Imagine holding a page fresh off a Gutenberg press. That is the feeling the International Printing Museum brings to life. Founded in 1988 by David Jacobson, Ernest A. Lindner, and Mark Barbour, the International Printing Museum is devoted to the history of books. It brings printing to life for diverse audiences. The museum houses the Lindner Collection of Antique Printing Machinery. This collection is one of the world’s largest. It is also one of the most comprehensive collections of antique printing machinery and graphic arts equipment.
The International Printing Museum’s mission is clear. They interpret the collection for today’s audience. They use demonstrations of working machinery to achieve it. Historic reenactments also play a big role. The museum even offers hands-on workshops. Since its founding, the International Printing Museum has reached over 500,000 people.
The International Printing Museum welcomes visitors. They participate in tours and events. The Los Angeles Printers Fair is an annual highlight. Krazy Kraft Day is seasonal fun. There is even a quarterly Book Arts Patch Day for Girls. Scout Merit Badge Day occurs bi-monthly. The museum also has a Museum on Wheels program. This innovative outreach program visits schools and libraries across California.
The goal is simple. The International Printing Museum teaches visitors about the history of books. They show how printing innovations shaped the modern world. The museum is recognized worldwide. It is known for the size and scope of its collection. It also stands out with its innovative approaches. These approaches share the collection with the community. The International Printing Museum also reaches the world at large.
David Jacobson and Ernest A. Lindner started the museum to house the Lindner collection. Mark Barbour’s leadership has grown the collection since then. He is the Founding Curator and Executive Director. From 1988 until 1997, the Printing Museum was in Buena Park. In 1997, CalTrans acquired the property. The museum moved to Carson, California in 1998. It is twenty minutes south of downtown Los Angeles.
The International Printing Museum Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity. It relies primarily on donations. These donations come from individuals and corporations. Contributions are tax deductible. Mark Barbour received the PIA 2023 Executive of the Year award. He was chosen for his tireless efforts. He preserves the legacy of printing. He preserves machines, tools, and artifacts.
The International Printing Museum interprets its collection through working demonstrations. The History In Motion mobile Museum trailer plays a role. Theater presentations also enhance the experience. Tour highlights include live manual typecasting. You can print a page of the Gutenberg Bible on a Gutenberg Press. See your name cast in metal by a Linotype Machine. The museum is open Saturdays or by appointment. The Los Angeles Printers Fair and other events are annual highlights.
The International Printing Museum’s collection includes a replica Gutenberg press. Gutenberg’s invention of movable type was a major development. Before Gutenberg, ordinary people could not afford books. His efficiencies dropped printing costs dramatically. Book ownership became common. People could buy their own Bibles. They could interpret them independently. This led to the Protestant Reformation. It also fostered the Enlightenment and democracy.
The museum also has the third oldest printing press made in America. Two hundred years ago, it was called a common press. Ben Franklin used this type of press. Franklin was proud of his occupation as a printer. The collection also includes printing presses from Mark Twain’s era. Numerous Linotype machines are housed in the museum. The International Printing Museum is a working museum. Much of the equipment is kept in working order. It is used for official materials. Staff and docents use it for personal projects. Students can take classes in operating letterpress equipment.