Alice Austen was a pioneering photographer whose work captured the essence of 19th-century American life. As a queer icon of the Gilded Age, her legacy reflects both personal devotion and artistic brilliance.
Challenges and Legacy
In her later years, Austen faced significant financial and health challenges. She sold her last possessions for $600 and donated thousands of plates and negatives to the Staten Island Historical Society. The director, Loring McMillen, acknowledged her spirit amidst her struggles, describing her as “not broken in spirit but broken in health and finance.”
Austen lived with her partner, Gertrude Tate, until health issues forced them apart. Tate moved to Queens, while Austen entered a home for the aged, ultimately residing at a poor farm until her passing.
A Renaissance of Recognition
In 1950, a Life magazine editor discovered Austen’s photographs and featured her work in a major story. This exposure provided Austen with the financial means to live with a private caregiver. Just a year later, the Staten Island Historical Society celebrated “Alice Austen Day,” where she enjoyed the company of Tate and around 300 guests. At age 85, she expressed a wish to continue capturing images, stating, “I’d be taking these pictures myself if I were 100 years younger.”
Austen’s Final Days
Due to her declining health, plans were made to relocate Austen to Welfare Island, home to various public institutions for the elderly. However, she passed away quietly on June 9, 1952, just as Tate was preparing to visit her.
Austen was interred at Moravian Cemetery in Staten Island. Tate later passed away in 1962 at the age of 91, but her wish to be buried alongside Austen was denied by her family.
Recognition and Preservation
The fight for recognition of Austen and Tate’s relationship has spanned decades. Initiatives like the 1994 Lesbian Avengers protest sought to honor their bond, pushing for Tate’s name to be included in historical records, beyond the label of “unknown woman.” Today, the Alice Austen House serves as a museum and a site of LGBTQ history, showcasing their love and contributions.
- Alice Austen: Renowned photographer, 19th-century American life documentarian.
- Gertrude Tate: Austen’s devoted partner.
- Staten Island Historical Society: Home to Alice’s archived work.
- Alice Austen House: Current museum preserving their legacy.
Visitors now come to the Alice Austen House, where Tate’s portrait is prominently featured. This acknowledgment celebrates their unique love story and highlights the importance of recognizing queer histories in contemporary narratives.
