Joseph Miller slide collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

The copyright and related rights status of this collection have not been evaluated (See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/)

Preferred citation:

Joseph Miller slide collection, C0560, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Summary

Extent:
2 Linear Feet 3 boxes
Creator:
Miller, Joseph A., 1932-2023
Abstract:
A collection of 51 wood-framed lantern slides and 55 glass-framed 35mm slides from the collection of Joseph Miller, creator of the Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs (NVACC).
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Joseph Miller slide collection, C0560, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Background

Scope and content:

A collection of 51 wood-framed lantern slides and 55 glass-framed 35mm slides from the collection of Joseph Miller, creator of the Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs (NVACC). The wood-framed slides feature round images set into rough wood carved frames and largely depict landscape or architectural locations and photographs of artwork. Several of the wooden frames have "T.H. McAllister, Optician N.Y." carved into them and identifications and/or numbers are written in pencil on the back of a few, but these are difficult to read clearly. Identifiable subjects include locations in and around California's Yosemite National Park, including Mirror Lake, locations in New York including Washington Irving's house and General George Washignton's headquarters, and Ireland's Blarney Castle.

The glass-framed 35mm slides are all professional images with "V-Dia-Verlag – Heidelberg" printed at the top and Series # and then slide # printed underneath. Identifications of the locations depicted in the images are printed at the bottom of the slide and predominantly feature Heidelberg, Germany, but there are also locations from the French Riviera and Switzerland. No text is printed on the reverse side of the slides.

Biographical / historical:

Joseph A. Miller, born on May 10, 1932, was known throughout the Northern Virginia region for his work as a photographer and photographic instructor emphasizing the "4 C's" of Visual Communication: Craftsmanship, Composition, Creativity, and Communication. In 1997, he created the Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs (NVACC), an informal group with the purpose of promoting communication and cooperation among camera clubs in Northern Virginia and in 2001 he started the Annual Abstract Photography Exhibit (later known as the Annual Joseph Miller Abstract Photography Exhibit). His work with the NVACC also included authoring or co-authoring handbooks on photography, teaching workshops on photographic techniques, training for those interested in becoming camera club judges, and serving as a professional mentor for club members. In addition to his work with the NVACC, Miller taught photography classes at both Northern Virginia Community College and his personal photographic center located near Gainesville, Virginia. Miller passed away on January 3, 2023 at the age of 90.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Matthew Schmidt in March and April 2025. The slides were previously owned by Joseph Miller, creator of the Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs (NVACC).
Processing information:

Processing and finding aid completed by Meghan Glasbrenner in December 2025.

Arrangement:

Items are arranged by format.

Physical location:
R 73, C 2, S 3
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard