The General Electric Photograph Collection depicts the development of the electrical industry and 20th century American life. It documents the electrification of American society, the products that drove the push for electrification, and how these products were produced, marketed, and ultimately used. It is a valuable resource for researchers in the history of technology, social history, labor relations, corporate cultures, advertising and consumerism, and a host of other subjects. Topics include: the history of electrical invention and innovation and changes in research methods and technology over time; the development of the GE Research Laboratory; the development and implementation of rural electrification; the development of many household products, including refrigerators, radios and televisions, appliances; the development of turbines, locomotives; the social economic impact of deindustrialization of Schenectady after World War II; the documentation of the immigration and Americanization of new ethnic groups to Schenectady in response to employment opportunities at GE. Some of the more prominent names represented include: Thomas A. Edison, Irving Langmuir, Charles Steinmetz.