Elegant Afternoon Tea at Barnard College, 1915-1920

This historical photograph captures a tea event at Barnard College, likely held between 1915 and 1920. Organized gathering like this were common during that era, reflecting the social customs of college life at the time. The image is attributed to the Bain News Service, known for documenting important moments and gatherings across the United States.

Barnard, founded in 1889 as a women’s college affiliated with Columbia University, served as a progressive space for women pursuing higher education. Events like this tea highlight the camaraderie among students and faculty, fostering connections that would last beyond their college years. Such gatherings contributed to the development of a social network important for womens education and empowerment in the early 20th century.