Created by

Unidentified

Medium

cotton fabric and cotton batting

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 37 × 24 × 20 in. (94 × 61 × 50.8 cm)

Type

quilts

petticoats

Place used

United States, North and Central America

Date

1830s-1840s; repurposed 1890s

Description

This quilted petticoat may have been made from a repurposed wholecloth bedcover or refashioned from a once larger skirt. The front of the textile is faced with a small-scale printed floral vine design in white, yellow, purple, and red blossoms with green leaves on a light brown ground. The back of the textile is faced with an orange striped cotton. A layer of cotton batting was quilted between the front and back facing fabrics. It was hand quilted with off-white cotton thread in an offset grid pattern with a leafy vine border design. The floral printed fabric was turned and hand stitched to the back fabric as binding. The fabrics and quilted motifs indicate it was probably made in the 1830s or 1840s. The fabric may have been imported from France.

The cut textile is turned under and the edges left raw at the interior waistline of the petticoat and the cotton batting can be seen along these raw edges. A small piece of printed cotton with a small-scale repeating design of purple flowers on a yellow ground is stitched at the interior proper left front waist. A long length of off-white cotton twill tape is attached around the back waist to hold gathers in the petticoat. The twill tape remains loose on the front so that the front of the petticoat has a flat silhouette. The petticoat is closed by tying these loose lengths of twill tape at the front waist.The hem of the petticoat is the original binding of the bedcover and the quilted vine border of the bedcover is turned horizontal around the bottom of the petticoat. The textile was probably repurposed into its current form as a petticoat between the 1870s and 1890s due to the flat front and gathered back waist.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Reconstruction (United States History, 1865-1877)

Slavery

United States--History--1865-1921

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Aaron and Maureen Robinson and Family

Object number

2014.180.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Slavery and Freedom Objects

Clothing-Historical

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Converse, American, founded 1908

Worn by

Julius Erving, American, born 1950

Signed by

Julius Erving, American, born 1950

Received by

"Doc" Stanley, American

Subject of

Philadelphia 76ers, American, founded 1963

Medium

leather, rubber and cloth

Dimensions

H x W (2015.115.1a left): 7 × 4 1/2 in. (17.8 × 11.4 cm)

H x W (215.115.1b right): 7 3/16 × 4 1/2 in. (18.3 × 11.4 cm)

Type

sneakers

Date

ca. 1981

Description

A pair of white and red Converse sneakers worn and autographed by Julius Erving. The sneakers are predominantly white with red stars and red chevrons on both sides. Printed in red ink on the outward facing side of the shoes is: [DR J]. The laces are white and run from the edge of the vamp to the top of the tongue. The tongue is white with red lettering that reads: [All Star / Converse].The interior is red. The back top portion of the shoe has a red background with the Converse logo in red and white. The rubber soles are white with a thatched pattern and an imprint that reads: [Converse / All Star / Made In USA]. Both sneakers are signed in black ink on the outward facing side. The proper left side of the left shoe (2015.115.1a) has Erving's signature and reads: [Julius Erving / # 6]. The proper right side of the right shoe (2015.115.1b) reads: [To Mel from / "Dr J" 3/81].

Topic

African American

Athletes

Basketball

Clothing and dress

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2015.115.1ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Tools and Equipment-Sports and Recreational

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

J. Crew, American, founded 1983

Worn by

Dr. Bryant, Jamal Harrison, American, born 1971

Subject of

Brown, Michael Jr., 1996 - 2014

Medium

.1: wool cloth, rayon and polyester blend cloth, and plastic buttons;

.2: wool cloth, rayon cloth, plastic and metal fasteners

Dimensions

H x W x D (.1 flat): 32 3/4 × 26 3/4 × 1/4 in. (83.2 × 67.9 × 0.6 cm)

H x W x D (.2 flat): 42 1/4 × 19 1/2 × 3/4 in. (107.3 × 49.5 × 1.9 cm)

