Uncommon Ephemera

Uncommon Ephemera is a solo media preservation project passionately dedicated to rescuing and sharing the largely forgotten legacy of filmstrips. Since launching in July 2016, this initiative has focused on the painstaking process of cleaning, repairing, and digitally archiving these fragile 35mm still-image presentations, which were once ubiquitous in education, business, and industry. Currently boasting 78 members, with 50 actively supporting the project through paid subscriptions, Uncommon Ephemera demonstrates a significant community commitment to preserving this unique visual historical record. The creator is notably the only known individual actively engaged in this specific area of media preservation, making their work crucial for maintaining access to a significant part of the 20th-century visual landscape. While estimated monthly earnings currently range from $48 to $2400, the project’s true value lies in its commitment to cultural preservation and its dedication to a niche yet profoundly important area of visual history.