Two photograph albums created by self-taught harpsichord builder Shiloh Unruh documenting construction of harpsichords, other harpsichord builders' and related artists' work, and travels to visit or install harpsichords. While none of the photographs are identified, they include sites in New England and New York City.

William James Shiloh Unruh (1951-2012), who preferred to use his middle name "Shiloh," spent most of his life in the Santa Clara Valley and had a lifelong interest in astronomy, as well as organ and harpsichord music, locomotives and classic automobiles. He received his PhD in the History of Science from the University of California Santa Cruz and co-authored the book, "Eye in the Sky: Lick Observatory's First Century" (UC Press, 1988). Unruh played in school orchestras throughout school and apparently expanded his interest in organ music while traveling through Europe after graduating from Los Gatos High School in 1970, and became a self-taught harpsichord builder. It is not clear how long he continued this work before turning his full attention to astronomy and science, documenting Lick Observatory's history and traveling to document solar eclipses. Unruh was also a long-time supporter of the South Bay gay community through membership and fundraising for multiple organizations. (Information taken from biography provided on Our Family History)

Two photograph albums

Contact the Research Library & Archives for information on reproduction and publication.

Albums are available to researchers by appointment with the Research Library & Archives.