Races, Negroes: United States. Virginia. Hampton. Hampton Normal and Industrial School: Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, Hampton, Va.: Plowing and reaping by progressive Indian. 1899 - 1900

Editor: This photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston is titled "Races, Negroes: United States. Virginia. Hampton. Hampton Normal and Industrial School: Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, Hampton, Va.: Plowing and reaping by progressive Indian." It seems to depict agricultural work. What do you make of the framing of this scene, especially the caption mentioning "progressive Indian"? Curator: The title is telling. Johnston’s work wasn’t just about documenting; it was about shaping perceptions. Note the context: Hampton Institute aimed to assimilate Native Americans through vocational training. The photographs likely served a dual purpose – fundraising and propagating a specific narrative of progress through assimilation. Editor: So the framing of "progressive Indian" is less about celebrating Indigenous culture and more about promoting assimilationist policies? Curator: Precisely. The images were used to garner support for the institution. We must critically examine how the photographs functioned within a larger socio-political agenda, and who benefited from this portrayal. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about regarding the power of images and institutions in shaping narratives. Curator: Indeed. It highlights the responsibility that comes with viewing and interpreting historical photographs.