Joplin Photo Recovery Project places Murwyn Mosler images into public domatin

(From City of Joplin)

Many families living in Joplin and surrounding area probably encountered Joplin photographer Murwin Mosler, throughout his tenure spanning 1938 through 1987. He was an accomplished photographer and shot hundreds of family portraits, engagement and wedding photos, as well as various other social engagements. His work covered nearly fifty years of family history.

In 2004, the Joplin Museum Complex received over 100 boxes of Murwin’s images. Due to space limitations the museum was only able to house half of his collection. Murwin’s studio, where the remaining images were stored, was ravaged by the May 22, 2011 tornado. What could be salvaged at this site was transported to the museum.

Under recommendations from the JMC staff with approval from Murwin’s daughter, Marcia, the Governing Board gave their permission to place the individual yearbook photos, portraits and wedding images into the public domain. Due to the destruction to the studio many of the negatives were damaged. The museum cannot guarantee the condition of the negatives, nor that any useable image can be salvaged from any of the negatives.

Images requested in person, at the museum, will be offered for free. A fee will be applied for any request requiring shipping. Due to staff limitations some requests will require ten to fourteen working days to process. Anyone who requests an image must fill out a form and provide valid identification.
In addition to the photographic negative received each person will be given information on obtaining prints from each negative as well as addressing the future care and storage of them.

How to Obtain Negatives

A searchable database is available on the website , www.joplinphotos.org under the “photos” link located at the top of the page. This database contains the names, addresses, and dates of the negatives in the Mosler Negative Collection. Its purpose is to assist you in identifying possible images. The database also indicates if an image has already been returned to an individual. If you are requesting an image that has already been returned, the museum can provide you with contact information for the individual who now has the image.

If a possible match is found for a negative you would like to reclaim, please contact the Joplin Museum Complex to begin the process. You may contact the museum in person, via mail, email, or by phone at the contact information listed below. Due to staff limitations, phone inquiries will only be accepted on Tuesdays, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. Your inquiry should include your name, relationship to person in requested image, and the reason you are requesting the image.

Once your request has been processed you will be notified that the negatives are ready for pick-up. If they are to be mailed, you will need to pay for any shipping costs prior to the negatives being released. If you are retrieving the negatives in person, then once notified, the negative can be retrieved on Tuesdays, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m.. Due to staff limitations, no same day service will be available.

The museum cannot guarantee the condition of the negatives, nor that any useable image can be salvaged from any of the negatives.

The Murwin Mosler Negative/ Joplin Photo Recovery program is being offered by the Joplin Museum Complex as a complimentary service to the public. As such, this program’s operation cannot interfere with the daily operation of the museum. If a conflict arises, this service may be withdrawn, or scaled back, without notice.

Contact Information

Physical Address:
Joplin Museum Complex
504 Schifferdecker Ave.
Joplin, MO 64801

Mailing Address:
Joplin Museum Complex
PO Box 555
Joplin, MO 64802

Phone: 417-623-1180
Tues, 3pm- 6pm & Sat, 11am-2pm Only

Email: joplinmuseum@sbcglobal.net
Please use "Mosler Negative Recovery" in the subject line of your email inquiry.