Photo of The Merry Twins, France - Public domain dedication

Benjamin West Kilburn (1827-1909) was an American photographer and publisher. He was born in Littleton, New Hampshire, and began his career as a photographer in the 1850s. Kilburn is best known for his stereoscopic photography, which he produced with his brother Edward and his son James. Kilburn's stereoscopic images were popular in the late 19th century and were sold as souvenirs and educational tools. They were produced by taking two photographs of the same scene from slightly different angles and then mounting them side by side on a card. When viewed through a stereoscope, the images would appear three-dimensional. Kilburn also published a series of stereoscopic views of the American Civil War, which were widely distributed and helped to shape public opinion about the conflict. In addition to his photography work, Kilburn was also involved in publishing and printing. He founded the Kilburn Brothers publishing company with his brother Edward in 1865, which produced stereoscopic views, postcards, and other printed materials. Kilburn died in Littleton, New Hampshire, in 1909. His legacy as a pioneer of stereoscopic photography and a publisher of popular images continues to be celebrated today.