1847-1853
Free Black photographer Augustus Washington believed in the power of imagery and used that power to support his abolitionism. In 1843, Washington enrolled as the only Black student at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. To pay for his education, Washington took to the new trade of making daguerreotype photographs. As his skills grew, he earned enough money to purchase a camera and took lessons to refine his new craft. Washington thoroughly supported the abolition of slavery and used his photography proceeds to support the abolitionist movement. His name stamped inside each photograph case ensured that people connected him to his work and the abolitionist movement.
Augustus Washington
Hartford, Connecticut
1847-1853
Sixth-plate daguerreotype in leather case
2019.7
DAR Museum Collection, Friends of the Museum Purchase
