Visualizing the Man-Monster: Peter Sewally/Mary Jones, New York City, 1836

Introduction

Historians Jonathan Ned Katz and Tavia Nyong’o have created an original work for the debut of the Pop Up Museum of Queer History.

This work is a computer-based exhibit created on OutHistory.org, the wiki website on LGBTQ history.

The work titled "Visualizing the Man-Monster: Peter Sewally/Mary Jones, New York City, 1836," raises questions about the historical depiction in a lithograph created in 1836, in New York City, of an African American male, Peter Sewally.

Dressed as a woman, Sewally had recently been found guilty of picking men’s pockets while having sex with them.

The intention of the exhibit is to help viewers ask informed questions that allow them to understand this image in its historical context. It’s purpose is to activate the historical imagination of viewers.

The exhibit is accessed by clicking on the titles below.