Graceful Portrait of Anna Fitziu on Governors Island, 1916

This glass negative from May 26, 1916, captures Anna Fitziu, who was a notable figure during her time. Taken on Governors Island—a site rich in military history and strategic importance—this image reflects the everyday life of individuals involved in the social fabric of early 20th-century America. The photograph, produced by Bain News Service, showcases the standard photographic techniques of the era, utilizing glass negatives that were prevalent before the rise of film photography.

Governors Island, located in New York Harbor, served various purposes throughout its history, including military installations and a Coast Guard base. In the early 1900s, it was a hub for military personnel and their families. This image, a part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, adds to our understanding of the community on Governors Island, providing a personal glimpse into the lives and activities of the people who lived and worked there during a significant period in American history.