Massachusetts photographers. Over the years, he has published three articles in the Journal on this topic. Much of his collection of daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, carte-de-visites and cabinet cards has since been donated or acquired by the Original logo; 1973 Boston Athenaeum.

After retiring following 36-years of service years at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, John currently teaches part time in Northeastern University’s Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences. He earned a B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), an M.S. in marine biology from San Diego State, and Masters in Public Administration from Harvard. John currently resides in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

A brief Annual Meeting and election took place before the presentation. Check out the recording below!