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Lewis W. Hine

Lewis Hine, Library of Congress CollectionCreated by: PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search EngineDated: 1907
Frank F. Gibson, 1305 Linden St. Western Union Telegraph Co. Messenger No. 7. 14 years of age. 1 year in service. Visits houses of prostitution. Guides soldiers to segregated district. Smokes. Still at school and works from 8:30 P.M. to 12:30 A.M. Investigator, Edward F. Brown.  Location: Wilmington, Delaware / Photo by Louis [i.e. Lewis] W. Hine, May, 1910.
Hine grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. As a young man he had to care for himself, and working at a furniture factory gave him first-hand knowledge of industrial workers' harsh reality. Eight years later he matriculated at the University of Chicago and met Professor Frank A. Manny, whom he followed to New York to teach at the Ethical Culture School and continue his studies at New York University. As a faculty member at the Ethical Culture School Hine was introduced to photography.

From 1904 until his death he documented a series of sites and conditions in the USA and Europe. In 1906 he became a photographer and field worker for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC). Undercover, disguised among other things as a Bible salesman or photographer for post-cards or industry, Hine went into American factories. His research methodology was based on photographic documentation and interviews.

Together with the NCLC he worked to place the working conditions of two million American children onto the political agenda. The NCLC later said that Hine's photographs were decisive in the 1938 passage of federal law governing child labor in the United States. In 1918 Hine left the NCLC for the Red Cross and their work in Europe. After a short period as an employee, he returned to the United States and began as an independent photographer.

One of Hine's last major projects was the series Men at Work, published as a book in 1932. It is a homage to the worker that built the country, and it documents such things as the construction of the Empire State Building. In 1940 Hine died abruptly after several years of poor income and few commissions. Even though interest in his work was increasing, it was not until after his death that Hine was raised to the stature of one of the great photographers in the history of the medium.
6,940 Media in collectionpage 1 of 70
3 A.M. Sunday, February 23rd, 1908. Newsboys selling on Brooklyn Bridge. Harry Ahrenpreiss, 30 Willet Street. (Said was 13 years old). Abe Gramus. 37 Division Street.  Witness Fred McMurray.  Location: New York, New York (State) / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

3 A.M. Sunday, February 23rd, 1908. Newsboys selling on Brooklyn Bridg...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Mrs. Finkelstein, 127 Monroe St. Bessie (age 13), Sophie (age 7). Girls attend school. Making garters for Liberty Garter works, 413 Broadway. Mother, a widow, earns 75 cents a day by working all day until 12 at night. Bessie works until 10 P.M. Sophie until 9 P.M. They expected to work until 10 P.M. to finish the job, although they did not know when more work would come in. Witness Mrs. Hosford. Location: New York, New York (State)

Mrs. Finkelstein, 127 Monroe St. Bessie (age 13), Sophie (age 7). Girl...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. Hine no. 10-A. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General inform... More

Noon Hour at an Indianapolis Meat Packing House. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Noon Hour at an Indianapolis Meat Packing House. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 108. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... More

One of The Newsies at The Newsboys' Picnic, Cincinnati. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

One of The Newsies at The Newsboys' Picnic, Cincinnati. Location: Cinc...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 28. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... More

Clyde Cotton Mills, Newton, N.C. Doffers in the above mill. 50 operatives, 10 of them small boys and girls like these. Location: Newton, North Carolina

Clyde Cotton Mills, Newton, N.C. Doffers in the above mill. 50 operati...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 454. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Glass works. Location: West Virginia

Glass works. Location: West Virginia

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 180. No city recorded on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library ... More

Grace Harper (Looked 10 years old). Works in Lydia Mills, Clinton, S.C. Mother said she is very good hand at spinning. Been at it 3 years. Runs 4 and 5 sides, about 50 cents a day. Little sister Lettie helps. Mother said "she is learnin'." Looked 7 years old. Dec. 2/08. Witness Sara R. Hine.  Location: Clinton, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Grace Harper (Looked 10 years old). Works in Lydia Mills, Clinton, S.C...

