How do I join the virtual event?

After registering via the FareHarbor link, you will receive access instructions and a Zoom meeting link via email.

Is there a cost to attend?

The event is pay-what-you-wish, making it accessible to everyone regardless of budget.

Can I ask questions during the event?

Yes, there will be a live Q&A portion where you can engage with the presenters.

Do I need any photography experience to participate?

No prior photography knowledge is required; the discussion is accessible to all interested in history and social issues.

Will the event be recorded?

Information about recording availability is provided upon registration, but live attendance is encouraged to participate in Q&A.

Is this event specific to New York City history?

While centered on Arthur Rothstein’s work, the discussion also touches on immigrant experiences and broader social themes relevant beyond NYC.

Exploring Documentary Photography and Social History with Arthur Rothstein | History Tour | Events

On the evening of November 19th at 6pm ET, immerse yourself in an enriching virtual experience titled “The Life of Arthur Rothstein: Documentary Photography, Memory & the Immigrant Experience.” This unique online event, hosted via Zoom, offers a deep dive into the world of documentary photography and its powerful role in capturing social history. Led by Dr. Ann Rothstein-Segan and Brodie Hefner, the discussion delves into Arthur Rothstein’s groundbreaking work, spotlighting the stories of marginalized communities and how his images have influenced social awareness and action.

Arthur Rothstein, renowned for his compelling visual narratives during the Great Depression and beyond, used his camera to document harsh realities with clarity and empathy. His photographs humanized struggles faced by immigrants and rural Americans, helping to bring invisible peoples and places into the public eye. This discussion connects Rothstein’s legacy to broader themes of memory, identity, and cultural history, making it a meaningful experience for anyone interested in photography, history, or social justice.

Although this experience is virtual, its roots trace back to the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City, a historic hub for immigrant communities and artistic innovation. This event offers a rare opportunity to engage with expert analysis and personal insights from Rothstein’s family and scholars familiar with his work.

The session promises to inspire by revealing how powerful imagery can shape public discourse and collective memory. The conversation highlights Rothstein’s role in shaping documentary photography as more than art—a tool for social change that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.

Visitors tuning in from near and far will gain a rich understanding of the intersection between visual history and contemporary issues. Whether you’re a photographer, historian, or curious explorer of human stories, this virtual forum provides a compelling look into how one man’s lens transformed the way we see society.

Registering for this pay-what-you-wish event is straightforward through FareHarbor, making it accessible for all who wish to deepen their appreciation for documentary storytelling and its enduring impact.

About Museum at Eldridge Street

Museum at Eldridge Street preserves and interprets the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a landmark on Manhattan’s Lower East Side established in 1887. The museum offers a range of guided and self-guided experiences, including docent-led discovery tours, self-guided visits, architecture and anniversary building tours, virtual talks, and multilingual programs.
Regular offerings highlight walking tours that explore Jewish history across neighborhoods such as the Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, and Historic Jewish Harlem, as well as themed walks about activism, love and courtship, and the Jewish gangsters of Lower Manhattan. Monthly Spanish-guided tours are held every last Monday of the month, and special events include concerts, exhibition talks, and food-focused walks like the Eldridge Eats Food Tour.
The museum presents virtual programming, including seminars tied to exhibitions such as the Lower East Side in 1975 photography project and virtual book talks. The Anniversary Building Tour celebrates the synagogue with artifacts, documents, and images presented by guides like Scott Brevda.
By combining historic preservation, community programming, and educational tours, the institution supports research and public engagement without relying on conjecture. Visitors can expect factual interpretation rooted in primary sources, curated exhibitions, and live-led programs produced by professional staff and volunteer docents. Located in New York, New York, the Museum at Eldridge Street serves both local audiences and visitors seeking authentic stories of Jewish immigrant experience, architecture, and cultural history on the Lower East Side. Programs include guided education for schools, public lectures, family activities, and seasonal events that deepen neighborhood connections and archival access.