Lot 258

(NEW YORK CITY.) Stereoview of a lesson at New York's Colored Orphan Asylum, circa 1862

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(NEW YORK CITY.) Stereoview of a lesson at New York's Colored Orphan Asylum, circa 1862

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500

Starting Bid: $750

(0 Bids)

by Swann Auction Galleries
June 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Live Auction
104 East 25th Street
New York, NY, US 10010



Stereoview of a lesson at New York's Colored Orphan Asylum.
New York, circa 1862
Hand-tinted albumen stereoview print, 2¾ x 6 inches, on original plain mount, captioned in manuscript on verso "Infant School, Colored Orphan Asylum," numbered "7" in the negative; minor wear.

New York's Colored Orphan Asylum was founded by Quaker philanthropists in 1836, and in 1843 moved into a new building on 5th Avenue, just north of where the main branch of New York Public Library stands today. The building was destroyed by a racist mob during the July 1863 New York City draft riots. The children all survived the blaze, although some were beaten by rioters as they escaped. After several name changes and relocations, the institution remains in operation today as the Harlem Dowling--West Side Center for Children & Family Services.

This image shows about 50 students in auditorium seats while an African-American teacher reads to them from a book. Only two other images from this series have appeared at auction, in a Swann sale on 19 April 2016, lot 14; and the following lot.

  • Medium: New York, circa 1862
  • Notes:
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