NMAAHC Collections Search

Cassette of Last Poets performance at Auburn Correctional Facility

Recorded by: The Last Poets, American, founded 1968
Owned by: El-Hadi, Suliaman, American, 1936 - 1995

Medium: plastic and tape
Dimensions: H x W x D: 2 9/16 × 4 × 1/2 in. (6.5 × 10.2 × 1.3 cm)

Type: audio cassettes

Place depicted: Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: April 29, 1978

Description: Black cassette tape with white and pink label. Handwritten information appears on both sides of cassette tape. Side 1 of cassette tape has handwritten information reading, [THE Last PoEts & M.P.C. At/AubuRn CoRRECtional Facility/#2/4-29-78]. Side 2 of cassette tape has handwritten information reading, [PoEts & M.P.C.].

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

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Qaddafi El-Hadi in memory of Suliaman El-Hadi

Object number: 2014.40.6

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Frederick Douglass' Paper

Published by: Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W (open): 26 1/2 × 38 in. (67.3 × 96.5 cm); H x W (closed): 26 1/2 × 19 1/8 in. (67.3 × 48.5 cm)

Type: newspapers

Place printed: Rochester, Monroe County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: July 28, 1854

Description: The July 28, 1854 issue of Frederick Douglass' Paper, a Rochester-based weekly newspaper published and edited by Frederick Douglass that centered on antislavery efforts and other social reform causes. The title [Frederick Douglass' Paper] is printed in large text across the top, just underneath the title are the issue details printed between two horizontal black lines: [Vol. VII, No. 32, ROCHESTER, N.Y. FRIDAY JULY 28, 1854., Whole Number 344]. The text of the paper is densely concentrated in seven vertical columns and there is both a vertical and horizontal crease through the center. An inscription of the name [Stephen Reeves] is written in black ink at the top right corner of the front page. The last page contains a large advertisement: "Call for a National Emigration Convention of Colored Men to be held in Cleveland Ohio" and is signed in print by Martin R. Delany.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Antislavery; Education; International affairs; Mass media; Social reform

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

Object number: 2014.63.10

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Letter written by John Brown and Frederick Douglass to Brown's wife and children

Written by: Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895; Brown, John, American, 1800 - 1859
Received by: Brown, Mary Ann, American, 1817 - 1884

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 9 7/8 x 7 7/8 in. (25.1 x 20 cm)

Type: letters (correspondence)

Place made: Rochester, Monroe County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: January 30, 1858

Description: A letter written by John Brown and Frederick Douglass from Rochester, New York, on January 30, 1858, to Brown's wife and children. The letter is handwritten in black ink on the front and back sides of a single sheet of paper. The letter is first written by Brown, who does not sign his portion beyond "Your Affectionate Husband and Father." Brown writes of missing his wife and children very much, but of not being able to visit them. He also asks his daughter Ruth about her husband, Henry Thompson, becoming involved in Brown's "school," coded language for Brown's militant abolitionist dealings. He further speaks of recruiting his sons for his work and requests that the family write to him under the name "N. Hawkins: Care of Fred'k Douglas [sic] Esq'r Rochester N[.] Y." Douglass writes on the lower half of the verso page with his words oriented three different directions to fit the page. He speaks of his friendship with the Brown family and invites any of them to his home, where John Brown is staying, signing as "Fred. Douglass."
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Antislavery; Correspondence; Domestic life; Fatherhood; Government; Resistance; Slavery

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

Object number: 2009.26.3

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Little Sunshine Al Jolson in "Big Boy"

Subject of: Jolson, Al, American, died 1950
Composed by: Mitchell, Sidney D., American, 1888 - 1942; Gottler, Archie, American, 1896 - 1959; Meyer, George W., American, 1884 - 1959
Published by: M. Witmark & Sons, American, 1886 - 1929
Owned by: McDonald, Vernon Sugg, American, 1906 - 1982

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 11 7/8 × 1/16 in. (30.2 × 0.2 cm)

Type: sheet music

Place collected: Sugg McDonald House, Sonora, California, United States, North and Central America
Place printed: New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1930

