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    • Discrimination 1 [-]
    • Hate crimes 1 [-]
    • Lynching 1 [-]
    • Race 1 [-]
    • U.S. History, 1919-1933 1 [-]
    • Violence 1 [-]
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    • Henderson, Paul 1 [-]
    • Williams, Matthew 1 [-]
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    • 1930s 1 [-]
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    • Maryland 1 [-]
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  • object-type: "ropework"
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  • Rope used to lynch Matthew Williams

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Williams, Matthew, 1908 -1931
    Owned by
    Henderson, Paul, American, 1899 - 1988
    Date
    December 1931
    Medium
    rope and oil with lead on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 12 x 9 in. (30.5 x 22.9 cm)
    Description
    A section of rope (a) tethered to a handwritten note that is in two pieces (bc).The note, written by Paul Henderson, is composed of graphite on tan paper, in a faint hand at the top is [Lyncher's Rope]. The main text of the note starts [Rope "souvenir" which was used by Salisbury, Md. mob to hang Matthew Williams, 23-year-old citizen]. Secured to the bottom of the note with two pieces of twine, the rope has been soaked in oil and appears brown in color. The note has been folded in multiple places and worn at the folds. It has been repaired with tape at the top fold and the bottom portion, holds the rope, has come completely detached.
    Place depicted
    Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Tools and Equipment-Weapons and ammunition
    Type
    ropework
    Topic
    Hate crimes
    Local and regional
    Lynching
    Race discrimination
    U.S. History, 1919-1933
    Violence
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Estate of Paul S. Henderson
    Object number
    2013.50abc
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public Domain
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5529d26bb-47ff-4e7f-a6e7-7f021505b888
National Museum of African American History and Culture
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1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

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