The Eliot Elisofon Collection

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The Eliot Elisofon Collection

Prominent midcentury documentary photographer and photojournalist Eliot Elisofon fell in love with the island of Vinalhaven, Maine, and bought a farmhouse on Crockett’s Cove in 1942; it became a summer retreat for him and his family. He cherished his time in this bucolic place and was very involved in island life. This inspiration and his passion for camera work naturally led to the casual photographic survey he made of the island and its inhabitants. Though most of his professional work is in the hands of major museums and galleries, Elisofon’s daughter Elin wanted the Vinalhaven photos to reside close by; she donated the group of nearly 2000 slides and negatives, shot between 1940-1970, to Penobscot Marine Museum in 2020.

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Mission Accomplished!

PMM has successfully completed its campaign to raise $14,000 to digitize, describe, and publish the collection online. These evocative photographs have received press in Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors and Working Waterfront, providing a fitting introduction to the collection. Work will begin in early 2024 and the collection will be shared online as its completed. We would like to acknowledge the generous individuals and foundations that contributed to this worthy cause.