NMAAHC Collections Search

The Comet

Published by: Booker T. Washington High School, American, founded 1913
Signed by: W. D. Williams, 1905 - 1984

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: 11 1/4 x 8 3/4 x 1/2 in. (28.6 x 22.2 x 1.3 cm); Open Flat: 11 3/8 × 17 13/16 × 2 1/8 in. (28.9 × 45.2 × 5.4 cm)

Type: school yearbooks

Place depicted: Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1948

Description: A high school yearbook for Booker T. Washington High School called "The Comet." The cover of the yearbook is yellow with black text. At top center are the words “The Comet” next to a black star. At the bottom right is “1948.” At the bottom of the cover is “Booker T. Washington High School. The back cover is signed “Wm. D. Williams.”

Topic: African American; American South; American West; Communities; Education; United States--History--1945-1953

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Families of Anita Williams Christopher and David Owen Williams

Object number: 2013.79.25

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Airline freight tag from Mae's Millinery Shop

Printed by: Air France, founded 1933
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 5 3/4 x 2 5/16 in. (14.6 x 5.9 cm)

Type: labels (identifying artifacts)

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Paper freight tag printed in red ink. One side of the label has the printed text "A / AF 20094 / BAGAGE ENREGISTRE EN FRANCE / AIR FRANCE". The other side of the label has printed text and handwritting in black ink that reads: "A / [hand] PAL / [print] vol no. [hand] NA603 / [print] via [hand] NYC / [print] vol no [hand] 977". A string is looped and tied through a reinforced circular hole at the center top of the tag.

Topic: African American; Business; Transportation; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.106

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Gold and glass perfume bottle from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Anne Paree
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: metal, glass, plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5 3/8 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (13.7 x 3.8 x 3.8 cm)

Type: perfume bottles

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A cylindrical perfume bottle (a) made from clear glass covered with an openwork scrolled design in gold metal. The bottle has an attached push-activated spray nozzle. A manufacturer's label on the bottom of the bottle reads: "Spray Parfum / Feminique / Renard Dist. Paris-Chicago Net wt. 2 oz". The plastic lid (b) is painted gold with ridged exterior sides.

Topic: African American; Business; Fashion; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.111ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Adornment
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Glass tray from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: glass
Dimensions: H x W x D: 3/4 x 6 3/4 x 4 in. (1.9 x 17.1 x 10.2 cm)

Type: trays

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Clear bean-shaped glass tray with decorative clear glass balls around edge.

Topic: African American; Business; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.112

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Hand mirror from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: glass and plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D: 13 1/4 x 5 x 1/2 in. (33.7 x 12.7 x 1.3 cm)

Type: mirrors

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Hand-held oval mirror with a clear molded plastic handle and frame with decorative scrolls and round protrusions.

Topic: African American; Business; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.118

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Personal use
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Female mannequin head from Mae's Millinery Shop

Created by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: paint on plaster
Dimensions: H x W x D: 14 7/8 x 7 x 7 in. (37.8 x 17.8 x 17.8 cm)

Type: mannequins

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A plaster form of a female head and neck covered with metallic gold paint. The facial features are detailed and realistic, including lines in the pulled back hairstyle to create the appearance of hair. The woman has her head turned over her proper left shoulder. At the back of the neck, text is engraved into the plaster that reads: "(c) P W / 63". The form has a large circular opening on the bottom.

Topic: African American; Business; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.126

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Occupational
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Display stand with spools of thread and needles from Mae's Millinery Shop

