ZolotarevArchives is a collection of glass plates, film, and early original photos made by amateur enthusiasts of photography. Mikhail Zolotarev, a local historian, has been collecting early photographs since mid-70s. His collection currently numbers over 30,000 items. He is the inspiration, the founder, and the director of the Archives. Alice West, a graduate student at the Harvard's Museum Studies Program, joined the Archives in 2006. She is responsible for research, exhibition planning, and website content.