Have You Heard the News? Photos in the Life From the 19th Century.

1/6th Plate Ambrotype of a Unknown Man posing with his Newspaper (The New York Ledger) Circa 1859. Courtesy of the Koltin Massie Collection.

1/6th Plate Ambrotype of a Union Soldier Holding a Unknown Document Courtesy of Koltin Massie Collection

In the bustling streets of 19th century America, newspapers were not just a source of information; they were a cultural phenomenon. Founded in 1855 by Robert E. Bonner, The New York Ledger stood at the forefront of this revolution, shaping the way news was disseminated and consumed across the nation. Simultaneously, another trend emerged – the fascination with capturing moments of everyday life through the lens of a camera, including the curious practice of posing for photographs with newspapers or occupational views. Photography was still in its infancy, existing for less than 20 years. These shots are some of our earliest views into the life of everyday people of the mid 1800s.

Tintype of Two Federal Soldiers Posing in a Boxing Pose Courtesy of the Koltin Massie Collection

As newspapers became increasingly ubiquitous, so too did the desire to immortalize significant moments by posing for photographs with them. In an era devoid of smartphones and social media, photographs were cherished keepsakes, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us. Posing with a newspaper was not merely a casual gesture but a deliberate act of commemoration, symbolizing one's connection to a particular event or piece of news. These photographs captured a wide array of subjects in 19th century images – from proud citizens celebrating election results to soldiers proudly displaying wartime documents.

Each image tells a story, offering a window into the past and inviting us to contemplate the significance of the printed word and photo in shaping collective memory.