Harvard University to Transfer Historic Photographs to South Carolina Museum
BOSTON — Harvard University is set to transfer a collection of 175-year-old photographs considered to be among the earliest images of enslaved individuals to a museum in South Carolina dedicated to African American history. This move comes as part of a settlement with Tamara Lanier, who claims to be a descendant of one of the subjects depicted in the photographs.
The photos feature Renty, whom Lanier refers to as “Papa Renty,” and his daughter, Delia. The images were originally taken in 1850 at a time when they were enslaved, and the transfer will take place from the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology to the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina.
This settlement concludes a lengthy 15-year legal battle in which Lanier sought the release of these significant images. Her attorney, Joshua Koskoff, hailed the outcome as a landmark victory for descendants of enslaved Americans, highlighting Lanier’s relentless pursuit of justice for her ancestors.
Koskoff remarked, “This is a moment in American history, as it combines unique elements — a case dating back 175 years and a victory over images of enslaved people that have never been seen before.”
The court case primarily focused on whether Harvard had the right to keep images of individuals who could not consent to their capture. Ultimately, while the Massachusetts court ruled in favor of Harvard’s ownership, it allowed Lanier to continue her pursuit for emotional damages.
Harvard stated it has been working to relinquish these photographs to ensure they are contextualized appropriately for the public. Negotiations led to an agreement for this transfer, with no confirmation from Harvard regarding Lanier’s claims of her ancestry.
On the day of the settlement, Lanier was seen holding a portrait of her ancestor alongside Susanna Moore, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Louis Agassiz, a Harvard biologist who commissioned the original photographs. Both women expressed pride in the resolution, as Moore acknowledged the deeply racist project that the images represented.
“This victory is a reminder that the meaning of historical artifacts can and should evolve,” Moore stated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the plight of those exploited in the past.
In 2019, Lanier filed a lawsuit against Harvard, arguing the photographs were taken without consent and had been exploited for profit. The lawsuit criticized Harvard for leveraging the images by charging high licensing fees for their reproduction.
The case sparked broader questions about the ethical ownership of such photographs and the responsibilities of institutions like Harvard. While one court decision stated that ownership lies with the photographer rather than the subjects, another aspect of the case allowed Lanier to pursue emotional distress damages from the university.
As Harvard prepares for the transfer of these photos, Tonya M. Matthews, the CEO of the International African American Museum, described the moment as one “175 years in the making,” commending Lanier’s courage and commitment throughout this lengthy process. She emphasized the museum’s dedication to accurately telling the stories of Renty and Delia.
Although a financial settlement is part of the resolution, Harvard has yet to publicly acknowledge Lanier’s familial connection to the photographs or its historical role in the matter. As Koskoff noted, while the institution has been pressed by current societal challenges, it must also reckon with its past.
“This settlement speaks volumes,” he remarked, underscoring that truth eventually prevails, and institutions are accountable for their histories, whether they shine or tarnish their reputations.
As these photographs move to their new home, they carry with them not just images of individuals, but a history that is vital to understanding America’s past, ensuring that future generations can learn and reflect on the lessons learned from this era.
