5th Annual Verne Morton Memorial Photography Show & Contest

The 5th Annual Verne Morton Memorial Photography Show & Contest has scheduled their Gala Opening for Friday, August 16, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and an all-day show on Saturday, August 17, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Groton Town Hall, 101 Conger Boulevard, Groton, New York.  Taking place during Groton Olde Home Days, this annual event gives local photographers, both amateur and professional, the chance to show off their unique views of life in the Town of Groton.

The purpose of the Verne Morton Memorial Photography Show & Contest is to continue the Verne Morton legacy of appreciating the grace, beauty, and art that surrounds us every day, to document life in Groton during our time, and to preserve a pictorial history that will be enjoyed by future generations.  Verne Morton, who was born in Groton in 1868, took over twelve thousand photographs during his lifetime, most of which were taken within Groton.  Morton’s subject matter included nature, animals, small children at play, the homes of his neighbors and people living and working in the rural countryside where he had his roots.  His beautiful and artistic compositions initially draw us to his photographs, but it is the visual story and documentation of life gone by that makes his work an historical treasure.   Verne Morton photos can be viewed at the History Center of Tompkins County, in Ithaca, and online at www.thehistorycenter.net.

Anyone interested in entering the photo show can get information from the Groton Town Clerk’s Office by calling 607-898-5035; emailing townclerk@gtotontown.com, or going online to www.townofgrotonny.org.  Please remember, all photos must be taken within either the Town or Village of Groton.  There is no cost to enter and prizes will be awarded.

Organizers, April Scheffler and Robin Cargian, say that the photos keep getting better every year and they are expecting that it will continue this year.  They are also hoping for a larger turnout as they continue to encourage everyone to enter.  “You don’t have to be a great photographer to win, just have a great photo.”

The Verne Morton Memorial Photography Show is sponsored by the Town of Groton and made possible, in part, by a grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program.  A special thank you is given to the History Center of Tompkins County for use of Verne Morton photographs.

By April Scheffler