Early 1900s Gathering of New York Secular Society

This glass negative image features H. Oppenheim, a prominent figure associated with the New York Secular Society, captured between 1910 and 1915. The New York Secular Society, founded in 1887, aimed to promote secularism and encourage the exploration of ethical society beyond religious frameworks. Oppenheim, as part of this organization, likely played a role in advancing discussions on rational thought and humanist values during a period marked by significant social change and the questioning of traditional beliefs.

The image reflects a time when secular movements gained traction in the United States, as individuals sought to address moral and ethical issues through a non-religious lens. This period saw the emergence of various social reform movements, contributing to broader dialogues about education, womens suffrage, and labor rights. The photograph not only documents Oppenheims identity but also serves as a window into the conversations that shaped early 20th-century America, highlighting the important contributions of secular organizations in advocating for change.