The Laumann Yosemite Collection consists of photographic prints and glass plate negatives of two of the Laumann family's visits to Yosemite National Park and the Sierra, the first in circa 1908 and the second in 1923. Photographs taken by Frank E. Laumann include familiar landmarks such as El Capitan, Mirror Lake, Vernal Falls, Half Dome and Hetch Hetchy as well as Laumann family and friends. The Laumann family donated the collection in 2006.

Pioneers of Sonoma County, California, the Laumann family originally immigrated to the United States from Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, settling in Peotone, Illinois. In the latter part of the nineteenth century, Lawrence and Margareta Laumann came to California by wagon with son John Laumann. John and his wife Hannah had six children, including Frank Emil Laumann, who was born May 8, 1888, in Sonoma County, California and Amelia, known as Millie, who was born in 1895.

3 boxes

In order to reproduce, publish, broadcast, exhibit, and/or quote from this material, researchers must submit a written request and obtain formal permission from Special Collections, Cal Poly, as the owner of the physical collection. Researchers should also consult with an appropriate staff member regarding literary or other intellectual property rights pertaining to this collection.

Collection is open to qualified researchers by appointment only. For more information on access policies and to obtain a copy of the Researcher Registration form, please visit the Special Collections Access page.