Picryl description: Public domain image of children, kids, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

A doffer in the Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. Location: Cherryville, North Carolina

A doffer in the Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. Location: Cherryv...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 269. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Boys taking away from saws and brading. Schultze, Waltman & Co. Planing Mill Evansville, Ind. Location: Evansville, Indiana

Boys taking away from saws and brading. Schultze, Waltman & Co. Planin...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 194. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... More

Sack Race, the Newsboys' Picnic. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Sack Race, the Newsboys' Picnic. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 20. After the word "Picnic" text is cut off on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee ... More

Hot Weather Delights, Newsboys' Protective Association, Cincinnati. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Hot Weather Delights, Newsboys' Protective Association, Cincinnati. Lo...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 22. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... More

A Typical Errand Boy Minding Another Boy's Business. Boston 1915 Exhibit. Location: Boston, Massachusetts

A Typical Errand Boy Minding Another Boy's Business. Boston 1915 Exhib...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 940. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... More

A group of people standing in front of a brick building Noon hour, King Mfg. Co., Augusta, Ga. We had not seen these children when we were shown through the mill. See photos 500 to 509. Jan. 14, 1909. Location: Augusta, Georgia

A group of people standing in front of a brick building Noon hour, Kin...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 501. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Night shift going work. N.J. Nov. 15, 1909. Cumberland Glass Works. Location: Bridgeton, New Jersey

Night shift going work. N.J. Nov. 15, 1909. Cumberland Glass Works. Lo...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 969. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photograph... More

John Bryan, a young turner in London i.e., Loudon? Hosiery Mills. Location: Loudon, Tennessee

John Bryan, a young turner in London i.e., Loudon? Hosiery Mills. Loca...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 1889. There is both a Loudon and a London, Tennessee. UMBC records similar photos as "Loudon," however. Credit li... More

Some of the workers in Munford Cotton Mills. Smallest boy, in middle, a frail anaemic youngster, said he had been doffing over a year. Said he was twelve, but I doubt it. Other small boy, on left, spinner, runs four sides, been working there two years. Location: Munford, Alabama

Some of the workers in Munford Cotton Mills. Smallest boy, in middle, ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 1794. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Francis Lance, 5 years old, 41 inches high. Sells regularly on Grand Avenue. He jumps on and off moving cars at risk of life. Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Francis Lance, 5 years old, 41 inches high. Sells regularly on Grand A...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 1394. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

William Lynch, 11 years of age, and Cornelius Lynch, 9 years of age, 607 ["606" crossed out] E. 6th Street. Newsboys. William has been selling papers 4 years, average earnings 25 cents per week. Sells from choice. Don't smoke. Visits saloons. Works 5 hours a day. Cornelius selling 3 years, average earnings 35 cents a week. Earnings not needed at home. Sells from choice. Don't smoke. Visits saloons. Works 7 hours a day. Edward F. Brown, Investigator.  Location: Wilmington, Delaware / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

William Lynch, 11 years of age, and Cornelius Lynch, 9 years of age, 6...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Ethel Shumate (see photo 2190). Has been rolling cigarettes in Danville (Virginia) Factory for six months. Lives, 614 Upper Street. Said she was thirteen years old, but it is doubtful. Location: Danville, Virginia

Ethel Shumate (see photo 2190). Has been rolling cigarettes in Danvill...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 2192. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

Smallest boy is Dorris Fabanks?, been working in Yocona Mill, Water Valley Miss., one year. Larger boy (brother) been there six years. Housing conditions bad. Location: Water Valley, Mississippi

