Historical Aviation Photo Digitization Campaign Advances in Wisconsin

The 34,000 negatives that make up the collection will soon be on their way to digital preservation firm The Crowley Company, according to Rose Dorcey, WAHF president. 

"With gratitude, we have raised enough to send the collection for digitization," Dorcey said. "There is still work to be done, such as building a searchable website so the collection can be available to the masses."

Kohn was a skilled aviation photographer who authored many books through the Armchair Aviator series. Each book was filled with photographs. Among the titles that can still be found at swap meets and estate sales is The Story of the Texan and the Pilot's Handbook: The Flying Wings of Northrop.

According to the WAHF, The Crowley Company is a renowned leader in archival preservation and imaging technologies with decades of experience. The company has worked with institutions such as Time-Life, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives, taking priceless irreplaceable images and saving them digitally for future generations.

“We’re thrilled to partner with The Crowley Company, whose impressive track record gives us full confidence that Leo’s photographs will be meticulously preserved for future generations,” said Dan Silvers, WAHF board member and historic image preservation chair.

The Leo J. Kohn Photography Collection showcases aircraft photographed in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas, with many of the featured images telling the story of the early days of aviation and the evolution of the art and science of powered flight.

Last spring the WAHF began its fundraising efforts for preserving the collection. According to the WAHF, it has achieved 70 percent of the fundraising goal.

"We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the incredible support of our community," Silvers said. "Leo’s work captures a vivid narrative of aviation’s growth, and we are excited to take this next step toward sharing it with the world."

Once the digitization of the photos is complete, WAHF officials said it will create new opportunities for the public to interact with Kohn's work, including an online searchable archive as well as upcoming exhibits.