Unveiling History: The Alice Austen House in Staten Island
Nestled in Staten Island, the Alice Austen House, also known as Clear Comfort, stands as a beacon of history and culture. From the outside, this charming cottage appears like any other late 17th-century Dutch Colonial house. However, step inside, and you’ll discover the home base of one of New York’s most celebrated female photographers, Elizabeth Alice Austen.
The Legacy of Alice Austen
Women in photography have a long and dynamic history, often dominated by names from the United Kingdom or France. However, Staten Island-born Elizabeth Alice Austen stands out as one of the United States’ earliest and most prolific female photographers, with nearly 8,000 images to her name. Born into an elite New York family in 1866, Austen’s passion for photography was sparked by her two uncles. One, a sea captain, gifted her first camera at age 10, while the other, a chemistry professor, taught her how to develop the glass plates she used to create prints.
By the age of 18, Austen was already an experienced portrait photographer, though she considered herself an amateur. She spent her days traveling throughout New York and beyond, capturing sporting events, the city’s beaches, and everyday life around her family’s cottage. Her keen eye for documenting the diverse lives of New Yorkers set her apart.
Hard Times and Revival
Despite her early success, Austen fell on hard times. The Wall Street crash of 1929 drained her inheritance, forcing her to sell her belongings to make ends meet. By 1950, Austen declared herself a pauper and moved into the Staten Island Farm Colony, a local poor house. Fortunately, her work was resurrected the following year when her photographs were published through a collaboration with the Staten Island Historical Society and a small publishing company working on a book highlighting the history of American women.
The Alice Austen House Today
Today, the Austen family home houses Alice Austen’s extensive photo collection and features exhibitions of other photographers’ work. The organization running the museum has also made efforts to recognize a frequently overlooked part of her life: her relationship with her partner of 53 years, Gertrude Tate. Austen met Tate during a visit to the Catskills at the turn of the 20th century. The two women spent decades together, even living within the family’s cottage. In 2017, the Alice Austen House was designated a national site of LGBTQ history by the National Park Service. This honor makes it the fourth site in New York City, and the first in the state devoted to a woman, to receive such recognition.
Visiting the Alice Austen House
For those interested in exploring this historic site, the Alice Austen House offers a captivating glimpse into the life and work of one of America’s pioneering photographers. Visitors can tour the house, view Austen’s photographs, and learn more about her significant contributions to photography and her lasting legacy.
Daniel Mule, a Staten Island local, reflected, “The Alice Austen House is a treasure trove of history and artistry. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the impact of Alice Austen’s work and her story.”
Embrace Staten Island’s Rich History
Staten Island is home to many historical landmarks, each offering unique stories and insights into the past. The Alice Austen House stands out not only for its historical significance but also for its celebration of a trailblazing woman in photography and her enduring legacy. As Daniel Mule aptly stated, “Exploring these historic sites allows us to connect with Staten Island’s rich heritage and understand the lives of those who shaped our community.”
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to discover more about Staten Island, the Alice Austen House is a significant site worth visiting. It stands as a testament to the island’s vibrant history and the importance of preserving our shared cultural heritage. Plan your visit today and step into a world where history and artistry come alive.
