SMU is about to become one of the biggest destinations for photography history and research.

The DeGolyer Library is receiving the Jack and Beverly Wilgus History of Photography, a collection of photography material that dates back to before its invention.

We got a sneak peak of the exhibit and it will surely surprise many. Among the pieces we were able to see were examples of pictures taken by famous photographers back in the 20th century. Some pretty funny photographs were taken with the first cameras ever used.

Our preview tour was a courtesy of the exhibit’s curator, Anne E. Peterson. She believes that SMU will eventually receive all of the exhibit’s materials, as the Wilgus couple recognizes SMU as a teaching institution.

Peterson sees this exhibit as the “curatorial highlight of her life” and wants students to know how valuable this collection is.

“People will come here to use this, because it’s not available everywhere,” she said.

The collection will be showcased in the upcoming exhibit titled “Defined By Light: Photography’s First 75 Years.” The exhibit’s opening and reception will be Thursday at 6 p.m. in the DeGolyer Library, just in time to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the announcement of photography.

The exhibition will be open from Oct. 23 thru Dec. 19.