The transfer is particularly significant, as the photographs were commissioned by Louis Agassiz, a Harvard professor known for his discredited theories of racial superiority. Lanier's legal fight, which began in 2019 over the university's ownership and commercialization of the images without consent, highlighted broader discussions regarding academic institutions' historical ties to slavery. A Massachusetts court had previously upheld that Lanier could not claim ownership but recognized Harvard's complicity in the "horrific actions" surrounding the photos’ creation. Lanier expressed joy over the settlement, emphasizing the importance of repatriating the images to their roots in South Carolina, where the individuals were enslaved. The South Carolina museum, which collaborated with Lanier on her genealogical claims, plans to feature the photos sensitively, invoking honest dialogue about the ongoing legacy of slavery in America.
Harvard to Transfer Historic Enslaved People Photos to African American Museum
Harvard to Transfer Historic Enslaved People Photos to African American Museum
Harvard University agrees to transfer historic photos depicting enslaved individuals to a South Carolina museum after a lengthy legal dispute initiated by Tamara Lanier.
After 15 years of legal struggle, Harvard University has consented to transfer a collection of historic daguerreotype photos believed to be the earliest images of enslaved people in the United States to the International African American Museum in South Carolina. The university's agreement concludes the legal battle with Tamara Lanier, who claims descent from two individuals depicted in the photos, captured in 1850—just 15 years prior to the abolition of slavery in the U.S. The images, discovered in 1976 at Harvard's Peabody Museum, include portraits of Alfred, Delia, Drana, Fassena, Jack, Jem, and Renty. Harvard has stated its intent to ensure these historic images are placed in a proper context and made accessible to the public.
