Pricked and Painted: Tattooing in the 19th Century

How prevalent were tattoos in the 1800s, how widespread were they, and who had them? Charles Longfellow, the oldest son of the poet Henry Longfellow, was extensively tattooed in Japan in the early 1870s. He was likely not the only tattooed Cantibrigian of his day.

Join traditional hand poke tattoo artist Owen Payette McGarry for a conversation on methods of tattooing in the 1800s, what motivated people to get tattoos, and what designs were popular. We’ll also discuss Charley Longfellow’s tattoos and the context of Japanese tattooing in the late 1800s.

This program will feature a living history tattoo demonstration. Owen Payette McGarry is a traditional hand poke tattoo artist specializing in historically inspired maritime work. Part of his practice is living history tattoo demonstrations to educate people on the history of tattoos and the lives of people who got them.

This program is presented by History Cambridge in partnership with Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site.