Rogovin's photography captures Iroquois communities
An exhibit of emotionally moving photographs by internationally recognized social documentary photographer Milton Rogovin continues at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society's Pan-American Building, located at 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue.

"Milton Rogovin: Native American Series, 1963-2002" continues at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society's Pan-American Building through Jan. 13.

"Milton Rogovin: Native American Series, 1963-2002" includes 39 year's worth of striking images of Iroquois communities throughout upstate New York, Canada and Buffalo's Lower West S ide.

Rogovin's black and white photographs capture a cross section of Native Americans, young and old, urban and rural, in varied settings, including psychedelic rock and roll culture, an Iroquois social gathering and weathered reservation buildings.

Rogovin has described himself as a photographer of "the forgotten ones." Subjects of his work have included the struggle of miners in 10 countries, the decline of Buffalo and Lackawanna's once-mighty steel industry, Yemeni families in Lackawanna and the movement of the spirit in storefront churches on Buffalo's East Side.

Rogovin, soon to turn 98, has led a fascinating life. Born in New York City in 1909, he moved to Buffalo in 1938 and opened an optometric practice. He became active in Buffalo's communist party, which led to a hearing before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1952 and the Buffalo News branding him "Buffalo's Top Red."

Despite the devastating effects of a public blacklisting, Rogovin refused to be silenced and, instead, turned to photography to give a greater voice to the cause of the working class. Rogovin's work is included in the Library of Congress, the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris and the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, Ariz.

"Milton Rogovin: Native American Series, 1963-2002" will be on view through Jan. 13, 2008.

Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 873-9644, Ext. 301.