Type

blazers

trousers

Place used

Ferguson, Saint Louis County, Missouri, United States, North and Central America

Date

October 13, 2014

Description

This suit consists of a jacket (.1) and pants (.2) worn by Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant to a protest in Ferguson, Missouri. The jacket (.1) is a black wool single-breasted blazer with a notched lapel and full-length straight sleeves. It closes at the center front with two (2) round black plastic buttons. There are two (2) inset pockets with straight flap tops, one at each front side waist, and one (1) welt pocket at the proper left breast. Four (4) round black plastic decorative buttons are sewn at sleeve cuff. There is a single vent at the back. The body of the jacket is fully lined in a black rayon and polyester blend fabric, while the sleeves are lined in a white and gray pinstripe rayon and polyester blend fabric. There are two (2) welt pockets, one at each interior breast, with one (1) welt pen pocket below the proper left breast pocket and above the one (1) welt pocket at the interior proper left waist. A manufacturer's label is sewn at the interior proper right front below the breast pocket, with one (1) spare button also sewn below the breast pocket. The wool manufacturer's label is sewn at the interior proper left front above the waist pocket, with a fiber content, style, and care tag sewn inside the interior proper left breast pocket. A hanger loop is sewn at the interior center back neck.

The black wool pants (.2) have straight full-length legs and close at the center front waist with a black metal zipper, one (1) round black plastic button around a tab, and one (1) flat metal hook-and-eye. The front closure is hidden by a placket. Six (6) self-fabric belt loops are sewn around the waistband. There are two (2) inset pockets, one at each front side waist, and two (2) welt pockets, one at each back side below the waist. Each back pocket closes with one (1) round black plastic button. The pockets and waistband are lined in a black twill stripe rayon fabric. A manufacturer's label is sewn at the interior proper right back waist, with a fiber content, style, and care tag sewn at the interior proper right front closure seam.

Topic

African American

Activism

Clothing and dress

Politics (Practical)

Race relations

Religious groups

Resistance

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pastor Jamal H. Bryant

Object number

2015.180.1.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Gildan Activewear Inc., Canadian, founded 1984

Russell Athletics, American, founded 1902

Worn by

Woodfox, Albert, American, born 1947

Subject of

David Wade Correctional Center, American, founded 1980

Medium

shirt: cotton and polyester blend cloth;

pants: cotton and polyester blend cloth, cord

Dimensions

H x W (.1 flat): 37 3/8 × 26 in. (94.9 × 66 cm)

H x W (.2 flat): 43 × 22 in. (109.2 × 55.9 cm)

Type

sweat pants

sweat shirts

Place used

Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America

Date

2010

Caption

Albert Woodfox is a former inmate of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as the Angola Prison. Woodfox is one of the “The Angola Three”— a group comprised of three former prison inmates (Robert King, Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace) who were put into solitary confinement in Louisiana State Penitentiary in April 1972 after the killing of a corrections officer. Woodfox is noted as the world’s longest serving person in solitary confinement, and was the last member of the Angola 3 to be released from prison.

Woodfox was issued this grey sweat suit in 2010 when he was transferred to the David Wade Correctional Center in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.

On November 20, 2014, Woodfox had his conviction overturned by the US Court of Appeals, and in April 2015, his lawyer applied for an unconditional writ for his release. Albert Woodfox was released on February 19, 2016, after 43 years of solitary confinement. Since his release, Woodfox has been the subject of documentary films, interviews and essays and has traveled the globe to tell his story.

Description

Grey sweat shirt (.1) and sweat pants (.2) worn by Albert Woodfox while incarcerated at David Wade Correctional Center.

The sweat shirt (.1) is made from grey polyester and cotton blend knit fabric. It has a ribbed crew neck, full-length sleeves with fitted ribbed cuffs, and the waistband is finished with a ribbed edge. The text "WOODFOX, A / 072148" in stencil lettering is stamped in burnt orange ink across the back shoulders. Two (2) white fabric labels with blue, red, and black printed text are sewn at the interior center back neck containing the manufacturer logo, size, fiber content, care, and style information.

The sweat pants (.2) are made from grey polyester and cotton blend knit fabric. The are ankle length with tapered legs. The waist band is cinched with a white nylon braided cord at the interior front waist. There are two (2) inset pockets, one at each front side waist. The text "WOODFOX, A / 072148" in stencil lettering is stamped in burnt orange ink on each leg near the knee. A white fabric label with blue printed text is sewn at the interior center back waist seam with the logo for Russel Athletics at the top followed by size, fiber content, style, and care information below and on the reverse.

