Even before Matthew Brady carried his cameras out to Antietam, photographers had begun to shape the public’s understanding of warfare, protest and politics, poverty and social change. In 1935, President Roosevelt enlisted teams of visionaries like Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange and Margaret Bourke-White to gather the images that convinced millions to support the New Deal. Our shared memories of the past century and of our own history owe a great debt to some often-anonymous photojournalists.

In the first of a series of three study groups, slated for spring, summer and fall, we’ll look at photographs that tried to capture the hardships of the Great Depression, the horrors of the Second World War, and the passions of the Civil Rights Movement. As best as we can, we’ll try to figure out: Who took these pictures? Who were these people? And – if they left a trace – Whatever became of them?

Convener: Joe Gastiger was pastor at the First Congregational Church, UCC, in DeKalb for almost twenty years before retiring in 2020. Prior to ministry, he taught English classes at NIU and coordinated the University Honors Program. These days, he chairs the city’s Human Relation Commission. Joe has led about a dozen study groups for LLI, and he has published three books of poetry.

Please note: the location for the April 26 class will be at Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center (BAVC). 

The NIU Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), established in 2000, is a member-directed group of individuals primarily age 50 plus who enjoy learning in informal, flexible, non-competitive groups and like connecting with peers who share their interests. No grades, no tests – just Learning for the Fun of It.