OVERVIEW: Most of these portraits were taken before 1920, with the exception of public figures such as Governors. Also included in this exhibit are group portraits. Some portraits are included for their value as resources for those interested in fashions from the past, and in some cases, the identity of the subject(s) is unknown, or only their last name is known. The State Library also has several hundred portraits taken by local photographic studios in the years between 1920 and 1940, but in the interest of privacy for those who may still be living, these portraits will not be included on our website.

SEARCH TIPS: When searching from within the Portraits exhibit, you will retrieve only records that are in this exhibit. When using the Search function from the Home Page, you will be searching across all exhibits. You may search by first, last, or by the full name when looking for specific persons, or you may search under broad search terms such as "Women's portraits," "Group portraits," or a term such as "Doctors."