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- On View
Your search found 71 result(s).
-
Medal depicting Prince Hall and Freemasonry
- Manufactured by
- Unidentified
- Subject of
- Hall, Prince, 1735 - 1807
- Medium
- bronze
- Dimensions
- 1 3/16 × 1 3/16 × 1/16 in. (3 × 3 × 0.2 cm)
- Type
- medals
- Date
- after 1807
- Description
- A bronze medal depicting Prince Hall and the style of Freemasonry he founded. The obverse features a design of three concentric circles. The innermost circle bears a likeness of Price Hall in relief around which is the text [PRINCE HALL / 1748 / 1807]. The middle ring has text along the bottom that reads [JURISDICTION]. The outer ring features text around the circumference of the medal that reads [FRDSP · MRLTY · BTHLY LVE / F. & A.M.]. The reverse bears a number of Masonic symbols such as the all-seeing eye, square & compass, and the text [UNUM CENTUM].
- Topic
- African American
- Freemasonry
- Men
- Slavery
- United States--History--1783-1815
- United States--History--Colonial period
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2013.46.16
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Memorabilia and Ephemera
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Gospel Hymns No. 2
Personal hymnal of Harriet Tubman- Composed by
- Bliss, Philip Paul, American, 1838 - 1876
- Sankey, Ira D.
- Owned by
- Tubman, Harriet, American, 1822 - 1913
- Medium
- ink on paper, cardboard
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 8 3/16 x 5 3/8 x 9/16 in. (20.8 x 13.7 x 1.4 cm)
- Type
- books
- Date
- 1876
- Caption
- Gospel Hymns No. 2, by P. P. Bliss and Ira D. Sankey, Harriet Tubman’s personal book of hymns.
- Description
- Book of hymns by P.P. Bliss and Ira D. Sankey, 112-pages, discolored cover with black printing, text and binding. Text reads "Gospel hymns No. 2, BY PP. BLISS AND IRA D. SANKEY AS USED BY THEM IN GOSPEL MEETINGS."
- Topic
- African American
- Emancipation
- Gospel (Music)
- Religion
- Slavery
- United States--History--1865-1921
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles L. Blockson
- Object number
- 2009.50.25
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Membership certificate to the American Colonization Society
- Issued by
- American Colonization Society, American, 1816 - 1964
- Received by
- Cresson, Sarah Emlen, American
- Signed by
- Madison, James, American, 1751 - 1836
- Gurley, Ralph Randolph, American, 1797 - 1872
- Cresson, Elliott, American, 1797 - 1854
- Medium
- ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W: 9 x 11 3/8 in. (22.9 x 28.9 cm)
- Type
- membership cards
- Place made
- Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- February 22, 1832
- Description
- A membership certificate to the American Colonization Society for Sarah Emlen Cresson signed by James Madison as the president of the society on February 22, 1832. The certificate has pre-printed text with spaces for filling in the date and member name by hand. At the center top of the certificate is a bundle of dark clouds with a half-circle of sun rays bursting from it. At the center bottom is a seal that shows a ship following a bird across the ocean to Liberia with text in the outer rim reading "LUX IN TENEBRIS / AM: COL: SOC: A.D. 1816." The seal is surrounded by various types of foliage. The certificate is signed in the bottom left corner by "R.R. Gurley, Secretary" and in the bottom right corner by "James Madison Presed't" inside the lined border of the certificate, and in the bottom left corner outside the border "Attest / Elliott Cresson / 1 mo 8. 1834". The reverse is blank.
- Topic
- African American
- Emancipation
- Free communities of color
- International affairs
- Local and regional
- Race relations
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2010.77.9
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Brown and cream striped day dress from the Civil War era
- Created by
- Unidentified
- Manufactured by
- India Rubber Comb Company, 1854 - 1890
- Subject of
- Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
- Medium
- cotton cloth with vulcanized rubber buttons
- Dimensions
- H x W (flat): 53 3/4 × 29 1/4 in. (136.5 × 74.3 cm)
- Type
- dresses
- Date
- 1865-1875
- Description
- A brown and cream striped cotton day dress from the Civil War era. The dress has a fitted collarless bodice that buttons at the center front with six (6) black vulcanized rubber buttons marked on the reverse "I.R.C. Co. / 1851. / GOODYEAR". The fitted full-length sleeves have a detail at the wrist with the fabric sewn on the bias. Self-piping is sewn at the gathered waistband, which is more heavily gathered in the back. The skirt is full with a wide hem that falls at or below the ankles. The dress is both machine and hand sewn. The bodice and sleeves are lined with a plain cotton muslin. The skirt is not lined. There is one inset pocket at the proper right hip, with the pocket made from plain cotton muslin.
- Topic
- African American
- Clothing and dress
- Fashion
- United States--Social life and customs
- Women
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane
- Object number
- 2007.3.34
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Collection title
- Black Fashion Museum Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Clothing-Historical
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Butler Medal
- Manufactured by
- United States Mint, American, founded 1792
- Designed by
- Paquet, Anthony C., German, 1814 - 1882
- Commissioned by
- Gen. Butler, Benjamin Franklin, American, 1818 - 1893
- Medium
- copper
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 1 9/16 in. (4 cm)
- Type
- medallions (medals)
- Place made
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- 1865
- Description
- An Army of the James Medal, also known as The Butler Medal, consisting of an unpierced copper medal with no suspender or attached ribbon. The front of the medal contains an engraved wreath of what appears to be holly with a bow at the center and a single five-sided star flanking the lower left and right side of the wreath. Around the outside of the wreath are the words, "DISTINGUISHED FOR SERVICE." At the center of the wreath are the words, "CAMPAIGN BEFORE RICHMOND / 1864."The reverse side of the medal is engraved with a depiction of a group of African American soldiers storming a Confederate occupied military fort. Surrounding the engraving are Latin words within an unfurled banner "FERRO IIS LIBERTAS PERVENIET." Below the engraving are the words, "U.S. COLORED TROOPS."
- Topic
- African American
- Military
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2011.155.307
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Awards and Medals
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Broadside for "Men of Color" Recruitment
- Written by
- Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895
- Medium
- printing ink on rag paper
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (framed): 95 × 48 5/8 × 2 3/4 in. (241.3 × 123.5 × 7 cm)
- H x W: 93 3/4 × 46 1/4 in. (238.1 × 117.5 cm)
- Type
- broadsides
- Place made
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- 1863
- Description
- Large three-sheet broadside promoting "Men of Color" to enlist in the Army; text printed in relief with carved wood type and cast letterpress/metal type. Text reads "MEN OF COLOR To Arms! To Arms!"
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Topic
- African American
- Military
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Credit Line
- 201Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2012.133
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Ambrotype of three women in dotted calico dresses
- Photograph by
- Unidentified
- Subject of
- Unidentified Woman or Women
- Medium
- collodion and silver on glass photographic plates in a foil frame and leather-covered wood case
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 3 3/4 × 3 1/4 × 1/2 in. (9.5 × 8.3 × 1.3 cm)
- Type
- tintypes
- portraits
- Date
- 1850-1870
- Description
- A black-and-white photograph of three women seated in a row with their arms linked together at the elbows and their hands placed in their laps right-over-left. All three women wear dresses made from a dark fabric with light-colored polka dots. Each wears a small white collar of slightly different styles. The woman in the center and the woman at the right facing side have gold rings on their fingers. All three women wear their hair pulled up in the back of the head. The photograph is housed behind decorative gold foil inside a black leather-covered wood case with a missing lid.
- Topic
- African American
- Emancipation
- Photography
- Slavery
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2014.174.10ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Media Arts-Photography
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Brick from Virginia-Cleveland Hall at Hampton University
- Manufactured by
- Unidentified
- Subject of
- Hampton University, American, founded 1868
- Hunt, Richard Morris, American, 1827 - 1895
- American Missionary Association, American, 1846 - 1999
- Hampton Singers, American, founded 1870
- Medium
- clay
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 2 1/2 × 8 5/8 × 4 1/8 in. (6.4 × 21.9 × 10.5 cm)
- Place used
- Hampton, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- ca. 1874
- Caption
- Brick from Virginia-Cleveland Hall, Hampton University, 1874
- Hampton University is one of the first historically black universities. Located in Hampton, Virginia, it was founded in 1868 as the Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School by the American Missionary Association. By 1874, the college was successful enough to build Virginia-Cleveland Hall, an impressive structure that housed classrooms, a chapel, administration offices, and dormitories. Students help fund the Hall through ticket sales from the student choral group, the Hampton Singers.
- Source: Nancy Bercaw, Curator, Slavery and Freedom
- Description
- A brick from Virginia-Cleveland Hall at Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The brick is rectangular in shape and is tan in color with darker grey areas throughout. The brick is cracked in several places and is pitted.
- Topic
- African American
- Building Arts
- Education
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, a gift from Hampton University
- Object number
- 2015.228
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Buildings and Structures
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Dress made by an unidentified enslaved woman or women
- Created by
- Unidentified Woman or Women
- Subject of
- Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
- Medium
- cotton (textile), muslin
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (On Form): 47 1/2 x 23 x 20 in. (120.7 x 58.4 x 50.8 cm)
- Waist: 25 1/2 in. (64.8 cm)
- H x W (In box, padded out): 45 1/4 × 22 × 9 1/2 in. (114.9 × 55.9 × 24.1 cm)
- Type
- dresses
- Place made
- Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- 1845-1865
- Description
- This is a handstitched long-sleeved dress with a full skirt made from a balanced plain-weave printed cotton. The sleeves are gathered at the back shoulder seam and the shoulder seam is dropped in the back. The bodice is gathered at the front waist and has a neck band with no collar. Both the neck band and the waist band are fussy cut to display the printed design. Piping is attached at the armholes and along the bottom of the waistband. The skirt is gathered at the front hips and the back with a flat panel along the center front waist. On the proper back bodice, three (3) glass buttons are sewn on the left side of the back opening (placket), with four (4) button holes on the right side. At the waist, two (2) decorative buttons are sewn on the right side of the opening, without corresponding button holes on the left side. The hem is turned up 3 1/2". The bodice and sleeves are lined with muslin, while the skirt is unlined. The printed pattern on the fabric is four (4) colors and black, with a base color of reddish brown, on top of which is a repeating pattern of columns of red roses alternating with columns of diamonds and clubs on a cream background inside a black, orange, and red border.
- Topic
- African American
- Clothing and dress
- Slavery
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane
- Object number
- 2007.3.4
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Collection title
- Black Fashion Museum Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Clothing-Historical
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Printed floral skirt worn by Lucy Lee Shirley as a child
- Created by
- Unidentified
- Worn by
- Shirley, Lucy Lee, American, 1855 - 1929
- Subject of
- Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
- Medium
- bast fiber, wool textile, and synthetic fiber
- Dimensions
- H x W (Flat): 18 × 33 1/2 in. (45.7 × 85.1 cm)
- Waist: 24 1/2 in. (62.2 cm)
- Type
- skirts
- Place used
- Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- ca. 1860
- Description
- A child's circular skirt in a floral print with a pleated flounce on the hem. The main fabric is a plain weave natural fiber fabric with a cream ground and a repeating pattern of small four-petal flowers in red, purple, blue, and tan. The skirt is predominantly hand-sewn. It has a waistband made from an undyed bast fiber fabric with the floral print gathered and whip stitched to the waistband. The skirt is more closely gathered on the back. There is a slit at the center back that divides the waistband completely. There is no attached closure method, but rust staining at the back opening of the waistband suggests the skirt was pinned to close. The bottom of the skirt has an extra flounce of the floral print that has a series of pleats around the skirt in sets of three alternating with straight sections. This flounce is machine-sewn at the top and 1 1/2 inches from the bottom using blue thread that is possibly a synthetic fiber. The bottom and top edges of the flounce are bound with blue fabric sewn on the bias. The interior of the skirt is lined only behind the extra flounce with a hand-pinked undyed bast fiber fabric. There is a previous repair on the back proper right side of the skirt where a panel of light brown synthetic fabric is hand sewn on the interior of the skirt from the gathering at the waist to the top of the older linen lining on the bottom.
- Topic
- African American
- Children
- Clothing and dress
- Slavery
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane
- Object number
- 2007.3.5
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Collection title
- Black Fashion Museum Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Clothing-Historical
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Petition signed by John Cuffe and Paul Cuffe regarding taxation
- Written by
- Unidentified
- Signed by
- Cuffe, John, American, 1752 - 1836
- Cuffe, Paul, American, 1759 - 1817
- Medium
- ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W: 8 1/2 × 8 in. (21.6 × 20.3 cm)
- Type
- petitions
- Place made
- Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- December 19, 1780
- Caption
- Paul Cuffe was born a free man in Massachusetts. His mother was Native American and his father was of West African Ashanti lineage. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Cuffe gained wealth as owner of an international shipping company. Despite his success, as an African American he was viewed as a second-class citizen and denied equal rights. As a taxpayer, Paul Cuffe petitioned the Massachusetts legislature in 1780 and demanded his right to vote. Free and enslaved African Americans petitioned for freedom, equality, and justice through the courts and state legislatures. They sought to assert their rights, promote their identity as citizens of the new nation, and challenge their status as enslaved people.
- Source: Nancy Bercaw, Curator, Slavery and Freedom
- Description
- A petition to the court of Bristol County, Massachusetts, in Taunton written by an unidentified hand and signed by John Cuffe and Paul Cuffe. The text is handwritten in black ink on the front and back sides of the same sheet of paper. The petition is in regards to taxation by the state upon the signatories, who are of Indian descent and are arguing they are therefore not subject to such taxation.
- Topic
- African American
- Free communities of color
- Government
- Justice
- Law
- Resistance
- Suffrage
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2009.26.1
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public Domain
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Letter to Charles Humbert Marie Vincent signed by Toussaint Louverture
- Written by
- Unidentified
- Signed by
- Louverture, Toussaint, Haitian, 1743 - 1803
- Received by
- Vincent, Charles Humbert Marie, French, 1753 - 1831
- Medium
- ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 39 x 23 x 2 in. (99.1 x 58.4 x 5.1 cm)
- Type
- letters (correspondence)
- Place made
- Cap-Haïtien, Nord, Haiti, Caribbean, Latin America, North and Central America
- Place used
- France, Europe
- Date
- October 21, 1797
- Caption
- Toussaint Louverture campaigned tirelessly on behalf of slaves during the Haitian Revolution, and his actions helped push France to abolish slavery in all its colonies in 1794. He wrote this letter in response to a speech in French parliament calling for slavery's restoration on Saint-Domingue. He warned the French that he would fight for Haitian independence if France ever revoked abolition.
- Description
- A letter signed by Toussaint Louverture to Charles Humbert Marie Vincent from Cap-Français (now Cap-Haïtien), Haiti, on October 21, 1797. The text itself was recorded by a scribe as Louverture's written French was limited, though the content comprises his own thoughts. At the top of the first page is pre-printed letterhead for Toussaint Louverture, Chief General of the Army of Saint-Domingue. The letter is handwritten in black ink on the front and back sides of two (2) sheets of paper. The contents of the letter are in regards to ongoing conflicts in the French colony of Saint Domingue, later the free nation of Haiti, and military leader Louverture's dissatisfaction with a speech given in the French parliament earlier in 1797 in which Viénot de Vaublanc spoke against abolition and people of African descent as uncivilized.
- Topic
- African American
- Antislavery
- Correspondence
- Freedom
- Government
- Justice
- Military
- Resistance
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2009.26.2ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- public domain
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Deed of sale between William Walker and John and Joan Gunston
- Written by
- Unidentified
- Subject of
- Walker, William, English
- Signed by
- Gunston, John, English
- Gunston, Joan, English
- Gunston, Ursula, English
- Warren, Thomas, English
- Bulkeley, William, English
- Manby, James, English
- Medium
- ink on vellum
- Dimensions
- H x W: 20 3/8 × 28 1/8 in. (51.8 × 71.4 cm)
- Type
- deeds
- indentures
- Place made
- Somerset County, England, Europe
- Saint George, Barbados, Caribbean, North and Central America
- Date
- March 28, 1685
- Description
- A deed of sale document between William Walker and John and Joan Gunston for the sum of seven hundred pounds. The upper left corner of text is embellished with stylized writing. The bottom of the document has the signatures of John and Joan Gunston. Both signatures have attached seals with paper ribbons attached. The document begins “This Indenture made the Eight and Twentieth day of March In the first yeare of the reined of our Sovereign Lord James the second by the grace / of God of England Scottland Ffrance and Ireland King defender of the faith Anno Dni 1685 Betweene John Gunston and Joan Gunston Spinster both of Taunton Deane / in the county of Somersett Nephew and Niece Captain Thomas Gunston late of the parish of St. George in the island of Barbados (illegible) on the one part And William Walker / Cittizen and Ironmonger of London of the other part Withnesseth that they the said John Gunston and Joan Gunston as well for and in consideration of the summe of Seven / hundred pounds of lawfull money of England to them in hand payd by the said William Walker…” The middle of the document mentions the ownership and transfer of the Negro slaves. Written on the back side of the document at center is “28th March 1684 / Mr Jhn Gunston & Mrs Joan Gunston Conveyance / to Mr. William Walker.” On the back in the upper left corner is a small summary of the exchange of funds with witness signatures. In the upper right corner is a statement of understanding signed by Ursula Gunston. Witness signatures and a small wax seal stamp are also present.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Topic
- African American
- Business
- Communication
- Trans Atlantic slave trade
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2010.1.316
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Teapot made by Peter Bentzon
- Created by
- Bentzon, Peter, American, ca. 1783 - after 1850
- Medium
- silver and wood
- Dimensions
- H x W: 7 x 12 x 5 in. (17.8 x 30.5 x 12.7 cm)
- Type
- teapots
- Place made
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- ca. 1817-1829
- Description
- The silver teapot has an oval vase-shape on a spreading pedestal foot, with curved spout capped by an incised patera and wooden leaf-capped scroll handle, and hinged domed cover with acorn finial. The scripted monogram "MC" has been engraved on the side and the name "Rebecca Dawson" has been engraved along the bottom rim.
- Topic
- African American
- African diaspora
- Craftsmanship
- Free communities of color
- Ornamentation
- United States--History--1815-1861
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2010.14
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Slave whip owned by British abolitionist Charles James Fox
- Created by
- Unidentified
- Owned by
- Hon. Fox, Charles James, British, 1749 - 1806
- Medium
- leather and hide
- Dimensions
- H x W: 35 13/16 in. (91 cm)
- Type
- whips (slavery artifacts)
- Date
- late 18th century
- Description
- Braided leather handle with single lash made from animal hide put through a hole on one end with a ring of hide for hanging through the other end.
- Topic
- African American
- Antislavery
- Slavery
- Violence
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2010.21.1.2
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Tools and Equipment-Occupational
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Slave whip owned by British abolitionist Charles James Fox
- Created by
- Unidentified
- Owned by
- Hon. Fox, Charles James, British, 1749 - 1806
- Medium
- hide and wood
- Dimensions
- H x W: 40 15/16 in. (104 cm)
- Type
- whips (slavery artifacts)
- Date
- late 18th century
- Description
- Wooden handle with hide lash and hide loop through opposite end for hanging storage
- Topic
- African American
- Antislavery
- Slavery
- Violence
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2010.21.1.3
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Tools and Equipment-Occupational
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Iron collar and key
- Manufactured by
- Unidentified
- Medium
- wrought iron
- Dimensions
- 2011.155.285a-Slave collar: 1 1/2 x 6 x 6 1/4 in. (3.8 x 15.2 x 15.9 cm)
- 2011.155.285b-key: 4 5/8 x 2 9/16 x 7/8 in. (11.7 x 6.5 x 2.2 cm)
- 2011.155.285c-lock: 3 1/8 × 2 5/8 × 3/4 in. (7.9 × 6.7 × 1.9 cm)
- Type
- keys (hardware)
- collars (neckwear)
- Date
- 18th - mid 19th centuries
- Description
- Wrought iron slave collar with a three inch locking device and a three inch key. The collar is made up of two pieces of iron attached with a hinged, chain link back. Each end of the collar has an eyelet that can overlap and the lock can be inserted in to. The lock has a cylinder locking mechanism and a curved shackle hinged on one side. The key has an eyelet on one end and a shoulder in the middle of the shaft. The teeth of the key are threaded like a screw.
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2011.155.285abc
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Broadside for the sale of enslaved persons and other property of William Bland
- Printed by
- T. H. Gunter & Co., American
- Subject of
- Bland, William, American, 1765 - 1850
- Unidentified Man or Men
- Unidentified Woman or Women
- Unidentified Child or Children
- Medium
- ink on paper, cardboard , metal and glass
- Dimensions
- framed: 11 x 14 x 1/2 in. (27.9 x 35.6 x 1.2 cm)
- H x W (unframed): 7 3/8 x 9 3/4 in. (18.7 x 24.8 cm)
- Type
- broadsides
- Place printed
- Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Kentucky, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- 1847
- Caption
- People, Livestock, and Tools for Sale, 1847
- Enslaved people were traded no differently than a piece of farming equipment, livestock, or commodity crops. Slave traders and owners viewed the men, women, and children listed as inventory in this broadside as inhuman and lacking feeling, but they were loved by someone.
- Source: Nancy Bercaw, Curator, Slavery and Freedom
- Description
- A paper broadside advertising a public sale of enslaved people and other property owned by William Bland. The broadside has black text on yellowed paper. Some of the ink in the top right corner has bled and stained the paper. Additional marks and water stains appear throughout the advertisement. The broadside reads “PUBLIC SALE. / There will be sold to the highest bidder on the 26th / inst., at the residence of William Bland, sen., living 1 mile / from the Red Mills, the personal property of said bland. / 3 NEGRO MEN, 4 women, 1 boy, and some children, / 12 or 15 head of Horses, 1 yoke of Oxen, 25 or 30 / head of Cattle, 40 or 50 head of Sheep, 80 or 100 head / of Hogs, 1 five-horse Wagon, Farming Utensils of every / description. Also—a quantity of Wheat, Corn, Oats, Hay, / &c. Household & Kitchen Furniture, with many other / articles too tedious to mention. / All of the above property will be sold on a credit of 12 / months. Bond and good security will be required of the / purchasers. / L. BBLAND / JNO. A. RAIN, / E. H. BLAND, / Agents. / February 19, 1847. / T. H. Gunter & CO., Printers, Elizabethtown, Ky.”
- Topic
- African American
- Domestic slave trade
- Finance
- Slavery
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2011.155.292
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Map of the Hydrographical Basin of the Upper Mississippi River
Bloodstained map from Bleeding Kansas-era- Created by
- Nicollet, J. N., French, 1786 - 1843
- Owned by
- Hoyt, David, American, 1821 - 1856
- Medium
- ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W: 19 x 32 in. (48.3 x 81.3 cm)
- Type
- maps
- Place used
- Douglas County, Kansas, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- 1843
- Caption
- This bloodstained map depicting the Mississippi River Basin was owned by David Starr Hoyt, an abolitionist murdered by pro-slavery forces near Lawrence, Kansas, in August 1856.
- Description
- A bloodstained map, black ink on white paper, depicting the Mississippi River Basin, an area that includes contemporary Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas. The map was reportedly owned by David Hoyt, an abolitionist who died supporting the cause.
- Topic
- African American
- American West
- Antislavery
- Slavery
- United States--History--1815-1861
- Violence
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2011.23.1
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly
- Written by
- Stowe, Harriet Beecher, American, 1811 - 1896
- Published by
- John P. Jewett & Company, American, 1846 - 1860
- Medium
- ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (Closed): 9 5/16 × 6 5/16 × 7/8 in. (23.7 × 16 × 2.2 cm)
- H x W x D (Open): 9 5/16 × 12 1/2 × 7/8 in. (23.7 × 31.8 × 2.2 cm)
- Type
- books
- Place printed
- Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
- Date
- 1852
- Caption
- Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
- An international bestseller, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s sentimental novel brought widespread attention to the issue of slavery. Cleverly adapting consumer culture to their cause, Stowe and other antislavery advocates spread the abolitionist message on inexpensive items. At school, children might encounter an antislavery primer beginning, "A is for Abolitionist—A man who wants to free the wretched slave." On her dressing table, a woman might apply makeup from small box declaring, "Am I not a man and a brother?" In many homes, Americans read the bestseller Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
- Source: Nancy Bercaw, Curator, Slavery and Freedom
- Description
- This book is a first edition of the anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly, by Harriet Beecher Stowe. It has paper covers and is printed in black-and-white throughout, with the text of the novel printed in two columns on each page. Adhesive residue on the left side of the front and back covers indicates a lost binding cover. The back cover features a list of other items available from the publisher, John P. Jewett & Company.
- Topic
- African American
- Antislavery
- Domestic slave trade
- Literature
- Slavery
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2011.26.6
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
- See more items in
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- On View
- NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture