NMAAHC Collections Search

Photograph of The Last Poets from the film Right On!

Photograph by: Danska, Herbert, American, born 1927
Subject of: Luciano, Felipe, American, born 1948; Kain, Gylan, American; Nelson, David, American

Medium: photographic gelatin and silver on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W (Image and sheet): 5 x 7 in. (12.7 x 17.8 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints

Date: 1971

Description: A black-and-white photograph of The Last Poets. The image features from left to right, Gylan Kain, Felipe Luciano, and David Nelson. Kain is pictured seated, in profile, wearing a light colored shirt. Luciano is pictured standing, center, in a dark-colored turtleneck with his proper right fist raised in a black power gesture. Nelson is pictured standing, in profile, wearing a leather jacket.; On the verso is a stamped inscription reading [ "RIGHT ON!" / A FILM BY HERBERT DANSKA / WRITTEN BY AND STARRING / KAIN | DAVID NELSON | FELIPE LUCIANO / A WOODIE KING JR. PRODUCTION / A LEACOCK PENNEBAKER RELEASE / cable: FILMAKERS, U.S.A.].

Topic: African American; Film; Hip hop (Music); Photography; Spoken word (Poetry)

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

Object number: 2012.38.1

Restrictions & Rights: © Herbert Danska

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography
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

Photographic postcard of Jack Johnson's corner of the ring

Created by: Dana Photo Studio, American
Distributed by: The Sommer Studio, American
Subject of: Johnson, Jack, American, 1878 - 1946

Medium: ink on photographic paper on cardboard
Dimensions: H x W: 3 1/2 x 5 7/16 in. (8.9 x 13.8 cm)

Type: photographic postcards

Place captured: Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1910

Description: A black-and-white photographic postcard of Jack Johnson's corner before the "Fight of the Century" between Johnson and James J. Jeffries. Johnson, seated wears a robe and points with his right hand. He is surrounded by training and support staff.

Topic: African American; Athletes; Boxing; Photography; Race relations

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

Object number: 2010.36.1.1

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography
Exhibition: Sports: Leveling the Playing Field
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 052

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photographic postcard of Jack Johnson and James J. Jeffries clinching

Created by: Dana Photo Studio, American
Subject of: Johnson, Jack, American, 1878 - 1946; Jeffries, James J., American, 1875 - 1953

Medium: ink on photographic paper on cardboard
Dimensions: H x W: 3 1/2 x 5 7/16 in. (8.9 x 13.8 cm)

Type: photographic postcards

Place captured: Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1910

Description: A black-and-white photographic postcard of the "Fight of the Century" between Jack Johnson and James J. Jeffries. In this photo, the pair are standing chest to chest with interlocking arms.

Topic: African American; Athletes; Boxing; Photography; Race relations

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

Object number: 2010.36.1.2

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Daguerreotype of Rhoda Phillips

Photograph by: Unidentified
Subject of: Phillips, Rhoda, American, 1831 - 1906

Medium: silver amalgam, silver on copper photographic plates
Dimensions: H x W (Sheet): 2 x 2 1/2 in. (5.1 x 6.4 cm)

Type: daguerreotypes

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

Date: ca. 1850

Description: A 1/9th plate daguerreotype of Rhoda Phillips (1831-1906), a woman who was born into slavery. She wears a dress with a flower pattern, lace cuffs, and a lace collar. The case is contemporary and has velvet lining.

Topic: African American; Photography; Slavery

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

Object number: 2011.34

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

James Baldwin, Istanbul 1964

Created by: Pakay, Sedat, Turkish, 1945 - 2016
Subject of: Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 13 15/16 x 10 15/16 in. (35.4 x 27.8 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints; portraits

Place captured: Istanbul, Turkey, Middle East, Asia

Date: 1964

Description: A black-and-white portrait of James Baldwin with his right hand on his left shoulder.

Topic: African American; Literature; Photography

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

Object number: 2011.20.1

Restrictions & Rights: © Sedat Pakay 1964

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

James Baldwin by His Typewriter, Istanbul 1966

Created by: Pakay, Sedat, Turkish, 1945 - 2016
Subject of: Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W (Image and Sheet): 10 15/16 x 13 15/16 in. (27.8 x 35.4 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints; portraits

Place captured: Istanbul, Turkey, Middle East, Asia

Date: 1966

Description: A photograph of James Baldwin sitting at a typewriter and smoking a cigarette.

