Harvard Transfers Historic Photos of Enslaved Individuals to Museum

Harvard University has agreed to transfer historic daguerreotype photographs of enslaved individuals to the International African American Museum, resolving a lengthy dispute with descendant Tamara Lanier. The artifacts, created under controversial circumstances 173 years ago, aim to enhance understanding and contextual discussion of slavery’s legacy.

In a landmark decision, Harvard University has agreed to transfer a collection of historic photographs believed to be some of the earliest images of enslaved individuals in the United States to the International African American Museum in South Carolina. This agreement puts an end to a protracted 15-year legal battle with Tamara Lanier, who asserts descent from two of the individuals depicted in the photos.

The daguerreotypes, which date back to 1850, were commissioned by Harvard professor Louis Agassiz as part of discredited research intended to demonstrate the supposed superiority of white people, using subjects who were enslaved at the time. The images were stored at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology until their rediscovery in 1976, sparking ongoing discussions over consent and ethical representation.

Lanier expressed her delight at the resolution, stating, “I have always known first of all that I could never care for the daguerreotypes at the level they would require.” She emphasized the significance of returning the images to their historical roots in South Carolina, where they will be treated with sensitivity and respect by the museum's staff.

Although Harvard did not disclose the specifics of the settlement, a spokesperson noted the institution's longstanding desire to transfer the relics to a museum better equipped to provide context. Over the years, the case has become emblematic of a wider societal discussion regarding how universities confront their past ties to slavery. Notably, in 2016, Harvard Law School altered its shield, which was originally based on the crest of an 18th-century slaveholder.

While the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court dismissed Lanier's claim for ownership in a 2022 ruling, it acknowledged Harvard's complicity in the exploitation linked to the photographs, allowing her to seek damages for emotional distress. The president of the South Carolina museum reiterated their dedication to presenting the images “with truth and empathy,” acknowledging the uncomfortable and complex history they represent.

As discussions of racial injustice continue to evolve in America, this agreement marks a significant stride toward grappling with the implications of slavery and its impacts on society today.