PETER BACON HALES

1950 - 2014

HALES, PETER BACON Peter Bacon Hales (November 13, 1950 – August 26, 2014), an acclaimed American cultural historian, photographer and author, and a joyous musician, died in a tragic bicycling accident near his home in Stone Ridge, New York. Born in Pasadena, California, Peter grew up in Guilford, Connecticut. He graduated from Haverford College in 1972. At the University of Texas at Austin, he earned his MA in Photography and American Studies in 1976 and his PhD in American Civilization in 1980 under the mentorships of Garry Winogrand and Dr. William H. Goetzman, respectively. His early academic career led him to the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1980 where he became Professor of Art History, Chair of the Art History Department (2006-2010), and Director of the Study of the U.S. Institute for Scholars (formerly American Studies Institute). He retired in 2010, was named Professor Emeritus, and continued to teach until 2012. Peter and his wife Maureen relocated from Chicago to their home in Stone Ridge, NY in 2012, where he focused on research and writing. When his most recent book Outside The Gates of Eden - The Dream of America from Hiroshima to Now was published in April, he was immersed in new projects, including a photographic and cultural study of the American freeway. Earlier books include Atomic Spaces: Living on the Manhattan Project (1997); William Henry Jackson and the Transformation of the American Landscape (1988); and Silver Cities: The Photography of American Urbanization, 1839-1915 (1984; revised and published in 2005); as well as numerous essays and articles, the spectrum of which reflect his broad areas of interest and expertise. A natural community builder, Peter embraced life in the Hudson Valley with his treasured wife Maureen, developing strong friendships and a conservationist’s sense of place. As an accomplished guitarist and songwriter, Peter sought out and found friendship, collaboration and community with musicians wherever he lived. As a passionate cyclist, Peter often rode over 200 miles a week with a team, a partner or solo. Beloved husband, dedicated father, loving brother and uncle, mentor and friend to many, Peter is survived by his wife Maureen Pskowski, son Taylor Hales, daughter Molly Hales, sisters, Susan Hales and Marty Hales. He is predeceased by his parents, Milton Reynolds Hales and Harriet Bacon Hales. Donations may be made in honor of Peter Hales to the Rondout Esopus Land Conservancy, where he served on the board. RELC - Peter Hales, PO Box 144, Accord, NY 12404 All are invited to share memories and photographs at: www.peterbhales.squarespace.com