Tour of Case Research Lab

On December 14, 1922, in the former greenhouse of an Auburn, New York backyard, Theodore Case used a special, light sensitive cell to record the word “hello” onto a film strip with perfect clarity. This system would be further developed and referred to under many names: the Thalofide Cell, the AEO light, the De Forest Phonofilm system, and Movietone. All refer to an invention that changed entertainment and the world forever. On December 14, Theodore Case and his fellow scientists in the Case Research Lab discovered the key to making sound film a widespread phenomenon!

Join us as we learn about the history of sound on film, and tour the Case Research Labs. As time permits, you can check out the adjacent Cayuga Museum of History and Art, or arrive early and identify yourself as a member of TACNY for free admission.

Presenter: Geoff Starks is the Director of Development and Outreach at the Cayuga Museum of History & Art. In his 6+ years at the Museum, he has overseen the expansion of the Museum’s education programming, particularly through an expanded focus on STEAM programming related to the Case Research Laboratory. Geoff regularly leads tours of the Laboratory, as well as historical walking tours of Auburn and the Fort Hill Cemetery as part of his role in connecting the history of this space with museum audiences. Geoff formerly worked at the Society for Science and the Public in Washington D.C. prior to his acceptance of his role at the Cayuga Museum.