Compiled by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: metal, thread, wood, pasteboard, and plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D (2010.6.127.1): 11 1/8 x 11 3/8 x 12 1/4 in. (28.3 x 28.9 x 31.1 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.2): 5/8 x 4 5/8 x 4 5/8 in. (1.6 x 11.7 x 11.7 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.3): 6 1/8 x 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 in. (15.6 x 10.8 x 10.8 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.4): 4 5/8 × 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (11.7 × 8.9 × 8.9 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.5): 3 3/8 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. (8.6 x 11.4 x 11.4 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.6): 1 13/16 x 1 3/4 x 1 5/8 in. (4.6 x 4.4 x 4.1 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.7): 1 5/16 x 1 x 1 in. (3.3 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.8): 1 3/8 x 1 x 1 in. (3.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.9): 1 3/4 x 4 1/8 x 4 1/8 in. (4.4 x 10.5 x 10.5 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.10): 3 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/4 in. (8.3 x 0.6 x 0.6 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.11): 2 11/16 x 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 in. (6.8 x 4.4 x 4.4 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.12): 3 x 1 7/8 x 1 7/8 in. (7.6 x 4.8 x 4.8 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.127.13): 1 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (3.2 x 8.9 x 8.9 cm)

Type: spools; showcases; needles

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Three-tiered metal stand (.1) with a lip at the front of each tier. The words "Kolor Treet" are stamped on both sides in yellow ink. A paper insert on the top back reads in black ink: "DUART KOLOR TREET Quick Find Selection Chart" and lists several colors of hair dye. The bottom of the stand is hollow and has only one of four black rubber feet remaining. The stand is accompanied by nine spools containing fibers in various forms and fibers, two empty spools, and one large sewing needle.; .2: A white pasteboard spool with the top portion torn off containing black grosgrain synthetic fiber ribbon. The loose, raw edge of the ribbon is pinned to the wound ribbon with a metal straight pin with a round white plastic head.; .3: A brown pasteboard cone containing heavy-weight black two-ply cotton thread.; .4: A metal spool with red paper ends reading "ribnray ribnray ribnray / MADE IN U.S.A." on both ends. The spool contains light pink pressed cellulose fiber tape. A metal straight pin with a white plastic head is wedged inside the spool.; .5: A brown pasteboard spool containing round purple plastic sequins strung onto purple thread.; .6: A wooden spool with a white and blue paper label on each end that reads: "225 YDS. / SIZE 50 / 100% / POLYESTER THREAD / Manufactured by / AmericanThread Co. / Stamford, Conn. 06905." The spool contains red polyester thread. A metal sewing needle and a metal straight pin with a yellow plastic head are stuck through the spooled thread.; .7: An empty wooden spool with paper labels on each end with one end reading, "COATS & CLARK'S / MERCERIZED SEWING / 100 YDS. / MADE IN U.S.A." and the other end reading, "COATS & CLARK'S / 10c / O.N.T. / 5-B / BOILFAST."; .8: An empty wooden spool with paper labels on each end with one end reading, "THE CLARK THREAD COMPANY / CLARK'S BEST SIX CORD / 12", and the other end reading, "CLARK'S / O.N.T. / SPOOL COTTON / 12".; .9: A brown pasteboard spool with blue stamped ink that reads: "PAT. 426 / RAYON SEAM BINDING / 100 YDS WOVEN EDGE / MANUFACTURED BY / LAWRENCE SCHIFF SILK MILLS" on one end. The spool contains black rayon binding tape.; .10: One metal pack needle.; .11: A brown pasteboard spool containing mauve mercerized cotton thread.; .12: A tan plastic spool containing ivory silk thread.; .13: A rolled length of pressed bast fiber in cream, red, and green braided together.

Topic: African American; Business; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.127.1-.13

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Occupational
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Wooden hat stand from Mae's Millinery Shop

Created by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: paint on wood
Dimensions: H x W x D (ab): 8 × 7 5/16 × 7 5/16 in. (20.3 × 18.6 × 18.6 cm); H x W x D (a): 6 × 5 7/8 × 5 3/4 in. (15.2 × 14.9 × 14.6 cm); H x W x D (b): 3 5/8 × 7 5/16 × 7 5/16 in. (9.2 × 18.6 × 18.6 cm)

Type: hat stands

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A wooden hat stand base (a) and form (b) painted white. The base is circular with one groove carved into the top of the base. A turned wooden dowel is screwed into the center of the base. The form is circular and tapers in toward the bottom where it attaches to the stand via a hole in the center of the underside.