Topic

African American

Activism

Black power

Clothing and dress

Justice

Prisons

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Albert Woodfox

Object number

2017.34.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Owned by

Maj. Gen. Bolden, Charles F. Jr., American, born 1946

Subject of

3d Marine Aircraft Wing, American, founded 1945

Manufactured by

Bluewater Defense, American

Derm/Buro, Inc., American

Aerial Machine and Tool Corp., American, founded 1926

Amron International, American, founded 1978

Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, Inc., American, founded 1935

Fulton Industries Inc., American, founded 1960

Unidentified

School of Survival Specialties, Inc.

Gentex Corp., American

Medium

Flight Suit: aramid, metal, leather;

Jacket:;

Anti-G Pants: aramid, polyurethane, nylon, metal, leather;

Torso Harness: polyamide nylon, metal;

Survival Vest & Components: nylon, metal, cotton (textile), plastic, pressure sensitive tape, glass, cork;

Flight Bag:;

Helmet & O2 Mask: graphite, nylon, styrofoam, leather, cotton (textile), polyester, canvas, sulfone polymer, silicone, rubber, metal, polycarbonate;

Gloves:;

Knee Board:;

Boots:

Type

uniforms

Date

ca. 2000

Description

2014.243.30: USMC Flight Suit

A green synthetic fiber flight suit worn by Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr. The suit is single piece with a zipper extending from the crotch to the neck. There are two diagonal zippered pockets across the chest of the jump suit, with an additional pocket on the PL upper arm. There are multiple zippered pockets on each leg, which have zippered leg cuffs. There are velcro fixtures with adjustment tabs at the waist, wrists. On the PR breast is a red diamond shaped patch with the insignia of the 3rd Marine Aircraft wing in yellow and black. On the PL breast is a black leather name patch. The Marine aviator wings emblem is embossed in gold on the top half of the badge with the lower half reading [CHARLES F. BOLDEN, JR./MAJ GEN USMC (RET)]. At the nape of the neck is a manufacturer tag with care instructions.

2014.243.31: Flight Jacket

Pilot's flight jacket in camo green, size medium. Jacket has elastic, knit cuffs and waist. Jacket has two (2) cargo pockets at front that fasten closed with Velcro. On the front upper PL torso is a rectangular patch of Velcro. On the front upper PR torso is a diamond patch of Velcro. On the upper PL sleeve is a pocket with a zipper closure. On the top of the pocket are four (4) smaller pockets for holding pens or pencils. Pen and pencil (TR2013-340.31.2 and TR2013-340.31.3) found in pencil pockets. Coin (TR2013-340.31.4) found in PL front cargo pocket. On the inside of the jacket at the nape of the neck is a white clothing tag with manufacturer information and size.

2014.243.32: Anti-G pants

Green pilot's CSU-13B/P anti-gravitational garment worn by Marj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr. The garment is designed to cover the body from the ankles up to the abdomen. The garment does not cover the whole lower body, with gaps at the crotch and rear as well as in front of and behind the knees. There is one main zipper on the PR side of the abdominal section and each leg has a zipper on its interior. On the PL side of the abdominal section is a hose with a metal tube coated in black and orange plastic which feeds the interior air bladders. When hanging it falls to just above the knee. On the back of the abdominal section of the garment is a vertical yellow rectangle of fabric with [BOLDEN] written in black ink. On the interior back of the abdominal section are three white manufacturer tags detailing care and specifications of the garment. The middle tag has [MGen Bolden] handwritten on it as well. The legs of the garment have several zippered and buttoned pockets on the exterior, as well as a rectangle of velcro on the PR thigh.

2014.243.33: Parachute Harness

A green MA-2 style integrated torso harness worn by Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr. The harness extends from the shoulders to the crotch and has a large zipper in the middle of the chest. The harness has two main quick release buckles, one at each shoulder. The harness also several other attachment and adjustment buckles and straps at the waist, thigh, and chest. The strap across the abdomen has [11/DOM/7-00/00] handwritten in black ink. At the top of the harness at the back of the neck is a rectangular yellow label with [BOLDEN] handwritten in black ink. There is a manufacturer's tag at the nape of the neck on the interior of the harness.

