May 3, 1849

Jacob Riis (May 3, 1849 to May 26, 1914) was one of thousands of immigrants who came to the United States looking for an opportunity for change and education. Riis started as a carpenter, from Denmark, and worked many, dirty, jobs which allowed him to learn about the impoverished slums in New York City. He gained a background in journalism but was frustrated about how he could convey the plight of the poor to middle and upper class readers. The story is that the use of a flash gun, newly invented in 1877, was a way Riis found to document the lives of the poor, for now he could photograph dark interiors and retain the details. Below we have one of his photographs of the tenements.



Jacob Riis's work  is considered an early example of reform journalism. His books enlightened, and encouraged social change. Theodore Roosevelt after meeting Riis, became a friend for life.