Wilson Signing the Child Labor Bill

What it is

This black-and-white photograph, from the Harris & Ewing photograph collection, shows a man seated at a desk signing a document while a group of men and women in formal dress watch. It is captioned as showing Woodrow Wilson signing the child labor bill in 1916.

Why it matters

The child labor bill was one of the signature reforms of the Progressive Era, limiting the use of child workers. This photograph documents the ceremonial signing, showing Wilson in the act of enacting legislation and the officials and witnesses who gathered for the occasion.

Look closer

• Why might photographers have been invited to record this bill-signing ceremony?
• What does the formality of the scene—desk, flowers, onlookers—suggest about how such events were staged?
• What does the photograph not show about the debate and effort behind passing this law?