Description: Sheet music for the song "Little Sunshine" from the film Big Boy starring Al Jolson. The front cover of sheet music features a large black and white photo of Al Jolson's face in blackface set against an orange background. Black type on top portion of the cover reads: [LITTLE SUNSHINE / WARNER BROS. PRESENT / AL JOLSON / IN / "BIG BOY"]. Type near bottom right corner of the cover reads: [WORDS & MUSIC BY / SIDNEY MITCHELL / ARCHIE GOTTLER / AND / GEO. W. MEYER]. Underneath, is the publisher’s information which reads: [M. WITMARK & SONS / NEW YORK / MADE IN U S A]. Type in bottom left corner reads: [TOMORROW / IS ANOTHER DAY / LITTLE / SUNSHINE / LIZA / LEE / HOORAY FOR / BABY AND ME / WITH BANJO, UKULELE / GUITAR & MANDOLA / ACCOMPANIMENT.]. [Vernon Mcd. / 404] is handwritten, in pencil, at the top of the cover. The interior of the front cover has an additional song in black ink. The interior of the sheet music contains three pages of sheet music, in black ink, for Big Boy. The back cover has a black and white photograph of Dorothy Mackaill and a few bars of music.

Topic: African American; Actors; Blackface; Minstrel (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Sylvia Alden Roberts

Object number: 2014.275.16

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Program from the Third Annual Pilgrimage to the Harriet Tubman Home

Created by: National Tubman, Harriet Shrine Committee
Subject of: Tubman, Harriet, American, 1822 - 1913

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 9 x 5 7/8 in. (22.9 x 14.9 cm)

Type: portraits; programs

Place depicted: Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: October 1955

Description: Program consisting of black ink on yellowed paper. At center, an image of Harriet Tubman. On back, the image of eight people displaying a Harriet Tubman quilt.

Topic: African American; Associations and institutions; Housing; Social reform; United States--History

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles L. Blockson

Object number: 2009.50.4

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Baseball bat used by Willie Mays

Manufactured by: Adirondack Bats, Inc.
Used by: Mays, Willie Howard Jr., American, born 1931

Medium: white ash
Dimensions: H x W x D: 35 × 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 in. (88.9 × 6.4 × 6.4 cm)

Type: bats

Place made: Dolgeville, New York, United States, North and Central America
Place used: Bloomington, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1965

Description: An Adirondack model 302 M63 baseball bat used by Willie Mays in the 1965 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The bat is made from white ash and has black writing on side. Black type near center of bat reads, [ADIRONDACK BATS, INC. / Northern / WhiteAsh / Adirondack / 302 / DOLGEVILLE, NEW YORK / MADE IN U.S.A. / Whip Action]. Type near end opposite of handle reads, [ADIRONDACK / Willie Mays / 1965 ALL STARS]. Etched into bottom of bat's handle is the model number [M63].

Topic: African American; Athletes; Baseball

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

Object number: 2013.120.9

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera; Tools and Equipment-Sports and Recreational
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

Letter to Roberta Tate from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Written by: Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968
Received by: Tate, Roberta M., American, 1912 - 2011
Signed by: Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)

Type: letters (correspondence)

Place made: Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
Place used: Passaic, Passaic County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America
Place depicted: New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: October 23, 1958

Caption: This letter was sent as a thank you for a condolence message sent by Roberta Tate to Dr. King "in connection with the unfortunate incident he experienced in New York." The incident refers to the September 20, 1958 attack on Dr. King in Harlem, New York. While signing copies of his book, Stride Toward Freedom, Izola Curry stabbed Dr. King in the chest with a letter opener. She believed that Dr. King was conspiring against her with communists. Doctors were able to save Dr. King's life after hours of surgery.
Description: Typewritten letter from Martin Luther King Jr. to Roberta Tate. The letter is signed by King in blue ink and is dated October 23, 1958. The letterhead is printed in black at the top center, in a gothic font. The letter begins with "Dear Mrs. Tate: Thank you so much for the kind message / you sent to me in connection with the unfortunate incident I experienced in New York..." The back of the document is blank.

Topic: African American; Civil Rights; Correspondence; Social reform; United States--History--1953-1961

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Jyl C. Woolfolk

Object number: 2012.166.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Postcard of Judy Johnson Baseball Hall of Fame plaque

Created by: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, American, founded 1936
Printed by: Curt Teich & Company, 1898 - 1978
Subject of: Johnson, William Julius, American, 1899 - 1989
Signed by: Johnson, William Julius, American, 1899 - 1989

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 5 7/16 x 3 7/16 in. (13.8 x 8.7 cm)

Type: postcards

Place depicted: Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

Description: Postcard featuring a photograph of a brass plaque on a yellow background. Handwritten in blue ink at the top of the card is "Best Wishes Judy Johnson." The plaque has a depiction of Johnson in a baseball uniform. Under the portrait is the text, "WILLIAM JULIUS JOHNSON / "JUDY" / NEGRO LEAGUES 1923 - 1937." The back of the postcard is unused. Preprinted green text at the top reads: [National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum / Cooperstown, New York / plaque of / William Julius (Judy) Johnson / Elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame 1975 / Baseball Hall of Fame Committee on Negro Baseball Leagues] next to that text at the top is stamp box. Below the stamp box additional green text reads: [Post Card]. The back also publishing information and an inscription of the letter [N]. There are also two pieces of tape on the far right edge of the back of the postcard.

