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What is APAG? The American Photography Archives Group is a resource organization for individuals who own or manage a privately held photography archive. Collectively, the group has a dealt with everything from archival supplies, to copyright infringement, to working with photo dealers. Our meetings provide a supportive and lively forum in which to exchange experience and knowledge with others who have faced or are facing similar issues. From time to time, guest speakers also share their expertise in intellectual property law, estate planning, appraisals, and other topics vital to managing an archive. See video excerpts from our first panel discussion, and read the article "What to Do with All the Photographs" by Mary Engel.
Who are our members? Most of our members have inherited a photography collection from a parent, spouse, or other family member. A few represent foundations that were created to administer a photography archive. Several are living photographers who are preparing to turn over administration of their archive to a family member or institution. We also have adjunct members from related fields such as archivists and librarians. Visit our Archives page to see whose work is represented in APAG and to read brief biographies of the photographers. How did APAG get started? Our founder and president, Mary Engel, assumed responsibility for the archive of her mother, photographer and filmmaker Ruth Orkin, when Ms. Orkin passed away. It was a difficult task with much to learn about intellectual property rights, conservation and preservation, promotion, and the world of photography galleries and dealers. Mary has gained a wealth of knowledge and know-how, and when her father, photojournalist and filmmaker Morris Engel, passed away she inherited his archive as well. Over the years, Mary reached out to others who were in a similar situation and became an informal consultant. As her network of fledgling archive managers grew, so did the demands on her time. She realized that everyone could benefit from each other's experience, so she started organizing meetings. At first the group was small enough to meet over dinner in a restaurant. Soon, however, more people joined, and a larger, quieter meeting space was needed. Mary arranged for the group to meet at ICP, and the organization has became more structured, holding meetings three or four times a year.
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