Lewis Hine 1874 – 1940

Biography

Lewis Hine was born on September 26, 1874, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, during a period of profound social change in America. Over his lifetime, he would become a pioneering figure who combined two vocations—sociology and photography—to document the human condition with unprecedented insight and compassion.

Throughout his career, Hine used his camera as a tool for social understanding, bringing the perspectives of sociology to bear on his photographic work. His dual expertise allowed him to see beyond mere images, capturing stories that revealed deeper truths about American life and labor. His approach to photography was distinctive, informed by scholarly understanding and driven by a desire to illuminate social realities.

Lewis Hine passed away on November 3, 1940, in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, leaving behind a significant legacy in both fields he championed. His contributions to photography and sociology continue to influence how we document and understand society. He was laid to rest at Ouleout Valley Cemetery in Delaware County, where his memory remains part of the landscape he once called home.