NMAAHC Collections Search

Hat designed by Lillian Head

Created by: Head, Lillian, American, 1921 - 2010
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: felt, vinyl, plastic, and elastic
Dimensions: H x W x D: 12 3/4 × 12 3/4 × 5 1/4 in. (32.4 × 32.4 × 13.3 cm)

Type: hats

Place made: Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1967 - 1968

Description: A blue and cream hat designed to resemble the Polaris restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. The hat has a round crown made of bright blue felted faux fur that is heavily machine-stitched in a grid pattern with cream thread. The hat has double rounded brims, both made of a cream felt faux fur. In between the double brims, forming a circle all the way around the hat, is a length of clear plastic. The plastic is stitched with black thread to make a grid pattern. The top edge of the plastic is tacked to the upper side of the bottom brim in two places using cream thread, but the stitching has come loose. The bottom edge of the plastic is hand-sewn to the upper side of the bottom brim using cream thread. The underside of the bottom brim has two details that provide additional structure to the hat, one rolled piece of cream felt halfway between the crown and the brim edge, and another rolled piece of cream felt at the crown. Around the interior opening of the crown, a length of blue grossgrain ribbon edged with a length of cream lace is sewn. Black elastic cord is attached to the blue ribbon on the proper right and proper left sides, and two (2) brown plastic hair combs are woven through this elastic cord.

Topic: African American; Architecture; Clothing and dress; Fashion; 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: 2007.3.3.1

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: Clothing-Fashion

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Handbag designed by Lillian Head

Created by: Head, Lillian, American, 1921 - 2010
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: leather, plastic, velvet and metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 10 1/4 × 7 × 6 1/2 in. (26 × 17.8 × 16.5 cm); Circumference: 20 in. (50.8 cm); L (With cords fully extended): 21 1/4 in. (54 cm)

Type: handbags

Place made: Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1967 - 1968

Description: A leather and plastic handbag designed to resemble the elevators in the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. The handbag is cylindrical, with tapered ends. The main body of the handbag is clear, made from one piece of plastic that is stapled at its seam and secured into place by being stitched and glued to eight (8) reddish-brown leather straps extending the full length of the handbag, from the base to the top opening. The top and bottom portions of the handbag are constructed from reddish-brown leather overlaid onto a form. At the top of the handbag, all eight (8) leather straps taper upwards to form a cinch closure that can be pulled shut by tightening two cords that are looped through the leather straps and knotted together on the ends. The cords are made from a brown synthetic fiber and capped with metal end caps. When fully tightened, the cords extend from the leather straps by approximately 9 inches, which can be grasped to carry the handbag. Underneath the leather straps and cords is the opening into the central body of the handbag. The opening is covered by a hinged flap that is glued to one side of the opening and can be secured on the other side with a snap. At the bottom of the handbag, all eight (8) leather straps continue extending downwards to be concealed under a circular band of leather stitched and glued to the base. This small circular base creates a foot on which the handbag can be rested. All of the interior leather portions of the handbag are lined with a deep red velvet, covering the interior base and the verso of the flap that covers the opening.

Topic: African American; Architecture; Clothing and dress; Fashion; 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: 2007.3.3.2

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: Clothing-Fashion

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Sharecropper's agreement between Daniel Weaver and James Crow

Created by: Unidentified
Subject of: Weaver, Daniel; Crow, James, American, born 1847

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 12 5/16 x 7 13/16 in. (31.3 x 19.8 cm)

Type: contracts

Place made: Lumpkin County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: March 11, 1867

Description: A one page document, legal-size, handwritten in black ink on lined paper.

Topic: African American; Agriculture; Emancipation; Labor; Reconstruction (United States History, 1865-1877)

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

Object number: 2009.14.6

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-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Identification button used by Thomas Porter II

Manufactured by: I. Nutting & Son, British, ca.1805 - 1840
Used by: Porter, Thomas II, British, 1790 - 1857

Medium: pewter
Dimensions: Diameter: 13/16 in. (2.1 cm), 3.9Grams

Type: buttons (fasteners); buttons (information artifacts)

Place collected: Georgia, United States, North and Central America
Place used: Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana, South America

Date: ca. 1820

Description: A round pewter button with "TPORTER" stamped across the middle. This button would have been sewn onto an enslaved person's shirt to identify him or her as belonging to Thomas Porter II. On the reverse side of the button there are fine concentric circle impressions within a pronounced rim as well as a stamp which is now illegible. There is also evidence of a parting line for a two-part mold on the reverse of the button. The button has considerable wear with pitting on both sides.

