Research Guide to Aerial Photographs at the Connecticut State Library

The Connecticut State Library (CSL) holds several statewide aerial photograph collections and additional smaller collections.  All are “secured collections” that are retrieved by library staff and which must be used within the Archives/Secured Collections Reading Area (ARA), located in the History and Genealogy Unit (H&G). Some Connecticut aerial photos are also available online.

Connecticut Aerial Photos: Online Collections

Individual Photos:

Mosaic: 1934

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Helpful Resources

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Connecticut Aerial Surveys by Year

The 1934 Aerial Survey

In 1934, Connecticut became the first state to complete a statewide aerial survey.  Taken before the Hurricane of 1938 radically changed the topography of the state, but after the statewide paving project "Get Connecticut Out of the Mud" enabled the popular new-fangled automobiles to climb the state's hills and cruise its valleys, the 8,731 original photographic prints have long been one of the most heavily used collections at the State Library.  They are also available online.

Mosaic (entire state) online | Individual Photos Online | Using Individual aerials at CSL | History of Aerial Photography in Connecticut | Report on the State Library Scanning Projects

State Archives Record Group 89:11a, Records of the Department of Transportation
Dates of photography: April and May 1934
Photographed by: Fairchild Aerial Survey, Inc. for the State Planning Board
Scale of photography: 1:14,000
Size of prints 7 ¼" x 9 ½"
Scale of index 1:62,500 (based on USGS topographic maps)
Mosaic panels 24” x 29”

1934 Prints
CSL has 8,731 prints from the 1934 Aerial Survey. These can be viewed in person at CSL or online. A selected number of larger 18" x 14" prints (Accession 95-037) from the Office of the District Forester is also available for use at CSL.   

  Using original 1934 aerial photos at the State Library.

1. Identify which photograph(s) you wish to view, using our online town map, street map and 1934 index sheets.
   
   OR
   
   Use the original index sheets in the History and Genealogy Reading Room.

• Find the index sheet number(s) for the location(s) you need. A chart labeled "Index by Towns" gives index sheet numbers for each town. For example, from this sheet you will learn that Hartford is on index sheets 11 and 19.
• Locate the index sheet needed. The index sheet number is located in the bottom left corner of each index sheet. Each index sheet is accompanied by a like-numbered topographic map.
• Identify specific photograph(s) by using the index sheets and topographic maps. Each numbered block on the index sheet represents a survey photograph. Record (on scrap paper, for now) the number of each photograph you want to see. While only every other photograph is numbered on the index sheet, the Archives holds most photographs whether or not the number is shown on the index sheet (but see next bullet).
• Check the 1934 Aerial Survey List of "No Print" and Missing Photographs.

   2. Fill out the request slip, indicating the photo number.

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1934 Mosaic
In 1935, employees of the Connecticut National Guard and the State Highway Department pieced the 7 " x 9" photographs together to form a mosaic covering the entire state.  The mosaic panels can be viewed in person at the State Library, and the entire mosaic is available online through the University of Connecticut Map and Geographic Information Center “MAGIC.”  To access the online mosaic and for tips on navigating the images and other images listed under ‘CT Raster Data’ on the MAGIC home page, see The 1934 Aerial Survey Mosaic Online.

The 1951-1952 Aerial Survey

Record Group 89: 11b, Records of the Department of Transportation
Dates of photography: Between October 1951 and June 1952
Photographed by: Robinson Aerial Surveys, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Stabilization and Marketing Service
Scale of photography: 1:20,000
Size of prints 9 7/8" x 9 7/8"
Size of image 9" x 9"

Online:  Not available.

Using original 1951-52 aerial photos at the State Library.

1. Find the correct index sheet. An outline of a county is printed on each index sheet; the shaded area is the portion of the county covered by that particular index sheet. There are one to five sheets for each county.
2. Find and record the number(s) of the photograph(s) you want. On the index sheet, each photograph has a three part letter-and-digit code, such as CNG-1H-4.
3. A box number, rather than a flight line, is needed to locate photographs from this survey. Consult the 1951 Aerial Survey Box Locator, which lists the range of photo code numbers within each box. Find and record the correct box number for each photograph.
4. Fill out the request slip, indicating the three-part photo code number and the box number.