Smallest boy is Dorris Fabanks?, been working in Yocona Mill, Water Va...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2118. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Robert Magee (smallest). 270 Suffolk St., Apparently 12 years old Been working in Mule Room #1, Merrimac Mill, Lowell, 1 year. Michael Keefe (next in size), 32 Marion St., been working in #1 Mule Room, Merrimac Mill, Lowell, for 8 months, about 13 or 14. Cornelius Hurley, 298 Adams St., been at work in #1 Mule Room, Merimac Mill, Lowell, for 6 months, about 13 or 14. Location: South Framingham, Massachusetts

Robert Magee (smallest). 270 Suffolk St., Apparently 12 years old Been...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2618. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Little girl, apparently 6 yrs. old - but didn't know her name or age - tending stand at Washington and 3rd St. for older sister (#3234). Saloon on corner. 3 P.M. Location: Hoboken, New Jersey

Little girl, apparently 6 yrs. old - but didn't know her name or age -...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 3235. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine , Lewis Wickes.Night scene. 7:30 P.M. January 29, 1912. Making violets, and they often work later. Pollinni family, 5 Carmine St., N.Y. living in a reary [i.e., rear.] tenement. The six year old helps some... More

"Renters." Itinerant Texas farmers who rent a farm for a year or so and then move on, giving them nomadic habits and everything is temporary. House unpainted and ill-cared for. The children from five years old up pick cotton and help with the farm work, but get little or no schooling. It is estimated by State University that 300,000 children are thus affected in Texas alone. See Hine report Texas. Beginning with the five year old girl here who picks some, all work including the women. The nine year old girl picks one hundred and fifty pounds a day. Father is in town. Farm comprises fifty acres, and they get about twenty bales of cotton this year, which is not a good year. Been here one year. Farm of J.W. Vaughn. Route 6.  Location: Corsicana, Texas.

"Renters." Itinerant Texas farmers who rent a farm for a year or so an...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

"Driving boy" driving sheep into the sheep pens at Carlisle.  Location: Nicholas County--Carlisle [vicinity], Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

"Driving boy" driving sheep into the sheep pens at Carlisle. Location...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Part of the Merchants Mill. One section built in 1867 and one in 1871. Most of the windows closed even in mid-June. Location: Fall River, Massachusetts Lewis W. Hine

Part of the Merchants Mill. One section built in 1867 and one in 1871....

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 4285. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National... More

Doffers - Boss said 14 and 15 years old. Indian Orchard Cotton Mill.  Location: Indian Orchard, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Doffers - Boss said 14 and 15 years old. Indian Orchard Cotton Mill. ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory worker, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

Roundstone School. Many poorly built schools in county.  Location: Rockcastle County, Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

Roundstone School. Many poorly built schools in county. Location: Roc...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

15-year old boy who says he works some for the railroad.  Location: Mountain Grove, Missouri / Lewis W. Hine.

15-year old boy who says he works some for the railroad. Location: Mo...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

American Linen Co. Spooler tender.  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

American Linen Co. Spooler tender. Location: Fall River, Massachusett...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Woman's Union. Happy Girls Club. Working girls in foreground. School girls behind.  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Woman's Union. Happy Girls Club. Working girls in foreground. School g...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Tending the chicks--16-year old girl. Home of William Olliges. The children go to Parochial School. Location: Hardin County--Stithton, Kentucky Lewis W. Hine

Tending the chicks--16-year old girl. Home of William Olliges. The chi...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 4520. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the Na... More

Incorrect sitting position for postural deformity and dorsal curvature cases. Scoliosis. Stooping, lopsided or humped over position. Work in this position is harmful. Need for advice of examining physician. Location: Boston, Massachusetts Lewis W. Hine

Incorrect sitting position for postural deformity and dorsal curvature...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 4673. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the ... More

75 Sixth Grade children (colored) crowded into 1 small room in an old store building near Negro High School, with 1 teacher. Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Lewis W. Hine

75 Sixth Grade children (colored) crowded into 1 small room in an old ...

In album: Agriculture. Title from NCLC caption card for Hine no. 4772. Hine no. 4773. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General inform... More

Young office boy, working for J.J. O'Brien and Sons on East 23 Street. Past 16 years.  Location: New York, New York (State) / Lewis W. Hine.

