Harvard Slavery Archive: Photos & Stories (1848)
Harvard University resolves a 15-year legal battle concerning historic photos of enslaved ancestors Renty and Delia, a landmark case for descendants’ rights. Tamara Lanier, a descendant, fought for control of the haunting images—daguerreotypes believed to be among the oldest of enslaved African Americans, taken in 1850. The lawsuit addressed the ethics of Harvard’s possession of these portraits, originally commissioned for a racist study, amplifying issues of reparations and historical artifact handling. The images will now reside at the International African American Museum. Read on for details, and visit News Directory 3 for updates on this and other compelling stories. What revelations might the museum’s exhibit bring?
Harvard Settles Lawsuit Over Slave Photos of Renty and Delia
Updated June 3,2025
Harvard University has resolved a 15-year legal dispute with Tamara Lanier,an educator and a descendant,over historic photos of her enslaved ancestors,Renty and Delia. The daguerreotypes, believed to be among the oldest images of enslaved African Americans, sparked a battle over ownership and the right to tell their story.
The enslaved ancestor photos, taken in South Carolina in 1850, depict Renty and his daughter Delia. Lanier, the great-great-great granddaughter of Renty, initiated legal action after discovering Harvard’s possession of the portraits. The images were originally commissioned by a Harvard professor for what Lanier described as a racist study.
Lanier argued that her ancestors never consented to the photoshoot, rendering Harvard’s ownership illegitimate. The portraits resurfaced at the university in 1975. Her goal was to reclaim the images and ensure they were presented with dignity and respect.
Attorney Joshua Koskoff, representing Lanier, emphasized the past significance of the case. He noted the rarity of winning control over images of enslaved people dating back 175 years. The legal battle highlights issues of reparations and the proper handling of historical artifacts.
“This is a moment in history where the sons and daughters of stolen ancestors can stand with pride and rightfully proclaim a victory for reparations,” lanier told AP News. “This pilfered property, images taken without dignity or consent and used to promote a racist pseudoscience will now be repatriated to a home where their stories can be told and their humanity can be restored.”
The portraits of Renty and Delia will be transferred to the International African American Museum in South Carolina, their home state. This move aims to provide a space where their stories can be shared and their humanity recognized.
What’s next
The International African American Museum will display the daguerreotypes, ensuring Renty and Delia’s legacy is honored and their stories are told with the respect they deserve. The settlement marks a meaningful step in addressing historical injustices and promoting accurate portrayal.