2014.243.34.1-.10: Survival Vest & Components

An SV-2B pilot survival vest (2014.243.34.1) owned by Charles F. Bolden. The vest includes several inner pockets, clips, velcro sections, and compartments for holding gear. Two flashlights (2014.243.34.3 & 2014.243.34.5), an emergency beacon (2014.243.34.2), hook blade (2014.243.34.4), pocket knife (2014.243.34.7), compass watch (2014.243.34.8), signal mirror (2014.243.34.9), whistle (2014.243.34.10), and plastic bottle (2014.243.34.6) are currently attached. The vest is zippered together in the front and has shoulder straps that criss-cross the back. There are also straps with metal hooks meant to clip the vest to other clothing or equipment hanging from the waist and chest. There is a large metal fastner on the PL front of the vest which is printed with manufacturer specifications. The back of the harness has four elastic straps and the waist has adjustable strapped bands. The manufacturer specifications are printed on the interior of the vest.

2014.243.35.1: Equipment Bag

Flight bag in camo green that zippers closed at the top. In the center of top on the front and bag is a handle. Below the handle on the front is a black metal carabineer-like clasp. On the front are two (2) large pockets that take up the whole front of the bag. Bag padded and lined inside. On the interior PR and PL sides are smaller pockets. On the back, inside, is a white tag with the number [35] stamped on it, left of the text [BAG, FLYER'S HELMET/SP0100-98-F-EC43/8415-00-782-2989/UNICOR]. Bag hold a pilot's helmet (TR2013-340.35.2ab), pair of flight gloves (TR2013-340.35.3ab) in the interior PR pocket, and notepad (TR2013-340.35.4ab) in the exterior PR pocket.

2014.243.35.2ab: Flight Helmet & O2 Mask

A pilot's HGU-68/P TACAIR flight helmet (2014.243.35.2a) and MBU-12/P oxygen mask (2014.243.35.2b) owned by Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr. The helmet is a graphite and nylon composite shell with foam interior and a camo patterned canvas cover. At the back of the helmet just above the neck is a white label with printed black text reading [MAJ. GEN. BOLDEN]. The helmet has a tinted visor that is covered with a detachable gray visor, which has [BOLDEN] written in black ink along its lower edge. The oxygen mask locks into the front of the helmet with several buckles. The oxygen mask is a hard gray polysulfone shell with a flexible gray silicone rubber air hose. The mask comes with several communications wires and acessories attached. On either side of the mask [Bolden / CB5603] is handwritten in black ink.

2014.243.35.3ab: Flight Gloves

Pair of pilot flight gloves in olive green, size 8. Top of the gloves made of a stretchy knit material. Gloves have leather undersides. Strip of knit fabric on side of the gloves running up the side of the thumb to the top of the thumb. Gloves cinched with elastic at the inside wrists. Gloves have a wide cuff that extends beyond the wrist. Inside the gloves is printed, white text listing the size, materials, care instructions, and manufacturer information [8/GLOVES, FLYERS, SUMMER/TYPE SS/FRP-D SAGE GREEN/MIL-G-81188B/AMERICAN GLOVE CORP./SP0100-00-0-4005/8415-01-029-0111/THE CLOTH PORTION OF HTE GLOVE IS/FABRICATED FROM AN INHERENTLY FIRE/RESISTANT MATERIAL (NOMEX) THAT/DOES NOT MELT OR DRIP. CAN BE/LAUNDERED WITHOUT LOSING ITS FIRE/RESISTANT PROPERTIES AND NO/RETREATMENT IS NECESSARY.].

2014.243.35.4: Knee Board

Pilot kneeboard of black plastic and metal. Kneeboard has large clips at the top and bottom to accommodate notepad. Top clip has a plastic light attached. Two (2) wires come out of the bottom of the clip and go into the interior body of the board. Attached to the top of the clip is a metal spring. On the PR side of the board near the top is a white sticker with text [PILOT IDENTIFICATION/ALL BATTERIES MUST BE LOADED IN THE SAME DIRECTION]. On the PL side of the board near the bottom is a long plastic tube for storing a pencil (TR2013-340.35.2b). Above the pencil holder is a plastic knob that turns on the light. On the knob in the center is raised text [PPSP]. At the top of the PL side is a pencil sharpener inserted into the body of the board. The bottom clip is metal with engraved text [U.S. PROPERTY/TYPE MXU-163/P CLIPBOARD PILOTS/CONTRACT NO. DLA-100-92-C-4263/MFR'S. MODEL ACB-1000/P/PRECISION POLYMER MFG. INC.]. In the middle of the body is an adjustable elastic strap that clips closed. The back is curved with two (2) strips of vertically oriented camo green colored foam. Notepad attached to board has white sheets. Top sheet is a flight navigation sheet with calculations in pen and pencil. Included is a pencil in yellow. Imprinted text on the side [BONDED U.S.A. SKILCRAFT MED/2]. Pencil has pink eraser.

