NMAAHC Collections Search

Description: A hand-operated embossing machine used by Claflin University. The exterior is painted black, with paint chipping away throughout surface. The embosser stands flat on a beveled base that is curved on two opposing sides, each containing a hole through the base at the end. The mechanism has a long, rounded lever, with a silver plated top on the end, hinged at the body of the embosser on the opposite side, with a spring element underneath, and is used to push the cylinder element into whatever material will be embossed. Below the cylindrical element, there is a two-tiered base, the bottom being circular with relief type (illegible) on the top, the other sitting on the top curved with straight ends in an oblong shape. There is a slit for the material being embossed to slide into between the pedestal and the cylinder. The main body of embosser has a relief 5-point star, painted red, with gold lines coming off of it, on both sides.

Topic: African American; American South; Business; Education; Reconstruction (United States History, 1865-1877); Segregation; United States--History--1865-1921

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Claflin University

Object number: 2016.24

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
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

Two pieces of pyrite from the workshop of C. Edgar Patience

Owned by: C. Edgar Patience, American, 1906 - 1972

Medium: pyrite
Dimensions: H x W x D (.1): 3/8 × 2 15/16 × 3 1/2 in. (1 × 7.4 × 8.9 cm); H x W x D (.2): 3/8 × 2 11/16 × 2 15/16 in. (0.9 × 6.8 × 7.5 cm)

Type: sculpture components

Place collected: Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: n.d.

Description: These two (2) pieces of pyrite were found in the workshop of anthracite coal artist C. Edgar Patience. Both are irregularly shaped unused materials.

Topic: African American; Art; Craftsmanship; Folklife

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Dr. Juanita Patience Moss and descendants

Object number: 2016.70.3.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printing plate of carving designs from the workshop of C. Edgar Patience

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Owned by: C. Edgar Patience, American, 1906 - 1972

Medium: copper
Dimensions: H x W x D: 2 3/16 × 4 1/8 × 1/16 in. (5.5 × 10.5 × 0.2 cm)

Type: printing plates

Place collected: Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1920

Description: This copper printing plate from a catalog of designs for carved anthracite coal objects was found in the workshop of C. Edgar Patience. This plate contains designs for sixteen (16) different items, including pendants and pin heads. Each design has a corresponding unique number engraved beneath it. The reverse of the plate has adhesive residue and lengths of tape adhered to it.

Topic: African American; Art; Craftsmanship; Folklife

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Dr. Juanita Patience Moss and descendants

Object number: 2016.70.4

Restrictions & Rights: © C. Edgar Patience

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
Exhibition: A Century in the Making
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C X06

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Needlenose pliers from the workshop of C. Edgar Patience

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Used by: C. Edgar Patience, American, 1906 - 1972

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5/16 × 1 9/16 × 5 1/4 in. (0.8 × 4 × 13.3 cm)

Type: needlenose pliers

Place used: Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1900-1972

Description: This pair of needlenose pliers were found in the workshop of C. Edgar Patience. The metal pliers have grated sections on the outside edge of each handle for gripping. Text is engraved on one side of the pin that reads "REUMSHUSSELL / GERMANY".

Topic: African American; Art; Craftsmanship; Folklife

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Dr. Juanita Patience Moss and descendants

Object number: 2016.70.5

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
Exhibition: A Century in the Making
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C X06

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Stencil plate from the workshop of C. Edgar Patience

Created by: Unidentified
Used by: C. Edgar Patience, American, 1906 - 1972
Subject of: CAN DO Inc., American, founded 1960

Medium: copper, metal, and fiberboard
Dimensions: H x W x D: 3/4 × 3 1/16 × 3 7/8 in. (1.9 × 7.7 × 9.8 cm)

Type: stencils (tools)

Place collected: Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1960-1972

Description: This copper stencil plate reading "BEST WISHES FOR SUCCESS / FROM / CAN DO, INC." was found in the workshop of C. Edgar Patience. Metal loops protrude from the copper plate to form the interior floating portions of the letters. Two small rectangular pieces of copper sheeting extend from each bottom corner of the stencil. A circular piece of fiberboard is screwed to the center bottom of the stencil plate.

