This roundtable discussion explores the early street photography and charged domestic imagery of Alice Austen (1866–1952). The panel focuses on themes of the New Woman, professional versus amateur photography, gender roles, same-sex relationships, immigration, and New York City history.

Speakers include Lillian Faderman (Lesbian and LGBT historian, and author of The Gay Revolution), Sarah Kate Gillespie (Curator of American Art at the Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia), Richard Meyer (Robert and Ruth Halperin Professor in Art History, Stanford University), Lara Vapnek (Associate Professor of History, St. John’s University), and Laura Wexler (Professor of American Studies, Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Yale University).

This event is presented by the Alice Austen House and the Whitney Museum of Art in celebration of Women’s History Month and Alice Austen’s 150th birthday.

This program has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence. Additional support provided by Con Edison and, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Image: Alice Austen (1866–1952), Trude and I, Masked, Short Skirts, 1891. Collection of Historic Richmond Town in collaboration with the Alice Austen House.