2014.243.36ab: Flight boots

Black leather boots that lace up to the top with black shoelaces. Boots come to mid-calf. Boot soles are black with heavy tread. Inside the tongue of the shoes is a white clothing tag with black text [ANSI/Z41-1983/75]. On the inside of the boot shaft on the outer leg is black text [ADDISON SHOE COMP./DLA100-90-0-4178/30. MARCH 1990 DPSC/9 1/2R 75083].

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Military

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr., USMC (Ret)

Object number

2014.243.30-.36

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Tools and Equipment-Military

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Logan Knitting Mills Inc., American

Worn by

Purifoy, William, American

Subject of

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, American, founded 1914

Medium

wool and thread and plastic

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 32 1/4 × 25 1/2 × 15 in. (81.9 × 64.8 × 38.1 cm)

H x W: 33 × 21 1/2 in. (83.8 × 54.6 cm)

Type

sweaters

Place used

Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Date

1956

Description

Phi Beta Sigma cardigan sweater from the Alpha Epsilon Chapter at Johnson C. Smith University. This white and blue knit cardigan has multiple white and blue patches. The white cardigan has a v-neck, opens at the center front, and closes with six white buttons. The neck and opening are edged in blue. The long sleeves have blue cuffs and the two rectangular pockets on the front are lined in blue. There are three horizontal stripes across the collarbone, shoulder blades, and around the upper PL arm. Patches on the PR front of the sweater feature the Greek letters Phi, Beta, and Sigma "F / B / S" arranged vertically at a diagonal. Underneath is a patch that reads "Bill." The PL front bears a patch of the Phi Beta Sigma shield. Five patches are sewn to the PR arm: the number "56" and three stars. Two patches , the letters "A E", are stitched to the PL arm. A large patch is sewn to the upper back of the sweater. It reads "Phi Beta Sigma / Fraternity Inc." Sewn into the neck inside the cardigan is an ivory fabric tag. It features red text and yellow and red graphics of a megaphone, footballs, and winged foot. The text reads "100% PURE WOOL - DRY CLEAN ONLY / LOGAN / Knitting Mills / (illegible)038 W. MADISON ST. CHICAGO, ILL."

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Education

Fraternities

Men

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Kevin A. Christian

Object number

2014.74.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Haas, John G., American

Worn by

Alexander, John Hanks, American, 1864 - 1894

Subject of

9th Cavalry Regiment, American, founded 1866

Medium

Coat: wool, silk, and cotton with metal buttons;

Shoulder knots: metal cord, metal passementerie, metal button, metal clip, wool, batting, and paper

Dimensions

H x W (coat flat): 32 1/2 × 18 1/8 in. (82.6 × 46 cm)

H x W x D (shoulder boards (each)): 1 1/4 × 4 × 6 3/4 in. (3.2 × 10.2 × 17.1 cm)

Type

shoulder knots

frock coats

dress uniforms

Date

ca. 1890

Description

A navy blue wool U.S. Army M-1879 junior officer's dress uniform frock coat (a) worn by John Hanks Alexander of the 9th US Cavalry with two shoulder knots (b, c). The coat is made from a very dark navy blue wool broadcloth and features a double-breasted reverse-front that closes with seven (7) metal buttons on each front side featuring an embossed design of an eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other with a shield in front of its chest having a "C" in the middle of it. The coat has a short standing collar that fastens at the center front neck with one (1) metal hook-and-eye. The full-length fitted sleeves close at the slit cuffs with three (3) metal buttons each featuring the same design as the breast buttons on each cuff. A fabric loop is sewn at each outer shoulder and a metal loop at each inner shoulder for attaching the shoulder knots (b, c) to the coat. The tail of the coat has one deep slit at the center back. There are two (2) metal eagle buttons sewn one at either side of the center back waist at the top of the pleated tail. Two (2) additional buttons are sewn one at the bottom of each decorative side placket tucked under the pleat of each tail. The body and tails are lined with a black half-silk satin. The interior breasts, shoulders, and underarms are padded and quilted in parallel lines. An interior waist belt made from the broadcloth is sewn to the interior back and sides, but left loose in the front and fastens with one (1) large flat hook-and-eye at the center front. There is one (1) welted pocket at the interior proper left breast oriented vertically and one (1) welted pocket at the interior proper right breast oriented horizontally. There are two (2) inset tail pockets, one in the lining of each back side tail near the center back slit. All of the pockets are lined with black glazed cotton. The sleeves are fully lined with a cream cotton and silk striped fabric. A black fabric label is sewn at the interior center back neck with copper machine-embroidered text reading "John G. Haas / Lancaster, Pa.".