Topic: African American; Art; Craftsmanship; Folklife

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Dr. Juanita Patience Moss and descendants

Object number: 2016.70.6

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Camera from the studio of H.C. Anderson

Created by: Espino Barros e Hijos, S.A., Mexican, founded 1961
Owned by: Rev. Anderson, Henry Clay, American, 1911 - 1998

Medium: wood and metal
Dimensions: 10 1/2 x 13 x 15 1/2 in. (26.7 x 33 x 39.4 cm)

Type: cameras

Place collected: Greenville, Washington, Mississippi, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1960s

Description: NOBA 4x5 camera on a wooden frame with brass fixtures and red bellows. The camera is marked in several places with orange and white stickers stating "NOBA / Hecho en Mexico."

Topic: African American; American South; Business; Communities; Photography; Segregation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2007.1.37.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture 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

Printing plate for "Plain Talk to Men"

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Walker, Madam C.J., American, 1867 - 1919; Walker, Madam C.J. Manufacturing Company, American, founded 1906

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W: 10 11/16 x 2 3/4 x 3/16 in. (27.1 x 7 x 0.5 cm)

Type: printing plates

Date: 1906-1986

Description: Metal printing plate of a Madam C. J. Walker advertisement that reads "Plain Talk to Men." The plate features additional text, an image of a tin of Madam C.J. Walker's Wonder Pomade, and a graphic of a male bust, all in high relief. The printing surface appears to be copper, while the back of the plate is a dull silver metal with darker stripes. Numerous stains and scratches on both surfaces indicate heavy use.

Topic: African American; Business; Mass media; Men

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of A'Lelia Bundles / Madam Walker Family Archives

Object number: 2013.153.5

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printing plate used by the R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Used by: National Baptist Congress, American, founded 1906
Subject of: R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, American, founded 1896

Medium: metal, wood
Dimensions: 15/16 × 10 3/4 × 8 1/2 in. (2.4 × 27.3 × 21.6 cm)

Type: printing plates

Place used: Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America

Date: after 1906

Description: Printing plate for a diploma mounted on wood. The plate has a thick border around the edges. The plate is a reverse image of the final printing. The top has several lines of text that read “National Sunday School And B.T. U. Congress / of The / NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION to AMERICA / Presents This.” Paragraphs of text are on either side of this. A small graphic of an open book is also at the top of the plate. Text in the graphic reads “CHRISTIAN WORKER'S DIPLOMA.” The lower half of the plate has additional text with blanks provided for the recipient’s information, the date and the conveyor’s signature. A narrow rectangular hole is in the wood backing at the top.

Topic: African American; American South; Business; Labor; Religious groups; Technology

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture; Gift of Dr. and Mrs. T.B. Boyd, III and R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation

Object number: 2013.208.3

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
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

Spray paint in "Meadow Green" owned by DAZE

Manufactured by: Rust-Oleum, American, founded 1921
Owned by: Daze, American, born 1962

Medium: paint on metal with plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D (2013.22.16ab cap and can): 7 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 2 3/4 in. (20 × 7 × 7 cm)

Type: cans

Place used: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Place made: Chicago, Lake County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date: late 1980s

Description: A spray can (2013.22.16a) of Rust-Oleum Protective Coating containing Meadow Green 7736, a green color paint. The spray can has a white exterior with black and red lettering throughout and a green, detachable lid (2013.22.16b). The front of the can features the name of the manufacturer, [RUST-OLEUM] above two (2) rows of checkered red lines. In the center of the lines is the logo, a yellow circle with red text that reads [STOPS / RUST / BRAND]. Below the logo is a red graphic of a can spraying paint to the right. Above and below the graphic is the text [PROTECTIVE COATING / Beautifies As It Protects / DANGER: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CONTENTS / UNDER PRESSURE. VAPOR HARMFUL. / See Precautions On Back Panel. / Net Wt. 12 Oz. (340 Grams)]. On the back of the can are the directions for use, a summary of the qualities of protective coatings, caution warnings and contact information for the manufacturer. Text on the back is black. On the lid are two (2) stickers; one is a barcode and one is the color indicator with the pigment formula. Raised text and a graphic on the top of the lid gives instructions on how to open the can.

