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OPTICAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

Celebrating the history of optics in America

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As a non-for-profit entity, all donations help preserve the optical history, making it accessible to the next generation.

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On Mic with Jordan Rich

The museum was featured on the radio veteran’s podcast

Book Online

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Support the museum by becoming a volunteer

Vintage Articles

Learn the origins of the optical industry

COLLECTIONS

The Optical Heritage Museum has thousands of items within their collections and displays including microscopes, Lensometers, multifocal and antique spectacles.

They highlight incredible moments in history and without these scientific discoveries our lives would be very different.

The importance of optics within society is so intrinsically linked to our everyday lives that we seldom think of its importance because it is so common place. However, every day our lives are improved by the inventions, many of which were created by American Optical, ZEISS or SOLA.

These include anti-reflective coating on our mobile phones, clock faces, iPad, computer and television screens. Other inventions in the medical field include powerful microscopes for diagnosis and research, world safety standards and specialized glass used in car windshields to name a few examples, to the first blood pumping machine…optics has helped save millions lives and continues to do so today. 

Visit the Optical Heritage Museum and take a journey through time, discovering the fascinating origins of not just the optical industry, but the history behind the many simple household items we take for granted today.

Travel Back in Time

Read about past events, historical moments and groundbreaking discoveries

Discover the story

With origins dating back to 1833, the American Optical Company was an innovation powerhouse

Immerse in History

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Explore the Exhibits

Visit the museum online by taking a virtual tour

Celebrate the Past

Read through our vintage articles, written by esteemed author, Ted Gioia

Create the Future

Only through understanding the past, can we build the future

Diane Matuck

A tribute to one of our biggest champions