19th Century Albumen Photograph of African American Gathering at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Williamsport, PA

[African American Photography - 19th Century] Albumen photograph depicting a large group of about seventy African American adults of varying ages in front of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Williamsport, PA. N.d., Circa 1890. The photograph is Approx. 6" x 8" on a 10" x 12" mount. The men and women in this photograph wear matching clothing - men in black frock coats, top hats, and ties with white aprons and women in white ankle length dresses. Some men sport sashes decorated with five stars and edged with fringe around their necks. While it is unclear what affiliation this group shares, Williamsport itself is noted for having a rich history (truncated) of African American activism. Notable figures from the city include Daniel Hughes, a prolific agent of the Underground Railroad, Mary Slaughter, who fought to provide housing for elderly Black women, and Julia C. Collins, whose novel The Curse of Caste was one of the first works of literary fiction by a Black woman published in the United States. Mount worn at lower left corner and with 1" tear at lower right side, not affecting image. Overall very good condition. A large gathering of proud African American men and women at the turn of the century. (Inventory #: 20526)