Topic: African American; Middle Passage

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

Object number: 2009.32.1

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

Identification button used by Thomas Porter II

Manufactured by: I. Nutting & Son, British, ca.1805 - 1840
Used by: Porter, Thomas II, British, 1790 - 1857

Medium: pewter
Dimensions: Diameter: 13/16 in. (2.1 cm), 3.2Grams

Type: buttons (fasteners); buttons (information artifacts)

Place collected: Georgia, United States, North and Central America
Place used: Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana, South America

Date: ca. 1820

Description: A round pewter button with "TPORTER" stamped across the middle. This button would have been sewn onto an enslaved person's shirt to identify him or her as belonging to Thomas Porter II. On the reverse side of the button there is a pronounced concavity which may have occurred after fabrication. The button has considerable wear with pitting on both sides.

Topic: African American; Middle Passage

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

Object number: 2009.32.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects
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

Identification button used by Thomas Porter II

Created by: Unidentified
Used by: Porter, Thomas II, British, 1790 - 1857

Medium: copper alloy
Dimensions: Diameter: 3/4 in. (1.9 cm), 2.7Grams

Type: buttons (fasteners); buttons (information artifacts)

Place collected: Georgia, United States, North and Central America
Place used: Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana, South America

Date: ca. 1820

Description: A round copper-alloy button with the initials "T*P" on the front. This button would have been sewn onto an enslaved person's shirt to identify him or her as belonging to Thomas Porter II. There is an inscription on the reverse of the button in two concentric circles that reads, "FINE ORANGE STANDARD GILT." There is a considerable amount of verdigris on both sides of the button.

Topic: African American; Middle Passage

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

Object number: 2009.32.3

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects
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

Identification button used by Thomas Porter II

Created by: Unidentified
Used by: Porter, Thomas II, British, 1790 - 1857

Medium: copper alloy
Dimensions: Diameter: 3/4 in. (1.9 cm), 2.8Grams

Type: buttons (fasteners); buttons (information artifacts)

Place collected: Georgia, United States, North and Central America
Place used: Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana, South America

Date: ca. 1820

Description: A round copper-alloy button with the initials "T*P" on the front. This button would have been sewn onto an enslaved person's shirt to identify him or her as belonging to Thomas Porter. There is an inscription on the reverse of the button in two concentric circles that reads, "FINE ORANGE STANDARD GILT."

Topic: African American; Middle Passage

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

Object number: 2009.32.4

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

Identification button worn by enslaved persons on Golden Grove Plantation

Created by: Unidentified
Used by: Baillie, David, British, 1786 - 1861

Medium: pewter
Dimensions: Diameter: 13/16 in. (2.1 cm), 4.4Grams

Type: buttons (fasteners); buttons (information artifacts)

Place collected: Georgia, United States, North and Central America
Place used: Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana, South America

Date: 1828-1834

Description: A round pewter button with "D BAILLIE / G•GROVE" stamped on the front. This button would have been sewn onto an enslaved person's shirt to identify him or her as belonging to David Baillie of Golden Grove Plantation, British Guyana. The button has considerable wear with pitting on both sides.

Topic: African American; Middle Passage

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

Object number: 2009.32.5

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Georgia • USA

Created by: Freed, Leonard, American, 1929 - 2006
Subject of: Unidentified Child or Children; Unidentified Man or Men; Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 10 1/4 x 15 1/4 in. (26 x 38.7 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints

Place depicted: Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1964

Description: A photograph depicting a man, woman, and child picking cotton in a field.

Topic: African American; Agriculture; Labor; Photography

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brigitte Freed in memory of Leonard Freed

Object number: 2009.36.2

Restrictions & Rights: © Leonard Freed/Magnum

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

Wood-burning stove from the Hope School

Manufactured by: Hanks Stove & Range Company, American, 1901 - 1981
Used by: Hope School, 1925 - 1954

Medium: iron , wood
Dimensions: H x W x D: 60 × 21 × 21 in., 223 lb. (152.4 × 53.3 × 53.3 cm, 101.2 kg)

Type: stoves

Place used: Pomaria, Newberry County, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
Place made: Rome, Floyd County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1925-1954

Description: An iron wood-burning stove used in the Hope Rosenwald School. The stove is in several distinct pieces: stove body, ash box, base, transition piece, lid, small top piece, three long pipes, one short pipe, stove pipe adapter, cirular pipe piece, two rods, and a box of six screws, five nuts, and a pin. The pieces are probably a combination of iron and tin, and the base is wood. A stamp into the ash box reads "HANKS STOVE & RANGE CO. / ROME / GA."

Topic: African American; American South; Education; Segregation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Hope School Community Center, Pomaria, SC

Object number: 2010.22.11a-o

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Occupational
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

SCLC contribution can

Created by: Southern Christian Leadership Conference, American, founded 1957
Subject of: Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968; Rev. Abernathy, Ralph David, American, 1926 - 1990; Hollins, Billy, American

Medium: tin , ink on printing paper
Dimensions: H x W x D: 2 7/8 x 2 7/8 x 6 in. (7.3 x 7.3 x 15.2 cm)

Type: cans

Place depicted: 334 Auburn Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1968-1977

Description: An SCLC donation can. The can is made of tin and is wrapped in white paper. The paper has a black and white image of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ralph David Abernathy and text that reads: [I Gave] above an address. There is a slot at the top of the can for the donations.