Topic: African American; Business; Ornamentation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.129ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Occupational
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Black hat form from Mae's Millinery Shop

Created by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: buckram
Dimensions: H x W x D: 3 1/2 x 7 x 8 1/4 in. (8.9 x 17.8 x 21 cm)

Type: headgear

Place made: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A black buckram hat form circular in shape with a flat crown and an even bottom edge.

Topic: African American; Business; Clothing and dress; Fashion; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.150

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Lamp base from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: metal, porcelain, china paint, electric conductor, and plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D: 11 x 5 1/8 x 3 11/16 in. (27.9 x 13 x 9.4 cm); H x W x D (Cord - bundled): 2 1/2 x 9 x 4 in. (6.4 x 22.9 x 10.2 cm)

Type: lamps (lighting devices)

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A metal lamp base with a painted porcelain decoration of an English maiden. The lamp base is oval in shape with a brass finish and a tiered decorative design. The base stands on four feet. A metal stem protrudes upward from the back of the base and bends slightly at the top so that the bulb mechanism is above the head of the porcelain figure. The figure depicts the bust of a brunette woman wearing a blue gown, a pink flower at her neck, and a black hat with an orange flower. She is looking slightly downward to the proper left. A brown electric cord with a two-pronged plug runs out from the center back of the base. The underside of the base has the text "4 F" engraved into it.

Topic: African American; Business; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.21

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Lamp base from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: metal, porcelain, china paint, electric conductor, and plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D: 11 x 5 1/8 x 3 11/16 in. (27.9 x 13 x 9.4 cm); H x W x D (Cord - bundled): 2 x 7 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (5.1 x 19.1 x 8.9 cm)

Type: lamps (lighting devices)

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A metal lamp base with a painted porcelain decoration of an English maiden. The lamp base is oval in shape with a brass finish and a tiered decorative design. The base stands on four trifid feet. A metal stem protudes upward from the back of the base and bends slightly at the top so that the bulb mechanism is above the head of the porcelain figure. The figure depicts the bust of a brunette woman wearing a blue gown, a pink flower at her neck, and a black hat with an orange flower. She is looking slightly downward to the proper left. A brown electric cord with a two-pronged plug runs out from the center back of the base. The underside of the base has the text "4 F" engraved into it.

Topic: African American; Business; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.22

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Wooden hat block from Mae's Millinery Shop

Created by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: wood
Dimensions: H x W x D: 6 3/4 × 7 5/16 × 6 3/8 in. (17.1 × 18.6 × 16.2 cm)

Type: hat blocks

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Carved wooden hat block with a flat base and an asymmetrical curved upper form. There is a large circular hole at the center of the underside of the base.

Topic: African American; Business; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.31

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Eyeglasses from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Sherman Optical USA
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: plastic and metal
Dimensions: H x W x D (Unfolded): 3 x 6 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. (7.6 x 17.1 x 14 cm); H x W x D (Folded): 2 11/16 x 6 x 7/8 in. (6.8 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm)

Type: eyeglasses

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A pair of bifocal glasses with black plastic frames. The lenses are slightly ovular with a smooth bottom edge and a bi-cornered top edge. Text is engraved in silver lettering onto the inside of the proper left temple that reads: "U.S.A. Sherman."

Topic: African American; Business; Clothing and dress; Fashion; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.53

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Clothing-Fashion
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Green and gold makeup box from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Prince Matchabelli Inc.
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: paper, foil, and plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D (ab): 3 × 5 × 3 3/4 in. (7.6 × 12.7 × 9.5 cm); H x W x D (a): 2 3/4 × 4 3/4 × 3 5/8 in. (7 × 12.1 × 9.2 cm); H x W x D (b): 3/4 × 4 7/8 × 3 3/4 in. (1.9 × 12.4 × 9.5 cm)

Type: boxes (containers)

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: An empty makeup box for loose powder. The ovular container (a) is covered on the exterior sides with green and gold foil in a stylized floral design. It reads "Wind Song PERFUMED DUSTING POWDER" in green along the bottom edge of one short side. The bottom of the container is made from hard white plastic with molded lettering on the bottom that reads: "PRINCE MATCHABELLI, INC., DIST. / PERFUMED DUSTING POWDER NET WT. 5 OZ. / GREENWICH, CONN. 06830". The interior of the container is lined with pasteboard. The lid (b) is made from clear plastic and is slightly convex with a molded logo at the center of a crown inside a circle.

