TIFTON — The Georgia Museum of Agriculture held a preview of the “A Photo Album of Ireland” exhibit for special guests and staff on Sept. 3.

The exhibition, which consists of approximately 120 photographs from  families in Ireland and their immigrant relatives in the United States, spans the history of photography in Ireland from the earliest daguerreotypes to photos taken with instant cameras in the 1980s.

“Photo albums provide a fascinating insight into our private histories, reflecting our values and aspirations,” states one of the exhibit boards. “The importance of these photographs is not based on aesthetic or documentary value. It is the stories or memories photographic images evoke that give them a value to the keepers of the album or image.”

The exhibit showcases not only daily life in Ireland, but shows the lengths families went to to stay in touch after separation, touching lightly on the Irish Diaspora that resulted in millions of families of Irish heritage putting down roots all over the world.

The exhibit also features several examples of cameras of the types used to take the photos, from an early plate camera in use during the 1800s to antiques in use during the 1940s and 50s.

The role of the family or amateur photographer is highlighted in the exhibit as well.

“Photography has played an important role in maintaining connections between immigrant communities and their families back home,” the exhibit reads. “The advent of mass-produced, affordable cameras marked a major shift in the making and taking of photographs. Picture taking became a spontaneous, everyday activity that enabled people to document their own lives. Irish and Irish American family albums record the familial, political and cultural networks created by these immigrants, while also depicting the country they left behind.”

This exhibition was organized with support from Culture Ireland’s International Culture Programme to celebrate Ireland 2016, a program dedicated to sharing Irish arts and culture with the world and commemorating the Irish Diaspora. It was curated by the Gallery of Photography, Dublin, and organized by ExhibitsUSA in partnership with Culture Ireland. The exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance.

“A Photo Album of Ireland” opens on Sept. 4 at the Museum Gallery.  The exhibit will remain on display until Jan. 7, 2020.  Admission to this special exhibit is included in the daily Museum admission price, and free with a valid Museum Season Pass or with an ABAC Student ID.