Young office boy, working for J.J. O'Brien and Sons on East 23 Street....

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Gertrude Belier, 15 years old. Hemming curtains on machine at Boutwell, Fairclough & Gold, 274 Summer Street Extension. Mr. Fitzgerald, Manager.  Location: Boston, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Gertrude Belier, 15 years old. Hemming curtains on machine at Boutwell...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a child labor, factory, plant, manufacture, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Old Time Freight Brakeman – New York Central

Old Time Freight Brakeman – New York Central

Lewis Hine (American, 1874–1940) Public domain reproduction of artwork in Metropolitan Museum of Art, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Greenbank Consolidated School. One of the largest and best in the county with all grades and high school.  Location: Pocahontas County, West Virginia / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Greenbank Consolidated School. One of the largest and best in the coun...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

The Mullens children (& some neighbors) ready for school. See Photo No. 81. Location: Charleston vicinity, West Virginia Photo by Lewis W. Hine

The Mullens children (& some neighbors) ready for school. See Photo No...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Children in West Virginia. Hine no. 5102. Number typed in upper left corner of caption card: 82. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congre... More

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes .Newark i New Jersey. USA 1923..Of a family of 7 children, all but 2 work stringing tags. The oldest child is 12. The nurse of the school which these children attend, reports that they are co... More

Empire State Building, gelatin silver print

Empire State Building, gelatin silver print

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Accident to young mill worker. Giles Edmund Newsom (Photo October 23rd, 1912) while working in Sanders Spinning Mille i.e., Mill, Bessemer City, N.C., August 21st, 1912, a piece of the machine fell on to his foot mashing his toe. This caused him to fall on to a spinning machine and his hand went into unprotected gearing, crushing and tearing out two fingers. He told the Attorney he was 11 years old when it happened. His parents are now trying to make him 13 years old. The school census taken at the time of the accident makes him12 years old (parents' statement) and school records say the same. His school teacher thinks he is 12. His brother (see photo 3071) is not yet 11 years old. Both of the boys worked in the mill several months before the accident. His father, (R.L. Newsom) tried to compromise with the Company when he found the boy would receive the money and not the parents. The mother tried to blame the boys for getting jobs on their own hook, but she let them work several months. The aunt said "Now he's jes got to where he could be of some help to his ma an' then this happens and he can't never work no more like he oughter." Location: Bessemer City, North Carolina

Accident to young mill worker. Giles Edmund Newsom (Photo October 23rd...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 3112. In phrase "when he found the boy," the word boy is underlined on the caption card. Credit line: National Ch... More

Roland, eleven year old negro newsboy, Newark, N.J. - August 1st, 1924. Location: Newark, New Jersey

Roland, eleven year old negro newsboy, Newark, N.J. - August 1st, 1924...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 4945. "114" recorded in pencil in lower right of caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committe... More

Group in Sweatshop. Mr. Schneider, 87 Ridge Street Shop located in the second inner court. Group just finishing week's work. Witness Mrs. Lillian Hosford. Location: New York, New York (State) Photo 4 P.M. February 21?, 1908. By Lewis W Hine

Group in Sweatshop. Mr. Schneider, 87 Ridge Street Shop located in the...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 30-A. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the ... More

A little spinner in Globe Cotton Mill. Augusta, Ga. The overseer admitted she was regularly employed. Location: Augusta, Georgia

A little spinner in Globe Cotton Mill. Augusta, Ga. The overseer admit...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 490. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Newspaper comments on new child labor law in Penn. Location: Pennsylvania

Newspaper comments on new child labor law in Penn. Location: Pennsylva...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 1199. Text cut off, probably "Photo by Lewis W. Hine." Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collec... More

This is the condition in which I found the lower hall at 266 Elizabeth St., N.Y. 3:00 P.M., February 2, 1912. It is a licensed tenement and finishing of clothes was going on in the homes. Location: New York, New York (State)