Topic: African American; Literature; Photography

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

Object number: 2011.20.2

Restrictions & Rights: © Sedat Pakay 1966

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

James Baldwin on a water taxi, crossing the Golden Horn, Istanbul 1965

Created by: Pakay, Sedat, Turkish, 1945 - 2016
Subject of: Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 10 15/16 x 13 15/16 in. (27.8 x 35.4 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints; portraits

Place captured: Istanbul, Turkey, Middle East, Asia

Date: 1965

Description: A photograph of James Baldwin in a dark shirt. He is on the water of the Golden Horn.

Topic: African American; Literature; Photography

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

Object number: 2011.20.3

Restrictions & Rights: © Sedat Pakay 1965

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

James Baldwin conversing with sailors from the U.S. Sixth Fleet in front of the Blue Mosque, Istanbul, 1965

Created by: Pakay, Sedat, Turkish, 1945 - 2016
Subject of: Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 13 15/16 x 10 15/16 in. (35.4 x 27.8 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints

Place captured: Istanbul, Turkey, Middle East, Asia

Date: 1965

Description: A black-and-white photograph of James Baldwin standing with sailors in front of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

Topic: African American; Literature; Photography

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

Object number: 2011.20.4

Restrictions & Rights: © Sedat Pakay 1965

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

KRS-1 & Ms. Melodie, Bronx 1988

Photograph by: Beckman, Janette, English
Subject of: KRS-One, American, born 1965; Ms. Melodie, American, 1969 - 2012

Medium: dye and photographic gelatin on paper (fiber product)
Dimensions: H x W (Sheet): 19 15/16 × 16 1/4 in. (50.7 × 41.2 cm); H x W (Image): 19 15/16 × 16 in. (50.7 × 40.6 cm)

Type: chromogenic color prints; portraits; laser prints

Place captured: Bronx, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1988; printed 2004

Description: A color photograph of KRS-One and Ms. Melodie. KRS-One wears a brown suit jacket and stands posed with his arms crossed over his chest, looking away from the camera. Ms. Melodie is to his left, wearing a pink jacket, pearl jewelry, a multi-colored turban. She stands posed with her left hand on her left hip. The two stand outside, in front of a tan brick building. An inscription on the back provides the title and copyright.

Topic: African American; Fashion; Hip hop (Music); Musicians; Photography; United States--History--1969-2001

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

Object number: 2015.132.63

Restrictions & Rights: © Janette Beckman

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Eyejammie Hip Hop Photography Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography
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

Female Rappers, Class of '88

Photograph by: Beckman, Janette, English
Subject of: Sparky D, American; Sweet Tee, American; MC Peaches, American; Yvette Money, American; Ms. Melodie, American, 1969 - 2012; Synquis, American; Jackson, Millie, American, born 1944; Unidentified Woman or Women; Shanté, Roxanne, American, born 1969; MC Lyte, American, born 1971; Finesse, American

Medium: dye and photographic gelatin on paper (fiber product)
Dimensions: H x W: 15 7/8 × 19 7/8 in. (40.3 × 50.5 cm)

Type: chromogenic color prints; portraits; laser prints

Date: 1988; printed 2004

Description: A color photograph of eleven female rappers posed together on a wooden stage in front of a brick wall. In the back row, standing or crouching (left to right): Sparky D, Sweet Tee, MC Peaches, Yvette Money, Ms. Melodie, Synquis. In the middle is the singer Millie Jackson. Sitting along the bottom row with their legs crossed (left to right): (unidentified, wearing jewelry reading [PAM]), Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, Finesse. All of the women are looking towards the camera, with the exception of Jackson, who looks down while raising both her fists. An inscription on the back gives the title and copyright.