Topic: African American; Art; Hip hop (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Chris DAZE Ellis

Object number: 2013.22.16ab

Restrictions & Rights: © DAZE

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
Exhibition: Musical Crossroads
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Spray paint in "Flame" owned by DAZE

Manufactured by: Red Devil Chemicals, Inc., American
Owned by: Daze, American, born 1962

Medium: ink and paint on metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 7 1/4 × 2 3/4 × 2 3/4 in. (18.4 × 7 × 7 cm)

Type: cans

Place used: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Place made: Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1975

Description: A spray can of Red-Devil Spray Enamel containing Flame 727, a red color paint. The spray can has a white exterior and features a large graphic of various objects surrounding a black circle with a graphic of a devil with a pitchfork in the center. The objects are on different colored backgrounds forming a geometric, circular shape from individual wedges. The objects surrounding the devil include a refrigerator, a high chair, a trash can, a car, a motor, a boat, a bicycle, a bureau, a children's wagon, and a lawn mower. Above and below the graphic is text in blue, red, and black with information about the color, the brand, as well as a warning label: [INTERIOR EXTERIOR / SUPREME QUALITY / RED-DEVIL / SPRAY / enamel / FLAME 727 / DANGER-EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. KEEP FROM HEAT OR / FLAME. CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE. VAPOR HARMFUL / See cautions elsewhere on label. NET WT. 14 OZS. AVOIR.]. On the back of the can are the directions for use, cautions, pigment formula, and manufacturer contact information.

Topic: African American; Art; Hip hop (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Chris DAZE Ellis

Object number: 2013.22.17

Restrictions & Rights: © DAZE

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
Exhibition: Musical Crossroads
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Spray paint in "Bone White" owned by DAZE

Manufactured by: Red Devil Chemicals, Inc., American
Owned by: Daze, American, born 1962

Medium: ink and paint on metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 18 × 7 × 7 in. (45.7 × 17.8 × 17.8 cm)

Type: cans

Place used: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Place made: Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1975

Description: A spray can of Red-Devil Spray Enamel containing Bone White 722, a white color paint. The spray can has a white exterior and features a large graphic of various objects surrounding a black circle with a graphic of a devil with a pitchfork in the center. The objects are on different colored backgrounds forming a geometric, circular shape from individual wedges. The objects surrounding the devil include a refrigerator, a high chair, a trash can, a car, a motor, a boat, a bicycle, a bureau, a children's wagon, and a lawn mower. Above and below the graphic is text in blue, red, and black with information about the color, the brand, as well as a warning label: [INTERIOR EXTERIOR / SUPREME QUALITY / RED-DEVIL / SPRAY / enamel / BONE WHITE 722 / DANGER-EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. KEEP FROM HEAT OR / FLAME. CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE. VAPOR HARMFUL / See cautions elsewhere on label. NET WT. 13 OZS. AVOIR.]. On the back of the can are the directions for use, cautions, pigment formula, and manufacturer contact information.

Topic: African American; Art; Hip hop (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Chris DAZE Ellis

Object number: 2013.22.18

Restrictions & Rights: © DAZE

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
Exhibition: Represent: Hip Hop Photography
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Second Floor, 2 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Spray paint in "Azalea Pink" owned by DAZE

Manufactured by: Illinois Bronze Paint Company, American, 1890 - 1990
Owned by: Daze, American, born 1962

Medium: ink on paper with metal and paint
Dimensions: H x W x D: 18 × 7 × 7 in. (45.7 × 17.8 × 17.8 cm)

Type: cans

Place used: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Place made: Lake Zurich, Lake County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1975

Description: A spray can of Illinois Bronze Accent Designer Spray containing 029 Azalea Pink, a pink color paint. The spray can has a white paper label exterior with vertical, thin, black stripes. The label features a large, pink graphic of a bowl-shaped stand filled with fruits and leaves. The fruits depicted include grapes, apples, peaches and oranges. Above the bowl graphic in black text is the name of the manufacturer [ILLINOIS BRONZE] below the company logo, stylized letters [I B]. In black text, below the bowl graphic, is information about the paint color, the brand, as well as a warning label: [ACCENT / DESIGNER SPRAY / SOFT MATTE FINISH / FOR FLORAL – DISPLAY – CRAFT AND / HOME DECORATING ON ALL MATERIALS / INCLUDING FRESH AND PERMANENT FLOWERS] and below the base of the stand graphic is the text [029 AZALEA PINK / DANGER-EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. KEEP FROM / HEAT OR FLAME. CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE. / Read Precautions on Back Panel] and [NET WT 13 OZ. / 369 GMS.] in black ink. On the back of the can are the directions for use, cautions, pigment formula, the manufacturer contact information and copyright date.

Topic: African American; Art; Hip hop (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Chris DAZE Ellis

Object number: 2013.22.19

Restrictions & Rights: © DAZE

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
Exhibition: Represent: Hip Hop Photography
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Second Floor, 2 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printing plate for the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts

Designed by: Glover, Edward S. S., American
Subject of: Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, American, founded 1847

Medium: metal on wood
Dimensions: H x W x D: 9 3/8 × 6 1/4 × 7/8 in., 2 lb. (23.8 × 15.9 × 2.2 cm, 0.9 kg)

Type: printing blocks

Place collected: Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Dorchester, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Date: early 20th century

Description: A metal printing plate mounted on a wood block used to print lodge certificates. The plate is in the shape of a building and has inscribed text and masonic imagery, beginning [M.W. PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE / STATE OF / MASSACHUSETTS]. The plate is mounted onto a rectangular piece of board. There is handwritten text on the back which reads [Designed by / Bro. Edward S. S. Glover / of / Rising Sun Lodge / Boston]. One edge of the block is stamped with [American Eng. Co. Boston].

Topic: African American; Communities; Freemasonry

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts

Object number: 2013.71.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
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

Camera used by Teenie Harris

Created by: Graflex Inc., 1887 - 1973
Owned by: Charles "Teenie" Harris, American, 1908 - 1998

Medium: wood, leather, steel, aluminum, and ground glass
Dimensions: H x W x D: 8 1/2 × 7 5/8 × 11 1/4 in. (21.6 × 19.4 × 28.6 cm)

Type: view cameras

Place used: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: mid 20th century

Description: This Pacemaker 34 Crown Graphic camera is an open and extended field camera. It is missing a handle on its PL side, although the holes and indentations demonstrating where the handle was once attached are still present. There is a lens hood with chipping green lacquer attached to the front of the camera which shields a 135mm f/4.7 lens. The metal frame is rusting in multiple spots and the leather finish on the casing is scratched or fading in some places. The folded, leather-like material of the camera's middle body has small punctures at some of its edges but appears to be mostly whole and without cracking in the material. All hinges and screws necessary to collapse and unfold the camera appear to be in full functioning order with no visible signs of loss or severe rusting. There is engraved text encircling the lens which reads [TRADE Rapax MARK / WOLLENSKA 135MM f/4.7 W RAPTAR No 566116].

Topic: African American; Photography; Technology

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Charles A. Harris and Beatrice Harris in memory of Charles "Teenie" Harris

Object number: 2014.302.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Crafting-Artistic-Image-making
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

Six colors of thread 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: cotton thread, plastic, wood, and metal
Dimensions: H x W x D (2010.6.68.1): 1 7/8 x 1 5/16 x 1 5/16 in. (4.8 x 3.3 x 3.3 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.68.2): 1 3/4 x 1 5/16 x 1 5/16 in. (4.4 x 3.3 x 3.3 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.68.3): 1 3/4 x 1 11/16 x 1 5/8 in. (4.4 x 4.3 x 4.1 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.68.4): 1 1/4 x 1 x 1 in. (3.2 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.68.5): 1/4 x 5 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. (0.6 x 14.6 x 3.5 cm); H x W x D (2010.6.68.6): 7/16 x 3/4 x 3/4 in. (1.1 x 1.9 x 1.9 cm)