This is the condition in which I found the lower hall at 266 Elizabeth...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Tenement homework. Hine no. 2824. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photogr... More

All these children five years, six years, seven years, nine years and two a little older, were picking cotton on H.M. Lane's farm Bells, Tex. Only one adult, an aunt was picking. Father was plowing. Edith, five years, (see preceding photo) picks all day. "Hughie" six years old, girl, picks all day. Alton, seven years old, boy, picks fifty pounds a day. Ruth, nine years old, picks seventy-five pounds a day. Rob and Lee are about ten or eleven years old. The very young children like to pick, but before long they detest it. Sun is hot, hours long, bags heavy. Location: Bells, Texas

All these children five years, six years, seven years, nine years and ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 3551. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... More

Brown McDowell 12 year old usher in Princess Theatre. Works from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. Can barely read; has reached the second grade in school only. Investigator reports little actual need for earnings. Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Brown McDowell 12 year old usher in Princess Theatre. Works from 10 A....

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 3793. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

Hyman, six year old newsie. Another six year old newsie said he sold until 6 P.M. Location: Lawrence, Massachusetts

Hyman, six year old newsie. Another six year old newsie said he sold u...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 2468. Also in LOT 7480, v. 2. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress... More

Farm work. Pauls Valley Training School. Lewis W. Hine. See 4833-4842.  Location: Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.

Farm work. Pauls Valley Training School. Lewis W. Hine. See 4833-4842....

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

A little spinner in the Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. She was tending her "sides" like a veteran, but after I took the photo, the overseer came up and said in an apologetic tone that was pathetic, "She just happened in." Then a moment later he repeated the information. The mills appear to be full of youngsters that "just happened in," or " are helping sister." Dec. 3, 08. Witness Sara R. Hine.  Location: Newberry, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

A little spinner in the Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. She was tending...

Public domain historical photo, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Spinners & doffers in Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. Many others as small. Dec. 3/08. Sara R. Hine, Witness.  Location: Newberry, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Spinners & doffers in Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. Many others as sm...

Public domain historical photo, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Boys judging prize heifers at 4 H Club Fair at Charleston, West Virginia.  Location: Charleston, West Virginia / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Boys judging prize heifers at 4 H Club Fair at Charleston, West Virgin...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a rural farming landscape, agriculture, farm animals, livestock, farmers, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes..Portrait of an Italian mother and child. Just arrived at Ellis Island along with hundreds of other immigrants that day. In search of a better life..USA 1905.."Lewis Hine, Passionate journey.... More

A.D.T. ? messengers. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

A.D.T. ? messengers. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 53. Handwritten caption difficult to decipher. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Li... More

One of spinners in Whitnel Cotton Mfg. Co. (N.C.) She was 51 inches high. Had been in mill 1 year, some at night. Runs 4 sides, 48 cents a day. When asked how old, she hesitated, then said "I don't remember," Then confidentially, "I'm not old enough to work, but I do just the same." Out of 50 employees, ten children about her age. Location: Whitnel, North Carolina

One of spinners in Whitnel Cotton Mfg. Co. (N.C.) She was 51 inches hi...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 463. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

The doffers in Whitnel (N.C.) Mfg. Co. Location: Whitnel, North Carolina

The doffers in Whitnel (N.C.) Mfg. Co. Location: Whitnel, North Caroli...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 438. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Indianapolis Furniture Factory's Water Boy. Witness, E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Furniture Factory's Water Boy. Witness, E.N. Clopper. Loc...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 65. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.... More

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes.Little spinner in Bibb Mill No. 1, Macon, Ga. She was so small she had to climb up on to the spinning frame to mend broken threads. See also photo 488. Jan. 19, 1909. Location: Macon, Georgia.

