George Eastman, the pioneer behind Kodak Tower in Rochester, revolutionized how people capture memories. His innovative work made filmmaking accessible to amateurs worldwide. This spirit of sharing personal stories is celebrated annually through Home Movie Day, an international event that brings communities together to showcase their homemade films. In Rochester, this special occasion takes place at the George Eastman Museum, where visitors can enjoy screenings of home movies from various eras. The event not only honors Eastman’s contributions but also highlights the evolution of technology that has transformed how we document life moments.

In the early 20th century, Rochester thrived thanks to the rapid expansion of Eastman Kodak Company. George Eastman played a pivotal role by inventing smaller gauge motion picture formats like 16mm film in 1923 and 8mm film in 1932. These advancements enabled families to affordably record their histories and create cherished memories. According to Gordon Nelson, assistant curator of the museum's Digital Collection, Eastman's vision paved the way for future innovations such as VHS camcorders in the 1980s and modern smartphone video-sharing platforms. Today, these technologies continue to inspire creativity across generations.

The upcoming Home Movie Day in Rochester will feature faculty and students from the L. Jeffrey Selznick School of Film Preservation inspecting films for damage before showcasing them on screen. Participants are encouraged to bring Super 8, 8mm, 16mm films, VHS tapes, DVDs, or QuickTime files for evaluation. Those interested can visit the museum either on March 21 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or shortly before the event on March 22 from 10 to 11 a.m.

This celebration reflects both George Eastman's enduring legacy and the transformative impact of his inventions. By inviting community members to share their personal creations, the George Eastman Museum fosters a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and its evolving role in preserving human experiences. Through events like Home Movie Day, Rochester continues to honor its rich history while embracing new ways to connect people through visual storytelling.