The shoulder knots (b, c) are both alike with a loop of doubled thick gilded metal cord at the top, a length of braid made from the metal cord, and an oval pillow faced in yellow wool broadcloth and trimmed in three rows of the metal cord. Centered in the pillow is a number "9" made from tightly coiled metal wire, indicating the soldier's regiment. Inside the open loop at the top of the braid is one (1) metal button featuring an eagle behind a shield with a "C" in it. The button is attached to a peg that runs through a hole to the underside of the shoulder knot and is attached to a metal hook. The hook fastens around the metal loop on the shoulders of the coat (a) and is part of a larger fastening mechanism that includes a long hinged clip, which slides through the fabric loops on the shoulders of the coat and then secures around the outer sides of the hook portion. The reverse of the shoulder knots are faced in navy blue wool broadcloth. The yellow wool ground beneath the braided cord and the underside of the oval are covering stiff paper. The inside of the pillow is heavily stuffed with batting to maintain a raised shape.

Topic

African American

Buffalo Soldiers

Clothing and dress

Military

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Family of Frances Sampson Mask

Object number

2012.34.1.1abc

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Exhibition

Double Victory: The African American Military Experience

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Standard Textile, American, founded 1940

Worn by

Dr. Ben Carson, American, born 1951

Medium

a: cotton and polyester blend cloth;

b: cotton and polyester blend cloth, synthetic fiber woven tape

Dimensions

H x W (Flat (a)): 31 1/2 × 28 in. (80 × 71.1 cm)

Chest: 21 1/2 in. (54.6 cm)

H x W (Flat (b)): 42 1/2 × 22 in. (108 × 55.9 cm)

Inseam: 29 in. (73.7 cm)

Type

shirts

trousers

Date

1984-2012

Description

These green medical scrubs were worn by Dr. Ben Carson. The shirt (a) is made from a seafoam green cotton and polyester blend fabric. It is a short sleeved, V-neck T-shirt with straight-cut sides. There is a white strip of fabric along the back collar area. The shirt is reversible, with seams finished on both sides. There is one (1) patch pocket on the proper left breast. One (1) additional patch pocket is sewn at the interior proper left breast. When the shirt is reversed this interior pocket becomes the exterior proper left pocket. A very faded manufacturer's label is sewn at the center back collar that reads "standardtextile / SOFTWEAVE / 55% COTTON / 45% POLYESTER" followed by size and care information.

The pants (b) are made from the same seafoam green cotton and polyester blend fabric. The legs are straight-cut and the pants tie at the waist with woven tape made from a synthetic fiber. The pants are reversible, with seams finished on both sides. There is one (1) patch pocket on the proper left back below the waist. One (1) additional patch pocket is sewn at the interior proper left below the waist. When the pants are reversed this interior pocket becomes the exterior back right pocket. A faded manufacturer's label is sewn at the center back waist that reads "standardtextile / SOFTWEAVE / 55% COTTON / 45% POLYESTER" followed by size and care information.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Medicine

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., MD

Object number

2012.73.5ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Everlast Worldwide, Inc., founded 1910

Worn by

Ali, Muhammad, American, 1942 - 2016

Medium

terry, thread

Dimensions

L x W (Robe): 43 1/2 × 27 1/2 in. (110.5 × 69.9 cm)

L x W (Belt): 75 3/4 × 1 3/4 in. (192.4 × 4.4 cm)

Type

robes

Place used

Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States, North and Central America

Date

1964

Description

White terry cloth Everlast robe worn by Muhammad Ali at the 5th Street Gym. Robe includes a terry cloth belt. On the front right panel, situated on the upper chest, is a label for the brand in worn black letters. [EVERLAST/MADE IN U. S. A./Made Expressly for MUHAMMED ALI]. On the back sewn in large black letters is Muhammad Ali's name [MUHAMMED/ALI].