One of the ball-teams made up of boys from Natick Mills, Natick, R.I. Saturday P.M. April 17, 1909. Location: Natick, Rhode Island

One of the ball-teams made up of boys from Natick Mills, Natick, R.I. ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 686. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Four incorrigibles not even reached by the Vocational School. Location: Buffalo, New York (State)

Four incorrigibles not even reached by the Vocational School. Location...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 1234. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

All are workers in Knoxville Knitting Works. Smallest boy "ravels," smallest girl is a steady worker. Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

All are workers in Knoxville Knitting Works. Smallest boy "ravels," sm...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 1905. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Michael McNelis, 612 Noble St., age 8 yrs. Old, newsboy. This boy just recovered from his second attack of pneumonia, was found selling papers in big rain storm today. General appearance was neat. Edward F. Brown, Investigator. Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Michael McNelis, 612 Noble St., age 8 yrs. Old, newsboy. This boy just...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 1617. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the ... More

Kuyrkendall family, recently from farm. Three children in front row (one ten and one twelve) and one boy not here, work in Magnolia Cotton Mills, Magnolia, Miss. See also 2096. Location: Magnolia, Mississippi

Kuyrkendall family, recently from farm. Three children in front row (o...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2097. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

A few of the young boys working in the Cigarette Factory, Danville (Virginia) Branch of the American Tobacco Co. Photo taken at 6:30 A.M., June 6, 1911 and they all went in to work. Said they were rollers and bunch-breakers. See other photos taken in morning and at noon. Location: Danville, Virginia

A few of the young boys working in the Cigarette Factory, Danville (Vi...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 2188. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes .Stilas med en arbeider. Oppføringen av Empire State Building, New York, USA. .NMFF.000835

A typical group of workers in the Aragon Mill, Rock Hill,. Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina

A typical group of workers in the Aragon Mill, Rock Hill,. Location: R...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2958. No text recorded on caption card after final comma. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection,... More

Three National Child Labor Committee Exhibition Panels

Three National Child Labor Committee Exhibition Panels

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

7-year old Rosie. Regular oyster shucker. Her second year at it. Illiterate. Works all day. Shucks only a few pots a day. (Showing process) Varn & Platt Canning Co. Location: Bluffton, South Carolina

7-year old Rosie. Regular oyster shucker. Her second year at it. Illit...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Canneries. Hine no. 3305. Year not recorded on caption card; 1913 based on cards for photographs with neighboring numbers taken i... More

Twelve year old Selina Wall working at spooling room in the Brazos Valley Cotton Mill, West, Tex. Their Family Record says she was born, March 23, 1901. Her mother said: "She's just taking the place of her sister (fifteen years old). Selina could earn a dollar a day. She was raised up in a cotton mill over in Belton, but she has to stay home and do the cookin." The mother and the fifteen year old girl work regularly in the mill. Several older boys work. Selina keeps house. Nine in the family. Location: West, Texas

Twelve year old Selina Wall working at spooling room in the Brazos Val...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 3640. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Jacksonville, Florida, messenger boy. (See Report of E.F. Brown and Lewis W. Hine.)  Location: Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville, Florida, messenger boy. (See Report of E.F. Brown and Le...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a child labor, factory, plant, manufacture, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

34 children present at the Grant School, Ft. Morgan, Colo., five weeks after school opened, out of a possible 200 that will be here when the beet work is over. They will overflow, this year, into a special school being prepared for them. Mrs. Bell, the Principal here has taught these beet children for years and has watched the effect of the work. She vigorously denounces it. (See Hine Report) Photo Oct. 2615. Location: Ft. Morgan, Colorado

34 children present at the Grant School, Ft. Morgan, Colo., five weeks...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 4044. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... More

[Eight-year old Jack on a Western Massachusetts farm. He is a type of child who is being overworked in many rural districts. See Hine Report, Rural Child Labor, August 1915.  Location: [Western Massachusetts, Massachusetts]

[Eight-year old Jack on a Western Massachusetts farm. He is a type of ...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Carl Brown, eleven years old. He and his father run a farm of 160 acres in Southern Vermont. He is overgrown, sluggish, but he said: "I'd ruther go to school." See Hine Report, Rural Child Labor, August 1915 Location: Southern Vermont, Vermont.

