Annual Manual 2018 

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Compared to some cities in the US, Rochester’s not very old. But boy, do we have history. And what happened in the past has shaped what we are today, in many ways. Scratch the surface of current developments like the photonics institute and the arts and you’ll find a thread that links back through earlier developments in the city. Local labor organizations are following in the footsteps of earlier organized workers, the folks who built the Erie Canal. Activists pushing today for better housing, better schools, and criminal-justice reforms are working in the shadow of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Signs of early industrial leaders are everywhere, and not just in the names of buildings and institutions. George Eastman founded a major camera and film company – and his philanthropy, and that of Kodak, lives on at the Eastman School of Music, the Rochester Philharmonic, and the George Eastman Museum. In our 2018 Annual Manual, you’ll find some of those stories – and maybe some surprises, too.

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In This Guide...

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  Annual Manual

  Building a 'progressive' city

  The home of Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and countless social reformers, Rochester has long been labeled 'progressive'

  By Jake Clapp Mar 21, 2018

  2018 Rochester history Rochester activism Rochester progressives Susan B. Anthony Frederick Douglass Emma Goldman Rochester labor unions
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  Annual Manual

  From flour to photonics

  Today's tech businesses have roots in the city's river-powered mills

  By Jeremy Moule Mar 21, 2018

  Rochester optics industry AIM Photonics Rochester photonics University of Rochester RIT Rochester Institute of Technology Eastman Kodak Company Bausch + Lomb Xerox George Eastman John Jacob Bausch Chester Carlson Gleason Works William Gleason
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  Annual Manual

  Growing pains

  Farms and orchards helped build the region. And they've changed with the times.

  By Tim Louis Macaluso Mar 21, 2018

  2018 Rochester Agriculture Rochester Farms Locally Grown: An Essential Part of Our Economy Robert King David Stern
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  Annual Manual

  Rochester Confidential

  Here's to the bad old days and to those who made it that way

  By Frank De Blase Mar 21, 2018

  2018 Rochester Crime Francis Tumblety Kenneth Bianchi Brinks Armored Car Robbery
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  Annual Manual

  Development of a Photo City

  Photography moves out of industry and into the galleries

  By Rebecca Rafferty Mar 21, 2018

  2018 Rochester Photography Eastman Kodak Company George Eastman Museum Selznick School of Film Preservation Rochester Institute of Technology Minor White Nathan Lyons Visual Studies Workshop
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  Annual Manual

  Eight days a week

  Whether its rock 'n' roll or classical music, Rochester has a concert for everyone

  By Frank De Blase and Jake Clapp Mar 21, 2018

  2018 Rochester Music Rochester Rock Rochester Classical Music George Eastman Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Jerry Engler Chesterfield Kings Soul Brothers Six