The Case:
Does our contributor have a camera owned by the first woman to serve as a White House photographer?
The timeworn, mid-century box camera looks unassuming until you see the note inside: “Marion Carpenter White House Photographer.”
A quick search tells our contributor that Marion Carpenter was the first female wire service photographer assigned to the White House. She covered the Truman administration.
Did this camera belong to Marion Carpenter? Did she use it to photograph President Truman?
History Detectives visits the White House Pressroom and the Washington Post to find answers.
Marion Carpenter Photos
View more photos taken by Marion Carpenter.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Video:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Slave Banjo
Is this the only surviving banjo carried by former slaves following Emancipation?
-
Also in Season 9
1775 Almanac
What do these crumbling pages reveal about divided loyalties during the American Revolution?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Superman Sketch
Is this a WWII sketch from the early days of this comic icon?
-
Also in Season 9
Kittery Telescope
What can this telescope reveal about America’s earliest struggles for independence?
-
Also in Season 9
Hot Town Poster
What role did this striking poster play in the explosive events of 1960s America?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
War Dog letter
The military put great effort into a new War Dogs program during WWII. What went wrong on Cat Island?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.