Type: spools

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

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Six different colors of thread in different fibers. A wooden spool with black cotton thread (.1) with blue and red stamped ink manufacturer's information that reads on one end, "THE GARDINER HALL JR. CO. / MANUFACTURERS / SIX CORD / WILLINGTON / CONN. U.S.A." and on the other end, "HALL'S BEST / SPOOL 50 COTTON / SIX CORD / 500 YARDS / TRADE MARK." A yellow plastic spool with bright blue mercerized cotton thread (.2) has no labels. A black plastic spool with bright green cotton thread (.3) has no labels, and a sewing needle is stuck through the spooled thread. A wooden spool with light teal mercerized cotton thread (.4) with green stamped ink manufacturer's information that reads on one end, "BELDING CORTICELLI RICHARDSON / MERCERIZED COTTON / SIZE A" and on the other end, "MERCERIZED COTTON / FAST TO BOILING / 70 YDS. / SHADE 1413." A skein of salmon pink mercerized cotton six-ply thread (.5) with two black paper bands, one at each end, with gold stamped text that reads on one band, "American Thread Co. / STAR SIX STRAND / EMBROIDERY COTTON / 8 YARDS," and on the other band, "PULL SKEIN / DO NOT REMOVE BANDS / PULL THE LOOSE END / 1025 5c / FAST COLOR WILL BOIL." A metal sewing machine bobbin with bright orange mercerized cotton thread (.6).

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: 2010.6.68.1-.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-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

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, Philadelphia County, 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

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, Philadelphia County, 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

Artificial pink flowers 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: paper, plastic, wire, and cardboard
Dimensions: H x W x D: 2 1/2 x 28 3/4 x 6 1/4 in. (6.4 x 73 x 15.9 cm)

Type: accessories

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

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Artificial pink paper flowers on green plastic stems with coiled paper-wrapped wire pieces coming off the stems. The flowers are tied with string to the bottom of the box. White stickers wrapped around the stems of the artificial flowers read "MADE IN CHINA".

Topic: African American; Business; Fashion; Ornamentation; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Donna Limerick

Object number: 2016.48.105

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

Hat box filled with tools and materials 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: plastic, cloth, metal, and paper
Dimensions: H x W x D: 12 13/16 x 12 x 12 in. (32.5 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm)

Type: textiles; buttons (fasteners); pins (fasteners); scissors; needles; patterns (guides); sewing tools and equipment; hatboxes

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

Date: 1941-1994

Description: Hat box without lid (a) made from a pasteboard bottom printed in cream and gold stripes, and clear plastic sides. The container was used by Mae Reeves to hold the following items:; (b): Published paper sewing pattern by Kandel Knits for a mini cape, pattern number 653.; (c): Pair of metal scissors with black painted handles.; (d): Metal tracing wheel with a marbled cream plastic handle. Made by Dritz.; (e): Ziploc bag containing a black and white plaid ribbon bow and nine (9) cards wrapped with various finishing tapes and trims.; (f): Ziploc bag containing seven (7) cards wrapped in black lace, one (1) length of loose black lace, one (1) length of rolled white fabric trim, and one (1) cream lace collar.; (g): Ziploc bag containing six (6) cards of buttons and seventeen (17) loose buttons, all of various colors and sizes.; (h): Ziploc bag containing three (3) papers of straight pins, one (1) paper of sewing needles, one (1) case of Singer machine sewing needles, one (1) bag of white sequins, one (1) bag of teal sequins, and two (2) loose gold sequins.; (i): Seven (7) fake flowers loose in the hat box, including six (6) peach roses and one (1) white carnation on a plastic stem with a pinback attached to it.

Topic: African American; Business; Fashion; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Donna Limerick

Object number: 2016.48.106a-i

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

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