Carl Brown, eleven years old. He and his father run a farm of 160 acre...

Picryl description: Public domain image of working farmers, agriculture, farm, 20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Colored School at Anthoston. Census 27, enrollment 12, attendance 7. Teacher expects 19 to be enrolled after work is over. "Tobacco keeps them out and they are short of hands." Ages of those present: 13 years = 1, 10 years = 2, 8 years = 2, 7 years = 1, 5 years = 1. Location: Henderson County, Kentucky Lewis W. Hine

Colored School at Anthoston. Census 27, enrollment 12, attendance 7. T...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 4475. "Div. 4" recorded on caption card as part of the geographic location; probably refers to a school district. Credit line: National Child Labor ... More

Girls worming tobacco. Myrtle, 10 years, Zelina, 12 years, Florence, 13 years. Brother 14 and sister 16. Father John Richard. Rents farm.  Location: Nicholas County, Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

Girls worming tobacco. Myrtle, 10 years, Zelina, 12 years, Florence, 1...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Vocational Printing. Math. class. See 4168.  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Vocational Printing. Math. class. See 4168. Location: Fall River, Mas...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a classroom, college auditorium, school, students, teaching, education, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Toting wood - Scavenger.  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Toting wood - Scavenger. Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis ...

Picryl description: Public domain photo of wooden sculpture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

[Going to School. About 14-16 years. Watson School - Flint Village.]  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. / Lewis W. Hine.

[Going to School. About 14-16 years. Watson School - Flint Village.] ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[Scenes from "The Twig of Thorn" given by a club of working girls in King Philip Settlement. Most of them are weavers. All girls.]  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. / [Lewis W. Hine]

[Scenes from "The Twig of Thorn" given by a club of working girls in K...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Mildred Benjamin, 17 years old. Right dorsal curvature. Scoliosis. Right shoulder higher than left. Shows incorrect position required to perform this kind of work. Stopping use of right arm. See 4667, 4671 & 4672. Location: Boston, Massachusetts Lewis W. Hine

Mildred Benjamin, 17 years old. Right dorsal curvature. Scoliosis. Rig...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 4666. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the ... More

Helen Whitty (15 years old). Hand drawn work on curtains at Boutwell, Fairclough & Gold, 274 Summer Street Extension. Mr. Fitzgerald, Manager.  Location: Boston, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Helen Whitty (15 years old). Hand drawn work on curtains at Boutwell, ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a living room, salon, office, late 19th-century interior, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Young girl working in Friedman Shelby Shoe Factory,. Location: Kirksville, Missouri

Young girl working in Friedman Shelby Shoe Factory,. Location: Kirksvi...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 1741. No text recorded after final comma on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee col... More

Olga Schubert, 855 Gruenwald St. The little 5 yr. old after a day's work that began about 5:00 A.M. helping her mother in the Biloxi Canning Factory, begun at an early hour, was tired out and refused to be photographed. The mother said, "Oh, She's ugly." Both she and other persons said picking shrimp was very hard on the fingers. See also photo 2021. Location: Biloxi, Mississippi

Olga Schubert, 855 Gruenwald St. The little 5 yr. old after a day's wo...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Canneries. Hine no. 2032. Reproduction no. LC-USZ6-1205. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congr... More

Twelve year old Selina Wall working at spooling in the Brazos ? Valley Cotton Mill, West Texas. Their family Record says she was born, March 23, 1901. Her mother said: "She's just taking the place of her sister fifteen years old. Selina could earn a dollar a day. She was raised up in a cotton mill over in Belton, but she has to stay home and do the cookin." The mother and the fifteen year old girl work regularly in the mill. Several older boys work. Selina keeps house. Nine in the family. Location: West, Texas

