A Historic Legal Struggle Comes to an End
After a 15-year legal battle, Harvard University has agreed to relinquish ownership of 175-year-old daguerreotypes, believed to be the earliest known photographs of enslaved Americans, to the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. The settlement, announced on May 28, marks the conclusion of a contentious dispute with Tamara Lanier, who claims the individuals in the photos, identified as Renty and his daughter Delia, are her ancestors. These images were originally commissioned in 1850 by Harvard biologist Louis Agassiz, whose theories on racial differences were used to justify slavery in the United States.
The lawsuit, initiated by Lanier in 2019, accused Harvard of exploiting the images for profit through licensing fees while disregarding the violent context in which they were taken. The photographs, housed at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard, depicted Renty and Delia shirtless and photographed from multiple angles, treated as mere research specimens. Lanier's fight was not just for ownership but for recognition of the dignity and humanity of her ancestors, whose images were used to perpetuate harmful ideologies.
Significance of the Settlement and Museum Transfer
The transfer of these historic photographs to the International African American Museum represents a significant step toward addressing the legacy of slavery and the ethical responsibilities of institutions like Harvard. The museum, dedicated to preserving African American history, is seen as a fitting home for the images, where they can be contextualized with respect and care. This move ensures that the story of Renty and Delia will be told through a lens of historical acknowledgment rather than academic exploitation.
Legal experts and historians have noted the broader implications of this settlement, as it raises questions about how universities and museums handle artifacts tied to slavery and racial injustice. The case has sparked conversations about restitution and the rightful ownership of cultural and historical materials, especially those obtained under duress or unethical circumstances. Tamara Lanier's persistence has been hailed as a victory for descendants seeking to reclaim their family histories from institutional control.
Reflecting on the Legacy of Slavery Through Photography
The daguerreotypes of Renty and Delia are more than just photographs; they are powerful reminders of the dehumanization endured by enslaved individuals during one of the darkest chapters in American history. Their transfer to a museum focused on African American narratives offers an opportunity for public education and reflection on the enduring impacts of slavery. It also underscores the importance of giving voice to descendants like Lanier, who have fought tirelessly to honor their ancestors' memories.
As these images find a new home in South Carolina, they serve as a call to action for other institutions to reevaluate their holdings and the stories they tell. This settlement is a step forward, but it also highlights the ongoing need for accountability and reconciliation regarding America's past. The International African American Museum will now play a crucial role in ensuring that Renty and Delia's story contributes to a deeper understanding of history and humanity.