Alice Austen House | Staten Island

Alice Austen House (Clear Comfort)

Location: 2 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10305

Overview:

The Alice Austen House, also known as Clear Comfort, is a historic house museum dedicated to the life and work of pioneering American photographer Alice Austen (1866–1952). Situated on the eastern shore of Staten Island, the house offers panoramic views of New York Harbor and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The museum preserves Austen's legacy and serves as a cultural center promoting photography, personal identity, and LGBTQ+ history.

Historical Significance:

Architecture: Originally built in the 1690s as a one-room Dutch Colonial house, Clear Comfort underwent several expansions in the 19th century, notably after its purchase by John Haggerty Austen, Alice's grandfather, in 1844. The house exhibits elements of Gothic Revival architecture.

Alice Austen's Life: Alice Austen was among the earliest female photographers in America, producing over 7,000 images that documented urban life, immigrants, and the social activities of women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She lived in Clear Comfort for most of her life, sharing it with her partner Gertrude Tate for nearly 30 years.

Preservation Efforts: In the 1960s, the house faced demolition threats due to real estate development. Preservationists, including photographer Berenice Abbott and architect Philip Johnson, advocated for its conservation. The house was designated a New York City Landmark in 1967, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and became a National Historic Landmark in 1993.

Museum and Programs:

Exhibitions: The museum showcases Austen's photographs alongside contemporary photography exhibitions. It also features period rooms restored to reflect the Victorian era.

Educational Initiatives: The Alice Austen House offers educational programs for students, workshops, and cultural events that explore themes of photography, history, and LGBTQ+ identity.

LGBTQ+ Recognition: In 2017, the house's designation on the National Register of Historic Places was amended to include its significance to LGBTQ+ history, acknowledging the lifelong partnership between Alice Austen and Gertrude Tate.

Visiting Information:

Hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays

Admission:

Suggested donation: $5

Free admission for members of affiliated organizations and individuals receiving SNAP benefits (up to four people)

Contact:

Phone: (718) 816-4506

Accessibility:

The museum is accessible via public transportation from Manhattan by taking the Staten Island Ferry followed by the S51 bus. Parking is available for visitors traveling by car.

Conclusion:

The Alice Austen House stands as a testament to the life of a trailblazing photographer and serves as a vital cultural institution preserving the rich history of Staten Island and the broader narratives of American photography and LGBTQ+ heritage.