Topic: African American; Fashion; Gesture; Hip hop (Music); Musicians; Photography; United States--History--1969-2001; Women

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

Object number: 2015.132.65

Restrictions & Rights: © Janette Beckman

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Eyejammie Hip Hop Photography Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography
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

Lantern Slide of the slave dealers, Birch & Co., in Alexandria, Virginia

Photograph by: Brady, Mathew, American, 1822 - 1896
Manufactured by: McAllister, Thomas H., American, 1824 - 1898
Subject of: Price, Birch & Co., American, 1858 - 1861; United States Army, American, founded 1775

Medium: albumen, sodium chloride, silver nitrate, glass, metal, ink on paper, adhesive
Dimensions: H x W (image): 2 11/16 × 2 7/8 in. (6.8 × 7.3 cm); H x W x D (slide and mount): 3 1/4 × 4 1/8 × 1/4 in. (8.2 × 10.5 × 0.6 cm)

Type: lantern slides

Place captured: Alexandria, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1862

Description: Lantern slide of the slave trading firm of Price, Birch, & Co. of Alexandria, Virginia. The slide depicts a three story building is set to the right of the slide. A sign on the building reads “PRICE BIRCH & CO. / DEALERS IN SLAVES.” A tree is at the center of the image. Arrayed in the foreground are a horse, covered wagon and 10 soldiers. The soldiers appear to be both white and African American, with a group of four black soldiers grouped together on the left and one standing alone back against the wall. All the men are in full uniform, including hats, rifles, and swords. Printed vertically on the left of the image is “T.H. McALLISTER, Manufacturing Optician,.” Printed vertically on the right side of the image is “49 NASSAU STREET, NEW YORK.” A paper label is adhered to the back of the slide. Handwritten vertically in ink is “0290 Price, Birch & Co.’s Slave Pen / Alex. Va” The slide is in a metal frame.

Topic: African American; American South; Business; Domestic slave trade; Photography; Slavery; United States Colored Troops; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

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

Object number: 2018.43.6

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Liljenquist Family Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Carte-de-visite of the Jubilee Singers

Created by: American Missionary Association, American, 1846 - 1999
Photograph by: Black, James Wallace, American, 1825 - 1896
Subject of: Fisk Jubilee Singers, American, founded 1871; Fisk University, American, founded 1866

Medium: albumen and silver on photographic paper and cardboard
Dimensions: H x W: 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 in. (6.4 x 10.8 cm)

Type: cartes-de-visite; albumen prints

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

Date: 1872; printed later

Description: A carte-de-viste depicting the Fisk University Jubilee Singers, with all nine members present. On the back, the photo reads "American Missionary Association. Jubilee Singers, Fisk University, Nashville, TN."

Topic: African American; Education; Humanitarianism; Photography; Religious groups; Singers (Musicians); Spirituals (Music)

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

Object number: 2010.54.4

Restrictions & Rights: Public Domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph of the lynching of Allen Brooks in Dallas, Texas

Photograph by: Unidentified
Subject of: Brooks, Allen, American, ca. 1845 - 1910

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints

Place depicted: Dallas, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date: March 3, 1910; printed later

Description: Black and white photograph of the lynching of Allen Brooks in Dallas, Texas on March 3, 1910. The image is taken from an elevated perspective. A large crowd of people are visible in the foreground and the hanged body of Brooks is visible just above the crowd in the background. On the back of the photograph is a stamp from the Dallas Public Library.

Topic: African American; Hate crimes; Photography; Race relations; United States--History--1865-1921; Urban life; Violence

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Jacquelyn Days Serwer

Object number: 2013.41

Restrictions & Rights: Public Domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Peace Advocates

Created by: Schwartz, Joe, American, 1913 - 2013
Subject of: Scott, Hazel, American, 1920 - 1981; Robeson, Paul, American, 1898 - 1976

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints

Place depicted: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1940s

Caption: Peace Advocates - Hazel Scott, Paul Robeson, New York City, 1940's; Joe Schwartz, Folk Photography: Poems I've Never Written (2000), 203.
Description: A black-and-white photograph of Hazel Scott and Paul Robeson in a New York City club. Scott plays the piano and sings into a microphone.

Topic: African American; Jazz (Music); Photography; Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Joe Schwartz and Family

Object number: 2010.74.149

Restrictions & Rights: © Joe Schwartz

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography
Exhibition: Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Untitled

Photograph of Robert L. Johnson

Photograph by: Williams, Milton, American, born 1940
Subject of: Johnson, Robert L., American, born 1946; Black Entertainment Television, American, founded 1980

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W (Sheet): 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm); H x W (Image): 6 1/2 x 9 5/8 in. (16.5 x 24.4 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints; portraits

Place depicted: Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America

Date: June 5, 1981

Caption: Robert (Bob) L. Johnson, president and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), in his Washington, DC Georgetown office in the early days of BET's evolution. June 5, 1981. The channel launched in 1980 and became a full-fledged cable channel in 1983.
Description: A black-and-white photograph of Robert L. Johnson sitting behind a desk. He is adjusting a television knob with his right hand. He is looking directly at the camera. The photograph is stamped and inscribed on the back.