Topic

African American

Athletes

Boxing

Clothing and dress

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2012.173.1ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Wanamaker & Brown, American, 1861 - 1986

Owned by

Thomas, Robert Jackson, American, 1889 - 1929

Subject of

Pullman Palace Car Company, American, 1867 - 1981

Medium

wool, metal, plastic

Dimensions

H x W: 32 x 22 in. (81.3 x 55.9 cm)

On Form: 30 1/2 x 24 1/2 x 13 in. (77.5 x 62.2 x 33 cm)

With Pants on Form: 65 x 24 1/2 x 14 in. (165.1 x 62.2 x 35.6 cm)

Type

livery (uniforms)

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1920

Description

A Pullman Porter uniform jacket owned by Robert Jackson Thomas. The jacket is made from a heavy wool-like material with a two inch collar and lined with a lighter black textured fabric. There are six metal outer buttons stamped with "PULLMAN" and six inner navy plastic buttons running down the opening of the coat. Each sleeve has two buttons on the cuff and a small square textile design on the wrist. The outside of the jacket has single-welt pockets on the left breast, on the right hip, and in the interior liner of the right breast. A sewn label directly under the interior pocket reads “Wanamaker & Brown / Philadelphia” in yellow thread on black fabric.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Labor

Transportation

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Descendants of Robert and Georgia Thomas, Pulaski, Tenn

Object number

2012.75.1.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Exhibition

Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Adidas AG, German, founded 1948

Subject of

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, American, born 1962

Medium

nylon, plastic, metal

Dimensions

2013.219.7a: 3 5/8 x 4 1/4 x 10 1/2 in. (9.2 x 10.8 x 26.7 cm)

2013.219.7b: 3 5/8 x 4 1/4 x 10 1/2 in. (9.2 x 10.8 x 26.7 cm)

Type

track shoes

Place made

Germany, Europe

Place used

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1984

Description

A pair of track shoes worn by Jackie Joyner-Kersee. The shoes are white with three vertical, orange stripes on the outside of each shoe. At the center of the tongue of the shoe is an orange box with the Adidas logo in black at center. The heel of the shoe is blue and also has the Adidas logo in white. The laces of the shoes are white. The shoes have plastic treads with six metal spikes screwed into the bottom. The left shoe is inscribed at on top by the toe of the shoe with "Olympic Trials" in black marker. Both shoes are signed "Jackie J. Kersee" on the right side of the heel in black marker.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Track and field

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.219.7ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Exhibition

Sports: Leveling the Playing Field

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 052

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Adidas AG, German, founded 1948

Worn by

Bryant, Kobe Bean, American, born 1978

Subject of

Los Angeles Lakers, American, founded 1947

National Basketball Association, American, founded 1946

Medium

cloth , elastic

Dimensions

H x W (Jersey, flat): 40 3/16 × 26 3/4 in. (102 × 68 cm)

H x W (Shorts, flat): 21 1/4 × 18 1/8 in. (54 × 46 cm)

Type

jerseys

athletic shorts

sports uniforms

Place used

Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

2008

Description

A basketball uniform, jersey and shorts, worn by Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers for game five of the 2008 NBA Finals. The jersey is white with yellow panels and purple piping and accents. The jersey features appliqué across the front reading [LAKERS / 24] and on the back reading [BRYANT / 24]. The NBA logo is embroidered at the left shoulder. Tags on the jersey at bottom read [SIZE / 54], [CLIMATE], {NBA / AUTHENTICS], [(Lakers logo)], [PLAYER ID / (blank space)], [(Adidas logo)], [LENGTH +4], and [MelGrayGroup / NBA GameWorn / 2007-2008 Season / AM006381]. The shorts are white with yellow side panels and purple accents. The Lakers logo is stitched on the shorts on the left and right flanks and the NBA logo is embroidered at the right hip. Series of tags on the waistband includes [SIZE / 44], [LENGTH +2], and [PLAYER ID / 24], with the [24] handwritten in black marker.

Topic

African American

Athletes

Basketball

Clothing and dress

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Kobe Bryant

Object number

2017.12.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture