
Meadville, PA 16335
The Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum in Meadville, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Keystone View Company, once the world's largest producer of stereoviews—devices used to view paired photographs in 3D. The museum is located in a historic 1856 brick building at 423 Chestnut Street, previously used by the Holland Land Company and a Christian Science church.
The Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum houses approximately 90,000 stereoscopic views and lantern slides, along with blueprints, printing equipment, office records, and educational materials. These items were saved from being discarded in the 1970s by George Shaw, who recognized their historical value. Nearly two decades later, Shaw revealed the extent of his collection to Lance and Eric Johnson, whose family had worked at Keystone for over 80 years.
After the collection was appraised and nonprofit status was secured, Shaw donated it to the museum. The building was purchased in 2000, and Jodi Paich Kohlstrom was appointed executive director. The Johnson-Shaw Stereoscopic Museum's formal opening was scheduled for spring 2002. Local educators view the collection as a valuable teaching tool, providing visual insight into land use and historical change from 1850 to 1950.