Lewis Hine papers

ca. 1908-ca. 1921 D

Lewis Wickes Hine (1874-1940), an American photographer, began his career as a teacher at the Ethical Culture School in New York City. He first used a camera to record activities at the school. Subsequently he photographed immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, the shocking condition of child laborers throughout the U.S., the activities of the American Red Cross in World War I, and workers in various industries. He was commissioned to create photo-essays for industry and periodicals. His early photographs of child labor played an important part in bringing about legislative reforms. Collection consists of photographs taken by Hine, two Hine letters, and printed catalog. Photographs are in two series: one relating to immigration, the other to Pittsburgh steel mills and workers. Also, several miscellaneous photographs, letters written by Hine in 1921, and Hine Photo Company Catalogue of Social and Industrial Photographs.