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Yale's Lens Media Lab is a leading center for studying photographic materials, focusing on black-and-white photography from 1890 to 2010. Its unique collection of over 7,500 photographic paper samples is the largest globally. The lab merges sciences, arts, and humanities, combining traditional methods with advanced data science and AI techniques. This interdisciplinary approach preserves knowledge of analog photography as darkroom practices decline. The lab informs preservation and scholarly research while supporting education and community engagement. As paper-based photography becomes less common, the Lens Media Lab plays a crucial role in maintaining and interpreting these materials. It serves as an essential resource for historians, conservators, and students, ensuring the legacy of 20th-century photography continues to inspire future generations.