A pioneering journalistic photographer who produced nearly 8,000 images over her lifetime, Austen was one of the first women on Staten Island to own a car. Her work documented life in the borough. During the Victorian Era, Austen chose to live with her girlfriend, with whom she remained partnered for 50 years. Austen was in attendance at the first Alice Austen Day, attended by approximately 300 people, on October 9, 1951. She died soon after. Where to pay tribute today: Her former home, where she developed her images, is open to the public as the Alice Austen House Museum.