New York Stories is a new series of talks and live interviews exploring the lives of the artists, influencers, and powerbrokers who have shaped the political and cultural landscape of New York City. Through personal stories, pivotal moments, and the history of institutions they built, challenged, or transformed, the series examines how these figures influenced New York’s past and continue to define its future.
Join us for an illuminating conversation between Donna Van Der Zee and Jeff L. Rosenheim, the Joyce Frank Menschel Curator in Charge of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Photographs, exploring the extraordinary life, work, and enduring legacy of James Van Der Zee, one of the most important photographers of the 20th century. Together, they will delve into his iconic images of Harlem, the stories behind his visionary artistry, and the lasting impact his photographs continue to have on American culture and visual art.
This conversation will be introduced by Marcus P. Smith, historian and curator of the W.E.B. Du Bois Freedom Center. Those interested in learning more about James Van Der Zee and W.E.B. Du Bois are encouraged to visit the Freedom Center in Great Barrington, open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
For a deeper look at Van Der Zee’s work, a selection of his photographs will be on view at the Lenox Historical Society, July 8–12, 11:00 am-3:00 pm, and at the Norman Rockwell Museum as part of American Stories: From Revolution to Rockwell, on view through October 26, 2026.
The Mount would like to thank Richard and Nedra Koplin for supporting the New York Stories series.
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION:
- This one-hour talk takes place in The Mount’s Stable Auditorium, a 140-seat, climate-controlled, indoor venue adjacent to the parking lot.
- Seating for all programs at The Mount is first-come, first-served. If you have seating preferences, we recommend arriving fifteen minutes early.
- Accessible seating is available. To discuss arrangements, please contact us by phone: 413-551-5111 x5; or email: programs@edithwharton.org. For more information about accessibility, review The Mount’s accessibility webpage.
- A book signing will follow this talk. Books can be purchased at the event from The Mount Gift & Bookstore or in advance via Bookshop.org
- Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org; or phone: 413-551-5111 x2
Donna Van Der Zee is the widow of famed Harlem Renaissance photographer James Van Der Zee. For over forty years, Mrs. Van Der Zee and the Studio Museum in Harlem maintained James Van Der Zee’s archive until, in December 2021, a historic collaboration was announced: The Metropolitan Museum of Art would assume stewardship of Van Der Zee’s archive, while working alongside the Studio Museum and Mrs. Van Der Zee to conserve, digitize, and provide public access to the photographer’s entire catalogue.
Jeff Rosenheim joined The Met in 1988. He is the author of ten books on Walker Evans. Jeff is the steward of the Walker Evans Archive, which the Metropolitan acquired in 1994. He is also the custodian of the Diane Arbus Archive. Rosenheim has a BA in American studies from Yale University and an MFA in photography from Tulane University. He has lectured extensively, curated numerous exhibitions, such as Photography and the American Civil War (2013), and published essays on a wide range of artists, including Carleton Watkins, Thomas Eakins, Walker Evans, Helen Levitt, Robert Frank, Diane Arbus, Lee Friedlander, William Eggleston, and Stephen Shore.