Topic: African American; Athletes; Baseball; Segregation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Paxton and Rachel Baker

Object number: 2012.172.21.1

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Postcard of Satchel Paige Baseball Hall of Fame plaque

Published by: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, American, founded 1936
Printed by: Curt Teich & Company, 1898 - 1978
Subject of: Paige, Satchel, American, 1906 - 1982
Signed by: Paige, Satchel, American, 1906 - 1982
Subject of: Cleveland Indians, American, founded 1894

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 5 7/16 x 3 7/16 in. (13.8 x 8.7 cm)

Type: postcards

Place depicted: Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1971

Description: Postcard featuring a photograph of a brass plaque on a yellow background. Handwritten in black ink in the top left corner is the signature "Satchel Paige." The plaque has a depiction of a Paige in a baseball uniform. Under the portrait is the text, "LEROY ROBERT PAIGE / 'SATCHEL'." Beneath that text are, a list of his league and team memberships, as well as a biography. The back of the postcard is unused. Preprinted green text at the top reads: [National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum / Cooperstown, New York / plaque of / Leroy R. Paige / Elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame 1971 / Baseball Hall of Fame Committee on Negro Baseball Leagues] next to that text at the top is stamp box. Below the stamp box additional green text reads: [Post Card]. There is also one piece of tape on the far right edge of the back of the postcard.

Topic: African American; Athletes; Baseball; Segregation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Paxton and Rachel Baker

Object number: 2012.172.21.2

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Postcard of James "Cool Papa" Bell Baseball Hall of Fame plaque

Created by: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, American, founded 1936
Printed by: Curt Teich & Company, 1898 - 1978
Subject of: James "Cool Papa" Bell, American, 1903 - 1991
Signed by: James "Cool Papa" Bell, American, 1903 - 1991

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 5 7/16 x 3 7/16 in. (13.8 x 8.7 cm)

Type: postcards

Place depicted: Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1974

Description: Postcard featuring a photograph of a brass plaque on a yellow background. Handwritten in black ink at the top of the card is "James 'Cool Papa' Bell." The plaque has a depiction of Bell in a baseball uniform. Under the portrait is the text, "JAMES THOMAS BELL / "COOL PAPA" / NEGRO LEAGUES 1922 - 1950." The back of the postcard is unused. Preprinted green text at the top reads: [National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum / Cooperstown, New York / plaque of / James T. (Cool Papa) Bell / Elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame 1974 / Baseball Hall of Fame Committee on Negro Baseball Leagues] next to that text at the top is stamp box. Below the stamp box additional green text reads: [Post Card]. There are also two pieces of tape on the far right edge of the back of the postcard.

Topic: African American; Athletes; Baseball; Segregation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Paxton and Rachel Baker

Object number: 2012.172.21.3

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Postcard of Buck Leonard Baseball Hall of Fame plaque

Created by: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, American, founded 1936
Printed by: Curt Teich & Company, 1898 - 1978
Subject of: Leonard, Walter Fenner "Buck", American, 1907 - 1997; Homestead Grays, American, 1912 - 1950

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 5 7/16 x 3 7/16 in. (13.8 x 8.7 cm)

Type: postcards

Place depicted: Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1972

Description: Postcard featuring a photograph of a brass plaque on a yellow background. Handwritten in faded black ink at the top of the card is "Walter F. Buck Leonard." The plaque has a depiction of Leonard in a baseball uniform. Under the portrait is the text, "WALTER FENNER LEONARD / "BUCK" / NEGRO LEAGUES 1933 - 1950." The back of the postcard is unused. Preprinted green text at the top reads: [National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum / Cooperstown, New York / plaque of / Walter F. (Buck) Leonard / Elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame 1974 / Baseball Hall of Fame Committee on Negro Baseball Leagues] next to that text at the top is stamp box. Below the stamp box additional green text reads: [Post Card]. The back also publishing information and an inscription of the letter [N]. There are also two pieces of tape on the far right edge of the back of the postcard.