Topic: African American; Local and regional; Mass media; Photography; Television

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Milton Williams Archives

Object number: 2011.15.326

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography
Exhibition: Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Cabinet card of Frederick Douglass with his grandson, Joseph Douglass

Photograph by: Bourdon, Denis, Canadian; Notman Photo Company, American, 1866 - 1894
Subject of: Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895; Douglass, Joseph Henry, American, 1871 - 1935

Medium: albumen and silver on photographic paper on card mount
Dimensions: H x W: 6 1/2 × 4 1/4 in. (16.5 × 10.8 cm)

Type: cabinet photographs; albumen prints

Place made: Boston, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Date: May 10, 1894

Caption: This carte-de-visite is found in Series 6 of the Charlene Hodges Byrd Collection. This collection documents the personal life and professional career of Charlene Hodges Byrd as well as her related family members from various areas throughout the Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C. This collection is comprised of correspondence, ephemera and photographs discussing family life, religion, race, education as well as the family relationship with Frederick Douglass and his family. The collection is available for research by contacting NMAAHC Archives at nmaahc-archivalcollection@si.edu or see our collections in the Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives available here: https://goo.gl/Rwckpe.
Description: A cabinet card of Frederick Douglass and his grandson Joseph Douglass. Frederick Douglass is featured on the right side of the image and sits in a chair holding papers in his hands atop his lap. Joseph Douglass, in the left side of the image, sits atop a table and holds a violin in his proper right hand. His proper left hand is resting on the back of his grandfather. The bottom of the card has a maker's mark and address for Notman Photographic Company in Boston.

Topic: African American; Families; Fatherhood; Instrumentalists (Musicians); Photography

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Charlene Hodges Byrd

Object number: A2010.26.29.8.1

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Charlene Hodges Byrd Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography; Archival Collections
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

Photograph of Frances Albrier wearing a Red Cross uniform

Photograph by: Unidentified
Subject of: Albrier, Frances M., American, 1898 - 1987; American Red Cross, American, founded 1881

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 4 x 3 in. (10.2 x 7.6 cm)

Type: photographs; portraits

Place depicted: Berkeley, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1942

Description: A black-and-white photograph of Frances Albrier wearing a Red Cross uniform consisting of a hat, jacket, and collar clasp.

Topic: African American; Associations and institutions; Humanitarianism; Medicine; Photography; Women

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

Object number: 2010.60.10

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph of Frances Albrier teaching first aid

Photograph by: Joseph, E. F., American, 1900 - 1979
Subject of: Albrier, Frances M., American, 1898 - 1987; American Red Cross, American, founded 1881

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 8 1/8 x 10 in. (20.6 x 25.4 cm)

Type: photographs

Place depicted: Berkeley, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: June 14, 1951

Description: A black-and-white photograph of Frances Albrier teaching first aid practices to young women in Berkeley, California.

Topic: African American; Education; Humanitarianism; Medicine; Photography

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

Object number: 2010.60.15

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph of four young women practicing first aid

Photograph by: Joseph, E. F., American, 1900 - 1979
Subject of: Albrier, Frances M., American, 1898 - 1987; American Red Cross, American, founded 1881

Medium: paper (fiber product)
Dimensions: H x W: 8 1/8 x 10 in. (20.6 x 25.4 cm)

Type: photographs

Place depicted: Berkeley, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: June 14, 1951

Description: A black-and-white photograph of Frances Albrier teaching first aid to young women in Berkeley, California.

Topic: African American; Education; Humanitarianism; Medicine; Photography

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

Object number: 2010.60.16

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph of young women practicing first aid

Photograph by: Joseph, E. F., American, 1900 - 1979
Subject of: Albrier, Frances M., American, 1898 - 1987; American Red Cross, American, founded 1881

Medium: paper (fiber product)
Dimensions: H x W: 8 1/8 x 10 in. (20.6 x 25.4 cm)

Type: photographs

Place depicted: Berkeley, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: June 14, 1951

Description: A black-and-white photograph of Frances Albrier teaching first aid to young women in Berkeley, California.

Topic: African American; Education; Humanitarianism; Medicine; Photography

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

Object number: 2010.60.17

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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