Copy print information:
Robinson Aerial Survey, Inc., 1 Edgeview Dr., Hackettstown, NJ 07840, tel. 908-813-3900, FAX 908-813-3967,  still holds copies from this survey. Photos may also be purchased from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Aerial Photography Field Office, 2222 West 2000 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84119-2020, tel. 801-524-3503.

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The 1965 Aerial Survey

These photographs show the land use and ground conditions at a time of substantial development in the state. Approximately 3,200 photographs were taken in flight lines flown on an east to west axis.

Record Group 89:11c, Records of the Department of Transportation
Dates of photography: March and April 1965
Photographed by: Keystone Aerial Surveys, Inc., for the Department of Public Works (Project B1-AG-4LRP)

Set 1
Scale of photography: 1:5,280
Size of prints 23" x 23"
Scale of index 1:63,360

Set 2
Scale of photography:  1":500'
Eight packages identified only by flight line.  Offsite.
 

Online:  Not available

Using original 1965 aerial photos at the State Library.

1.  Identify which photograph(s) you wish to view, using our online town maps and street maps.

OR

Use the original index sheets in the History and Genealogy Reading Room.

• Find the index sheet(s) for the area(s) in which you are interested. A simplified representation of the state is printed on each index sheet, with the shaded area showing the portion on that sheet.
• Find the photograph number(s) for the area(s) you wish to view. Every photograph is numbered in a corner.
• Find the correct flight line number. Only every tenth flight line number is marked (on the left side of the index sheet); you must count between these for the correct flight lines of most photographs. There is also a large mylar-covered map of the state found with the index; it also shows the flight lines.
• Check the 1965 Aerial Survey List of Flight Lines and Missing Photographs. The list, arranged by flight line, gives the range of odd numbered photographs available as well as any photographs known to be missing within the range. Please note that with the exception of #1188 we do not hold even numbered original photographs for this survey, but since the photographs overlap each other, the entire state is covered.

2.  Fill out the request slip, indicating the photo number and flight line.

Copy print information:
Contact Keystone Aerial Surveys, Inc., PO Box 21059, Philadelphia, PA 19114-0559, tel. 215-677-3119.

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The 1970 Aerial Survey

Record Group 89:11d, Records of the Department of Transportation
Dates of photography: February, March, and April 1970
Photographed by: Keystone Aerial Survey, Inc. for the State Department of Transportation.

Set 1: ("Large Set")
Scale of photography: 1:6,000
Size of prints 20 ½" x 20 ½"
Scale of index 1:63,360

Set 2: ("Small Set")
Scale of photography: 1:12,000
Size of prints 9 3/8" x 9 3/8"
Scale of index 1:63,360

Online:  Not available.

Using original 1970 aerial photos at the State Library.
Most information about using the 1965 aerial survey also pertains to this one. However, every flight line, rather than each tenth line, is indicated on the 1970 index sheets, and there is no map showing flight lines as with the 1965 survey.

The “Large Set” includes only about half of the photos from the survey, but since the photographs overlap each other, the entire state is covered.

The “Small Set” is fairly complete.  However, most photos have parcel boundaries or other project information marked in red which may affect their usefulness.

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from the 1965 instructions, above.
2. Find the correct flight line number. Every flight line number is marked (on the left side of the index sheet). (The state map showing flight lines for the 1965 survey can not be used with this survey.)
3. For the “Large Set”, check the 1970 Aerial Survey List of Flight Lines and Missing Photographs (Large Set). The list, arranged by flight line, gives the range of odd and even numbered photographs available, as well as any photographs known to be missing within the range.
4. For the “Small Set, check the 1970 Aerial Survey List of Flight Lines and Missing Photographs (Small Set). [This is still in preparation in Nov 2006.]
5. Fill out the request slip, indicating the photo number and flight line. Be sure to specify whether you want photos from the "large set" or from the "small set". If no preference is indicated, aerials from the "large set" will be pulled.

Copy print information:
Contact Keystone Aerial Surveys, Inc., PO Box 21059, Philadelphia, PA 19114-0559, tel. 215-677-3119.

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The 1975 Aerial Survey

RG 89, Records of the Department of Transportation
Dates of photography: March, April, and May 1975
Photographed by: Keystone Aerial Surveys, Inc., Glenside, PA
Scale of photography: 1:12,000
Size of prints 18" x 18"
Scale of index 1:63,360

Online:  Not available.

Using original 1975 aerial photos at the State Library.
Most information about using the 1965 aerial survey also pertains to this one. However, every flight line, rather than each tenth line, is indicated on the 1975 index sheets, and there is no map showing flight lines as with the 1965 survey.

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from the 1965 instructions, above.
2. Find the correct flight line number. Every flight line number is marked (on the left side of the index sheet). (The state map showing flight lines for the 1965 survey can not be used with this survey.)
3. Check the 1975 Aerial Survey List of Flight Lines and Missing Photographs. The list, arranged by flight line, gives the range of odd numbered photographs available as well as any photographs known to be missing within the range. Please note that with a few exceptions, we do not hold even numbered photographs for this survey.  However, since the photographs overlap each other, the entire state is covered.
4. Fill out the request slip, indicating the photo number and flight line.

Copy print information:
Contact Keystone Aerial Surveys, Inc., PO Box 21059, Philadelphia, PA 19114-0559, tel. 215-677-3119.

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The 1980 Aerial Survey

RG 79, Records of the Department of Environmental Protection
Dates of photography: March and April 1980
Photographed by: Aero Graphics Corp., Bohemia, NY
Scale of photography: 1:12,000
Size of prints 9" x 9"
Scale of index 1:50,000

This set includes a time stamp on the photographs at the beginning and end of number runs. Thus, in a run from photo number 995 through 1025, 995 and 1025 would be stamped, but not the images in between.

Online:  Not available.

Using original 1980 aerial photos at the State Library.
Find the index sheet(s) for the area(s) in which you are interested. A simplified representation of the state is printed on each index sheet, with the shaded area showing the portion on that sheet.

1. Find the photograph number(s) for the area(s) you wish to view. Every image of a photograph on the index sheet has a sequence of three numbers separated by hyphens in a corner. The photograph number is the set of numbers on the right.
2. Find the correct flight line number. The flight line is the middle set of numbers.
3. Check the 1980 Aerial Survey List of Flight Lines and Missing Photographs.
4. Fill out the request slip, indicating the photo number and flight line.

Copy print information:
Aero Graphics, Inc., 1575 Smithtown Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716, tel. 516-589-6045, FAX 516-589-6047.

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The 1985-1986 Aerial Survey

RG 79, Records of the Department of Environmental Protection
Dates of photography: March and April of 1985 and 1986
Photographed by: Aero Graphics Corp., Bohemia, NY
Scale of photography: 1:12,000
Size of prints 9" x 9"
Scale of index 1:24,000

This set includes a time stamp as per the 1980 set.

Online:  Not available.

Using original 1985-1986 aerial photos at the State Library.
Locate the information needed to complete your archives request slips by following the steps for 1980, above, checking the 1985-86 Aerial Survey List of Flight Lines and Missing Photographs.

Copy print information:
Aero Graphics, Inc., 1575 Smithtown Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716, tel. 516-589-6045, FAX 516-589-6047.

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The 1990 Aerial Survey

RG 79, Records of the Department of Environmental Protection
Dates of photography: March and April of 1990
Photographed by: Aero Graphics Corp., Bohemia, NY
Scale of photography: 1:12,000
Size of prints 9" x 9"
Scale of index 1:24,000
This set includes a time stamp as per the 1980 set.

Online:  Not available.

Using original 1990 aerial photos at the State Library.
Locate the information needed to complete your archives request slips by following the steps for 1980, above, checking the 1990 Aerial Survey List of Flight Lines and Missing Photographs.

Copy print information:
Aero Graphics, Inc., 1575 Smithtown Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716, tel. 516-589-6045, FAX 516-589-6047.

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The 1991 Connecticut Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangle Mosaic

Online: 1991 Connecticut Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangle Mosaic (DOQQ), from the University of Connecticut. Map and Geographic Information Center. For tips on navigating the images and other images listed under ‘CT Raster Data' on the MAGIC home page, see Using Images at MAGIC. 