Topic: African American; Athletes; Baseball; Segregation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Paxton and Rachel Baker

Object number: 2012.172.21.4

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Alice Coltrane Black Journal segment

16mm motion picture film of Alice Coltrane [Black Journal segment]

Produced by: National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970; Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
Directed by: Bourne, St. Clair, American, 1943 - 2007
Subject of: Coltrane, Alice, American, 1937 - 2007; Coltrane, John, American, 1926 - 1967
Owned by: Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931

Medium: 16mm Film (a): acetate film;
Dimensions: Duration: 17 Minutes; Length (Film): 580 Feet

Type: motion pictures (information artifacts)

Place filmed: Dix Hills, Huntington, Long Island, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1970

Caption: This 16mm film is a documentary segment focusing on the life of Alice Coltrane and her children in the wake of the death of her husband, famed jazz magician John Coltrane.
Description: The 16mm color film print is a short documentary made for a segment of National Education Television's Black Journal television program. The segment focuses on the life of Alice Coltrane and her children in the wake of the death of her husband, famed jazz magician John Coltrane. This film was shot sometime during 1970; three years after the death of John Coltrane.; Consists of: 16mm Film (a).; 2012.79.1.16.1a: 16mm film. This film opens with a collage of photos of jazz musician John Coltrane with a voice-over of a male narrator communicating the musical genius and personal demeanor of the renowned music artist. The voice-over ends with an open-ended statement on John Coltrane's family; leading into an interview with his wife, Alice Coltrane. Alice Coltrane discusses the influence her late husband has had on her life, both musically and spiritually. She speaks of him being a spiritual person, although not tied to one organized religion, his vegetarian diet, and the how he carved time out of his days to meditate. There is footage of their children playing in the yard and walking with their mother. Alice plays the harp and talks about how her music is a manifestation of her spirituality. She discusses her musical career and how she balances that with being a mother and paying tribute to her late husband, but also not wanting to be defined as an extension of John Coltrane's music. Instead, when she finds herself playing some of the music he wrote, she sees herself as sharing in what he produced throughout his career. Footage of her playing the piano at a small jazz concert with a few other musicians plays for two minutes. In the final minutes of the segment, Alice Coltrane explains her relationship with a higher power and the personal enlightenment she has felt and gained through meditation. The film ends with a dolly-out/zoom-out long shot of Alice Coltrane and her children waving from their home.

Topic: African American; Families; Film; Jazz (Music); Motherhood; Musicians; Spirituality; Television

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

Object number: 2012.79.1.16.1a

Restrictions & Rights: © National Educational Television

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Pearl Bowser Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Film and Video

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Telegram to Althea Gibson from Eleanor Roosevelt

Created by: Western Union, founded 1851; Eleanor Roosevelt, American, 1884 - 1962
Subject of: Gibson, Althea, American, 1927 - 2003; Baker, Bertram L., American, 1898 - 1985

Medium: ink on paper (fiber product)
Dimensions: H x W: 5 11/16 x 7 7/8 in. (14.4 x 20 cm)

Type: telegrams

Place depicted: Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York, United States, North and Central America; Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: July 30, 1951

Description: A telegram sent from Eleanor Roosevelt to Bertram Baker. It is stamped: [51 July 30 AM].

Topic: African American; Athletes; Communication; Tennis

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

Object number: 2009.27.3.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Christmas Dinner Program for the 2nd Squadron 10th Cavalry at West Point

Created by: United States Military Academy, American, founded 1802
Subject of: 10th Cavalry Regiment, American, founded 1866

Medium: ink on paper with thread
Dimensions: H x W: 7 x 5 1/4 in. (17.8 x 13.3 cm)

Type: programs

Place used: West Point, Orange County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1938

Description: A program from a 1938 Christmas banquet. The program has six pages and a yellow tassel. The front of the program reads [CHRISTMAS 1938] at the top and [Second Squadron - - Tenth Cavalry / West Point, New York] at the bottom. There is a silver embossed circle in the center, an image of a green olive branch, a red, white, and blue vertical triangle pennant with stars and stripes and an eagle on top, and a red, white and blue shield insignia with stars and stripes. There are some stains on the front cover. There is also an image of a buffalo with a banner that reads [READY AND FORWARD]. There is a braided yellow tassel on the proper right side of the program. It is yellow because it is the color of the cavalry.; The inside cover features a black and white photograph of Marion Carson, Major, 19th Cavalry. There is also a brief Christmas message from the major. On page three there is a menu and a line drawing of a bell and leaves.; On pages four and five there is a list of members of the Second Squadron, Tenth Cavalry. There is an image of a buffalo with a banner that reads [READY AND FORWARD]. The list of names continues on to page seven. The back of the program is blank.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by Digital Volunteers

