Century Old Documents Donated by First Director’s Great Grandson An original dental cabinet used by the Eastman Dental Dispensary’s founding director, Dr. Harvey Burkhart, is among the many items recently donated by his great grandson. Richard Quodomine and his partner Rina Aligaen delivered the items previously stored at their home in Pennsylvania, where he works as a cartographer and senior analyst for the City of Philadelphia. “I’m delighted that these items will be preserved for generations of other dentists and hygienists,” he said. “Science and knowledge are their own beautiful thing and shouldn’t sit in a basement.” Eastman Institute for Oral Health Director Dr. Eli Eliav thanked and welcomed the couple in front of a group of faculty, staff, University and EIOH librarians and other history lovers and special guests. “The spirit that George Eastman founded this institution remains the same,” Dr. Eliav said. “We continue to serve the community, teach the next generation of leaders and conduct meaningful research. If your great grandfather saw what we were doing now, he would be very proud.”
Dozens of documents, published papers and personal items belonging to Dr. Harvey Burkhart, founding director of Eastman Dental Dispensary in 1917 were donated by his great grandson.
Mr. Quodomine shared a few family stories told to him by his grandparents. Sunday afternoons were frequently spent enjoying concerts at George Eastman’s house, and how struggling artists who were unable to pay for dental treatment would give them special paintings, including a portrait of Mrs. Burkhart. Or, when a businessman
Rich Quodomine and Rina Aligaen stand with the bust of Dr. Harvey Burkhart.
MOMENTUM | 2022
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