Topic: African American; Activism; Civil Rights; United States--History--1969-2001

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

Object number: 2010.41.7

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera
Exhibition: A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 1, C1 053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Contract signed by Otis Redding for "Mr. Pitiful"

Created by: East Publications Inc.
Subject of: Redding, Otis, American, 1941 - 1967; Cropper, Steve, American, born 1941; Stewart, Jim, American, born 1930

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 14 x 8 1/2 in. (35.6 x 21.6 cm)

Type: contracts

Place depicted: 3226 Commodore, Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America; 2582 Capewood, Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1965

Description: A contract signed by Otis Redding. The contract has black print on legal paper with signatures on the bottom right of the front. The contract establishes the payment distribution regarding the song "Mr. Pitiful" between writers Otis Redding and Steve Cropper and Stax/Volt record executive Jim Stewart.

Topic: African American; Business; Law; Soul (Music)

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

Object number: 2010.50.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents
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

Answers for Action: Schools in the South

Published by: Southern Regional Council, American, founded 1919

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 9 x 6 in. (22.8 x 15.2 cm)

Type: pamphlets

Place printed: Atlanta, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1954

Description: A pamphlet about Schools in the South and the impact of Brown vs. the Board of Education on segregated school districts. The front cover has brown ink on discolored paper. At top, there is a band of teal with white text. The interior consists of thirty-two pages of text and a map. The back of the pamphlet has information about how to obtain additional copies.

Topic: African American; American South; Education; Law; Mass media; Political organizations; Politics (Practical); Segregation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the family of Dr. Maurice Jackson and Laura Ginsburg

Object number: 2010.55.90

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Sweat shirt with the slogan "Just a Cracker from Georgia"

Created by: Unidentified
Owned by: Mulholland, Joan Trumpauer, American, born 1941

Medium: cotton (textile) and polyester
Dimensions: H x W: 22 x 51 1/4 in. (55.9 x 130.2 cm)

Type: sweat shirts

Place depicted: Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1960 - 1962

Description: A blue sweat shirt with the phrase "Just a Cracker from Georgia" on the front center.

Topic: African American; American South; Civil Rights; Clothing and dress; Race relations; United States--History--1961-1969

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Trumpauer-Mulholland Collection

Object number: 2010.71.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Clothing-Historical

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ticket for funeral services for Martin Luther King, Jr.

Created by: Unidentified
Subject of: Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968
Used by: Morehouse College, American, founded 1867
Owned by: Simone, Nina, American, 1933 - 2003

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 2 1/8 x 5 1/4 in. (5.4 x 13.3 cm)

Type: passes (tickets)

Place used: Morehouse College, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: April 9, 1968

Description: An admission ticket to satellite funeral services for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Morehouse College. The back is blank.

Topic: African American; Civil Rights; United States--History--1961-1969

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

Object number: 2011.132.4.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera
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

Chair with corn husk seat woven by Johnnie Ree Jackson

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: wood , husk
Dimensions: H x W x D: 33 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 16 in. (85.1 x 44.5 x 40.6 cm)

Type: chairs

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A ladder back chair with a husk bottom refurbished by Johnnie Ree Jackson. The chair back has three wood slats between two wood uprights. Corn husk is woven across the seat frame to create seat. The seat is supported by four legs connected with an upper and lower slat on each side.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle hat

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D: 3 1/2 x 11 x 12 in. (8.9 x 27.9 x 30.5 cm)

Type: hats

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A hat made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Clothing and dress; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Clothing-Historical

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle cup and saucer

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D (cup): 1 5/8 x 3 1/8 x 2 5/8 in. (4.1 x 7.9 x 6.7 cm); Diameter (saucer): 3 3/4 x 9/16 in. (9.5 x 1.4 cm)

Type: saucers; teacups

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A cup (2011.143.3.1a) and saucer (2011.143.3.1b) made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.3.1ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle cup and saucer

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D (cup): 1 9/16 x 3 1/8 x 2 5/8 in. (4 x 7.9 x 6.7 cm); Diameter (saucer): 3 1/2 x 1/2 in. (8.9 x 1.3 cm)

Type: saucers; teacups

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A cup (2011.143.3.2a) and saucer (2011.143.3.2b) made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.3.2ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle cup and saucer

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D (cup): 1 7/8 x 3 1/4 x 2 5/8 in. (4.8 x 8.3 x 6.7 cm); Diameter (saucer): 3 3/4 x 5/8 in. (9.5 x 1.6 cm)

Type: saucers; teacups

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A cup (2011.143.3.3a) and saucer (2011.143.3.3b) made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.3.3ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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