Topic: African American; Beauty culture; Business; Fashion; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.54.1ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Adornment
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Black makeup pencil from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Maybelline
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: wood, paint, and black pigment
Dimensions: H x W x D: 3/16 × 3 3/4 × 3/16 in. (0.5 × 9.5 × 0.5 cm)

Type: cosmetics

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A portion of a makeup pencil with black pigment in a red painted wood pencil. Silver stamped text on the pencil reads: "Maybelline VELVET BLACK U.S.A.".

Topic: African American; Beauty culture; Business; Fashion; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.54.4

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Adornment
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Cosmetic powder puff from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Prince Matchabelli Inc.
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: synthetic fiber and foam
Dimensions: H x W x D: 2 1/2 x 3/8 in. (6.4 x 1 cm)

Type: powder puffs

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A pink circular powder puff made from two layers of faux fur filled with soft foam and found in 2010.6.54.1ab.

Topic: African American; Beauty culture; Business; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.54.5

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Adornment
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Four sewing needles on a paper holder from Mae's Millinery shop

Created by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: steel and paper with masking tape
Dimensions: H x W: 2 × 1 in. (5.1 × 2.5 cm)

Type: needles

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: A rectangular black piece of paper with two folded ridges, reinforced on the back with masking tape from Mae's Millinery Shop. Four (4) metal sewing needles are pierced through the ridges, with a fifth pinhole being empty.

Topic: African American; Fashion; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.55.13

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Occupational
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Black plastic buckle from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D: 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 1/4 in. (6.4 x 8.3 x 0.6 cm)

Type: buckles (strap accessories)

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: An oval-shaped black plastic buckle found in 2010.6.55.1ab

Topic: African American; Business; Clothing and dress; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.55.4

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Adornment
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Two clothing labels for Mae Reeves from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: silk and ink
Dimensions: H x W (Each): 2 1/4 × 7/8 in. (5.7 × 2.2 cm)

Type: labels (identifying artifacts)

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Two identical clothing labels made from cream silk with machine embroidery of silk thread in burgundy and gold that reads "Made Especially / FOR YOU BY". Beneath the embroidery the name "Mae Reeves" is stamped in red ink. A scalloped gold border surrounds the text.

Topic: African American; Business; Fashion; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.55.5.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Textiles
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Blue crayon from Mae's Millinery Shop

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Owned by: Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
Subject of: Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium: wax and paper
Dimensions: H x W x D: 2 1/4 × 1/2 × 1/2 in. (5.7 × 1.3 × 1.3 cm)

Type: crayons

Place collected: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Portion of a dark blue crayon with a partial paper label.

Topic: African American; Business; Fashion; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number: 2010.6.55.6

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Occupational
Exhibition: Power of Place
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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The Comet

Airline freight tag from Mae's Millinery Shop

Gold and glass perfume bottle from Mae's Millinery Shop

Glass tray from Mae's Millinery Shop

Hand mirror from Mae's Millinery Shop

Female mannequin head from Mae's Millinery Shop

Display stand with spools of thread and needles from Mae's Millinery Shop

Wooden hat stand from Mae's Millinery Shop

Black hat form from Mae's Millinery Shop

Lamp base from Mae's Millinery Shop

Lamp base from Mae's Millinery Shop

Wooden hat block from Mae's Millinery Shop

Eyeglasses from Mae's Millinery Shop

Green and gold makeup box from Mae's Millinery Shop

Black makeup pencil from Mae's Millinery Shop

Cosmetic powder puff from Mae's Millinery Shop

Four sewing needles on a paper holder from Mae's Millinery shop

Black plastic buckle from Mae's Millinery Shop

Two clothing labels for Mae Reeves from Mae's Millinery Shop

Blue crayon from Mae's Millinery Shop

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