Twelve year old Selina Wall working at spooling in the Brazos ? Valley...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 3639. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Boy at warping machine, Catawba Cotton Mill, Newton, N.C. Location: Newton, North Carolina

Boy at warping machine, Catawba Cotton Mill, Newton, N.C. Location: Ne...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 441. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Indianapolis Newsboys Waiting for the Base-ball Edition In a Newspaper Office. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Newsboys Waiting for the Base-ball Edition In a Newspaper...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 110. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... More

Bank Boss (on right) Brake Boy (in centre) Laura Mine, Red Star, West Virginia. Location: Red Star, West Virginia

Bank Boss (on right) Brake Boy (in centre) Laura Mine, Red Star, West ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Coal mines. Hine no. 168. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Div... More

Mary _____________, a Polish girl and her mother, picking berries on Bottomley Farm, Rock Creek, near Baltimore, Md. In the winter they go to Dunbar, La., for oyster shucking. Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Mary _____________, a Polish girl and her mother, picking berries on B...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 833. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Di... More

Group, showing a few of the workers stringing beans in the J.S. Farrand Packing Co. Baltimore, Md. Those too small to work are held on laps of workers or stowed away in boxes. Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Group, showing a few of the workers stringing beans in the J.S. Farran...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 854. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Di... More

Manuel, the young shrimp-picker, five years old, and a mountain of child-labor oyster shells behind him. He worked last year. Understands not a word of English. Dunbar, Lopez, Dukate Company. Location: Biloxi, Mississippi

Manuel, the young shrimp-picker, five years old, and a mountain of chi...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Canneries. Hine no. 1984. Reproduction no. LC-USZ6-1306. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congr... More

Group of Breaker boys. Smallest is Sam Belloma, Pine Street. (See label #1949). Location: Pittston, Pennsylvania

Group of Breaker boys. Smallest is Sam Belloma, Pine Street. (See labe...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Coal mines. Hine no. 1948. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Di... More

Eight year old newsie. Many youngsters get up early to sell papers. One ten year old starts out at 3 A.M. every day and goes to school. Location: Waco, Texas

Eight year old newsie. Many youngsters get up early to sell papers. On...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 3558. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

Row of Coal miners shanties on Elk River at Bream, West Virginia. Location: Bream, West Virginia Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Row of Coal miners shanties on Elk River at Bream, West Virginia. Loca...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Children in West Virginia. Hine no. 5096. Number typed in upper left corner of caption card: 76. Geographic location at top of card is expressed as "Elk River, Bream, W. ... More

American Linen Co. Cleaner - Spinning room.  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

American Linen Co. Cleaner - Spinning room. Location: Fall River, Mas...

Public domain historical photo, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Continuation school girls looping stocking in Ipswich Mills.  Location: Boston, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Continuation school girls looping stocking in Ipswich Mills. Location...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a living room, salon, office, late 19th-century interior, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

14 year old Spooler tender. Berkshire Cotton Mills.  Location: Adams, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

14 year old Spooler tender. Berkshire Cotton Mills. Location: Adams, ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

H.H. Allison and 2 boys 10 and 12 years old gathering rye. Should be in school which opened several days ago. Several girls of school age also out. Owns farm of 112 acres. May go to Shady Nook School later.  Location: Nicholas County, Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

H.H. Allison and 2 boys 10 and 12 years old gathering rye. Should be i...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Frank F. Gibson, 1305 Linden St. Western Union Telegraph Co. Messenger No. 7. 14 years of age. 1 year in service. Visits houses of prostitution. Guides soldiers to segregated district. Smokes. Still at school and works from 8:30 P.M. to 12:30 A.M. Investigator, Edward F. Brown.  Location: Wilmington, Delaware / Photo by Louis [i.e. Lewis] W. Hine, May, 1910.

Frank F. Gibson, 1305 Linden St. Western Union Telegraph Co. Messenger...

Picryl description: Public domain vintage artistic photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

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