Topic: African American; Military; United States--History--1933-1945; United States--Social life and customs

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

Object number: 2011.155.21

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Program for the Seventh Province Annual Field Days in Monroe County, New York

Printed by: Unidentified
Subject of: Ku Klux Klan, 2nd, American, 1915 - 1944

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 8 7/16 × 5 1/2 in. (21.5 × 14 cm)

Type: programs

Place used: Monroe County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1925

Description: A program printed on white paper with black ink. The program is made up of a folded piece of paper making four pages including the front and back pages. Printed at the top of the front page is "Seventh Province Annual Field Days Monroe Kounty." Song lyrics are printed on the rest of the program. Included songs are America, Star-Spangled Banner, Nearer My God to Thee, Onward Valiant Klansmen, Bright Fiery Cross, The Mystic City, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Rock of Ages, Our Mothers of Liberty.

Topic: African American; Fraternal organizations; Music; United States--History--1919-1933; White supremacy movements

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

Object number: 2013.231.12

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Membership card for the Ku Klux Klan for Axel Javert

Distributed by: Ku Klux Klan, 2nd, American, 1915 - 1944
Owned by: Javert, Axel, American, 1900 - 1980
Signed by: Alanson Ayres, H., American; Javert, Axel, American, 1900 - 1980

Medium: ink on paper, plastic
Dimensions: H x W: 2 5/16 × 3 9/16 in. (5.9 × 9.1 cm)

Type: membership cards

Place used: New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1926

Description: A Ku Klux Klan membership card owned by Axel Javert. The paper card is printed in black, gold, green and red ink. The top of the card has “K-UNO K-DUO / KNIGHTS OF THE KU KLUX KLAN.” A red black and green insignia is at top center. The insignia has the words “Duty” and “Honor” incorporated in it. Text stating that Axel Javert is a member of the Ku Klux Klan appears below the insignia. The bottom is signed and dated by Axel Javert and H. Alanson Ayres. The back of the card has spaces to enter the owner’s signature and address.

Topic: African American; Fraternal organizations; United States--History--1919-1933; White supremacy movements

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

Object number: 2013.231.15

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Handbill for a Ku Klux Klan demonstration in Auburn, New York

Printed by: Unidentified
Subject of: Ku Klux Klan, 2nd, American, 1915 - 1944

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 11 15/16 × 8 15/16 in. (30.4 × 22.7 cm)

Type: handbills

Place used: Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1910-1927

Description: A handbill advertising a Ku Klux Klan demonstration in Auburn, New York. The handbill is off white with red ink. The front of the handbill reads “Kome KLANSMAN Kome / KAYUGA KOUNTY KLAN / Field Day and Demonstration / Lakeside Park, Auburn / Saturday & Sunday Oct. 1st & 2nd / We invite all Native born Protestants of good character / Krusaders, Tri K girls, Women of the K. K. K., / Klansmen and Juniors / SATURDAY AFTERNOON & EVENING / SPORTS, BAND CONCERTS – LADIES FIFE AND DRUM / CORPS – STREET [ARADE AT 4:00 P. M. /Does America Need the Klan? / Explained by National and State Speakers / RELIGIOUS SERVICES SUNDAY / Free Camping Space Luncheon Served on the Grounds.” The back of the handbill is blank.

Topic: African American; Fraternal organizations; United States--History--1919-1933; White supremacy movements

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

Object number: 2013.231.5

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Postcard of Harriet Tubman, Nelson Davis, and daughter Gertie

Published by: Pomegranate Communications, Inc., American
Photograph by: Cheney, William Haight
Subject of: Tubman, Harriet, American, 1822 - 1913; Davis, Nelson, American, died 1888; Davis, Gertie
Written by: Gaines, Sedalia
Received by: Mariline Northrup Wilkins

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 6 x 4 1/4 in. (15.2 x 10.8 cm)

Type: portraits; postcards

Place depicted: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America; Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1887; printed 1992

Description: A black-and-white postcard featuring a photograph of Harriet Tubman, her husband Nelson Davis, and their adopted daughter Gertie. Tubman stands on the left holding a round pan. The postcard was sent to Mariline Wilkins in Philadelphia, PA from Sedalia Gaines in 1992.