Isabelle Wanamaker: A 1917 Portrait of Change

This photograph features Isabelle Wanamaker, captured in July 1917 by the Bain News Service. Wanamaker was a significant figure in early 20th-century America, known for her involvement in various social causes. During this time, the nation was engulfed in World War I, and many Americans, particularly women, were increasingly stepping into public roles, supporting war efforts, and advocating for suffrage. The photo reflects the shifting societal norms and the growing visibility of women’s contributions to the political and social landscape.

The image is preserved as a glass negative, a common photographic process of that era, which allows for the detailed portrayal of subjects. The Bain News Service, established by George Grantham Bain, played a crucial role in documenting contemporary events and people through photography. Capturing individuals like Wanamaker not only illustrated the personalities of the time but also contributed to historical records that offer insights into the roles and perceptions of women in society at that pivotal moment in history.