It started as a hobby

Karen Koenig, daughter of the legendary Gale Halderman, the designer behind the iconic Mustang, always had a passion for photography. From a young age, she could be found snapping photos of anything that caught her eye, but her favorite subjects were the precious moments spent with her daughter as she grew up. Photography wasn’t just a hobby for Karen; it was a way of capturing memories, freezing time in a frame to be cherished forever. Her love for the art grew as the years passed, her house filled with albums and images that told the story of her life.

One day, a close neighbor, known for frequenting garage sales and thrift shops, stumbled across a hidden treasure—an old set of Polaroid photos. Remembering Karen’s enthusiasm for photography, he purchased the photos and gifted them to her, thinking they might inspire her or at least bring a smile to her face. Little did he know, this thoughtful gift would be the seed that grew into something far bigger. Karen was instantly captivated by the vintage charm of the Polaroid pictures, sparking a new passion: collecting old, historic cameras. Each one told a story, and with each new camera she acquired, Karen felt a deeper connection to the history of photography.

As her collection began to grow, Gale couldn’t help but notice the joy it brought his daughter. Ever the visionary, he saw an opportunity to create something special for Karen and for the museum. He gave her a dedicated camera room within the Halderman Mustang Museum, giving Karen a place to showcase her rapidly expanding collection.

What started as a small assortment of vintage cameras quickly transformed into a vast collection, now boasting over 900 cameras of all types and from different eras. The room became a hidden gem within the museum, attracting photography enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Many museum guests, inspired by Karen’s passion, began donating unique and rare cameras to the collection, wanting to see their prized possessions proudly displayed alongside her own.

Now, Karen’s camera room stands as a tribute not only to her love of photography but also to the generosity of a community united by a shared appreciation for history, art, and the stories cameras can tell. It has become a living exhibit where the past is preserved and celebrated, one lens at a time.

Browse photos below. Click on any photo to open the gallery.