Discussion: I’ve Just Seen a Face: The Enduring Power of Photographs

From 19th-century daguerreotypes to mid-century color snapshots, photographs hold the power to connect us to people, places, and moments that shape our history and our identities. Whether displayed in a gallery, preserved in a library, or kept in a family box of memories, these images are deeply meaningful—and, at times, irreplaceable lifelines after natural disasters. In the wake of floods, fires, and storms, photographs are often the first belongings people reach for, embodying love, resilience, and the stories that define us.In this talk, Debra Hess Norris, Chair of the Department of Art Conservation at the University of Delaware, will share insights from more than four decades in cultural heritage preservation, offering practical and accessible guidance on caring for both historic photographs and the images most precious to you. Drawing on compelling examples from the Harry Ransom Center and from projects worldwide, she will explore how the preservation of photographic heritage strengthens communities, fosters cultural understanding, and ensures these visual stories endure for generations to come.This presentation also honors Ellen Cunningham-Kruppa’s remarkable leadership and dedicated service to the Harry Ransom Center, celebrating her vision and lasting impact on preservation practice and public engagement. A reception will follow the program.

Debra Hess Norris (she/her) is Chair of the Department of Art Conservation at the University of Delaware (UD), where she has taught since 1985 and directed the Winterthur/UD Program in Art Conservation for more than 25 years. An internationally recognized leader in photograph conservation, she has led preservation initiatives and taught workshops in over 40 countries, advancing recovery and care of collections following floods, fires, and other disasters. She is co-editor of The Conservation of Photographic Collections: Significance, Use and Care (Routledge, 2025) and has secured $34+ million to support education and global preservation. Her honors include UD’s Francis Alison Faculty Award and the Forbes Medal from the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation for distinguished international contributions.

Please have your reservation confirmation ready upon entering. A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Line forms upon arrival of the first patron, and doors open 30 minutes in advance. Doors to our theater will open approximately 30 minutes before the event begins. No food or beverages are allowed inside our theater or gallery space.

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