The 1995 Aerial Survey

RG 79, Records of the Department of Environmental Protection
Dates of photography: April and May 1995
Photographed by: ASI Landmark
Scale of photography: 1" = 1,000'
Size of prints 9 3/8" x 9 ½"

Online:  Not available.

Using original 1995 aerial photos at the State Library.

1. Find the index sheet(s) for the area(s) in which you are interested. A simplified representation of the state is printed on each index sheet, with the shaded area showing the portion on that sheet.
2. Find the photograph number(s) for the area(s) you wish to view. Blue dots on the index sheet represent the middle of each photograph. To the right of each dot is a sequence of two numbers separated by hyphens. The photograph number is the set of numbers to the right of the hyphen.
3. Find the correct flight line number. The flight line is the set of numbers to the left of the hyphen.
4. A list of flight lines and missing photographs is not yet available for this survey.
5. Fill out the request slip, indicating the photo number and flight line.

Copy print information:
Aerial-Photo Services, 609 West Littleton Blvd., Suite 108, Littleton, CO 80120, tel. 303-922-1642

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The 2004 Connecticut Orthophotos

Online:  2004 Connecticut Digital Orthophotos from the University of Connecticut Center for Land Use Education and Research (“CLEAR”).  For tips on navigating the images, see “Using Images at CLEAR.”

Other Aerial Photograph Collections

Record Group 5, Records of the Governor

John Dempsey, Box 1-497B, Envelope 131. This envelope contains photographs of the 1955 flood in Putnam, Connecticut.

Record Group 79, Records of the Department of Environmental Protection

Series 4, Aerial Photo Surveys. These include:
1931 West Shore Aeroplane Mosaic
1932 Survey of Connecticut Coastline. This 26-sheet survey has a 1':912' scale. Sheet 1 is missing.
There are other photos in this series. See the printed RG 79 finding aid in the History and Genealogy Unit for further information.

Record Group 89:11e, Records of the Department of Transportation

Item No. 24, Miscellaneous Photographs, ca. 1938-1970. Six collections of specialized small flights, most covering specific projects on individual roads or intersections. Originally given by DOT to the Connecticut Historical Society, they were transferred to the State Archives in 1986.

I. River surveys following the 1955 flood
II-V Highways and towns (listings give the years and locations)
VI. Small aerial photographs copied from originals at the National Archives.

See the printed RG 89 finding aid in the History and Genealogy Unit for further information.

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Picture Group 160, Floods and Hurricanes of Connecticut, 1936, 1938, 1955

This group contains three collections of which two - the 1936 and 1938 - include aerial photographs taken by the U.S. Air Corps. One shows the effects of the 1936 flood.  The other, taken on the 23rd and 24th of September, 1938, shows the areas most affected by flooding after the 1938 Hurricane blasted through New York and New England on September 21. The State Library has mounted 132 oblique views of the damaged areas along the Connecticut River, the Quinebaug River, and along the shore from East Haven in Connecticut to Narragansett Bay in Rhode island online. The photographs of the 1955 floods do not include aerials.

Picture Group 140, United Aircraft Corporation Helicopter Portraits of Connecticut.

This group contains 33 views taken from a helicopter about 1956.

912.7462 Ea745a, East Haddam, 1930s

This collection contains Photostats of photographs taken by Fairchild Aerial Survey, Inc. It is located in the History and Genealogy Reading Room map cases.

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Links to Other Agencies and Institutions

Aerial Photography Field Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Environmental and Geographic Information Center (EGIC). Among other things, look at the link to “Geographic Information Systems” to find GIS data to download.

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Store. Sells books, maps and publications of the State Geological and Natural History Survey.

Department of Transportation. Provides online access to Connecticut town, traffic analysis, daily traffic and bicycle trail maps.

Looking for an Old Aerial Photograph, FS 127-96 (May 1997), U.S. Geological Survey. Fact Sheet 127-96 (May 1996)

University of Connecticut Center for Land Use Education and Research ("CLEAR")

University of Connecticut Map And Geographic Information Center ("MAGIC")

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Note: A number of the links featured on this site open up Adobe PDF files. These links, marked with the symbol shown here - - require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
To get your free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader, use this hyperlink to the Adobe Reader download page.

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Prepared by the History and Genealogy Unit, Connecticut State Library, 1993. Revised 07-04, 10-06, 03/17/2008.