Reminiscences of Melvin B. Tolson by Henrietta Bell Wells

Written by

Wells, Henrietta Bell, American, 1912 - 2008

Subject of

Tolson, Melvin Beaunorus, American, 1898 - 1966

Wiley College, American, founded 1873

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product) with metal (paper clip)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 11 × 8 1/2 × 1/8 in. (27.9 × 21.6 × 0.3 cm)

Type

reminiscences

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Place depicted

Wiley College, Marshall, Harrison County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Place made

Houston, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

January 10, 2006

Description

A packet of handwritten documents (7 pages on lined notebook paper 2015.43.6a and one note on Henrietta B Wells note paper 2015.43.6b), paper clipped together, containing reflections of Melvin B. Tolson and the debate team experience at Wiley College, written by Henrietta Bell Wells. A note is attached to the front on Henrietta B Well notepaper (white, with [A note from / Henrietta B Wells] at top center in black type, with a color image of a bear cub in the bottom right corner). The paper has a handwritten note in black ink, starting with [At her request that I / send this in my own / handwriting, I sent it all / to Dr. Betine Bowers...]. Following the note are seven (7) lined notebook pages with handwritten reflections of Melvin B. Tolson on them, front only. The header on the first page reads [Melvin Jr. born in 1923- all fam(?) born 1930], with [Henrietta B. Wells] in the center, followed by an address and [January 10, 2006]. Below the date text reads: [Re: Melvin B. Tolson / Wiley College English Professor & Poet...]. The pages are numbered in top right corner, and most of the text is in paragraph form and has been edited, in same black ink. The last page is paper clipped upside down.

Topic

Associations and institutions

Education

HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)

Oratory

Race relations

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Edward L. Cox

Object number

2015.43.6ab

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Obituary prepared by Henrietta Bell Wells

Written by

Wells, Henrietta Bell, American, 1912 - 2008

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W: 10 1/2 × 8 1/2 in. (26.7 × 21.6 cm)

Type

obituaries

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Place depicted

Houston, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1994

Description

A typed obituary on white paper, using black font (2015.43.8a). The title, centered at top, reads: [OBITUARY], with type underneath, starting with: [Mrs. HENRIETTA BELL WELLS departed this life…]. The body of the obituary is heavily edited with pencil. In the top left corner, in blue pen, handwritten, reads: [For church]. Typed at the bottom, center, reads: [JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME / 5730 Calhoun / Houston, Texas / 747-9604]. Typed in the bottom left corner, in black type, reads: [Henrietta B. Wells / Thursday, August 25, 1994]. Handwritten underneath in the bottom left corner, reads: [32 characters on a line / 5.15 line]. In the bottom right corner, at the top in pencil, is a math equation multiplying $5.15 times 50, equaling 257.50. Underneath that, in pen, handwritten, reads: [$Pd. $257.50 - 10/3/94 / for obituary without / picture.]. The page is unevenly cut along the bottom, with nothing on the reverse side. The obituary came in a manila clasped envelope (2015.43.8b) that has writing throughout the front and back sides, including scratched out notes about copies, a note about the obituary being enclosed, a payment to Johnson Funeral Home, and a blurb on the back starting with [We did not use props like...].

Topic

Funeral customs and rites

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Edward L. Cox

Object number

2015.43.8ab

Restrictions & Rights

©Henrietta Bell Wells. Permission required for use.

Cleopatra costume headband worn by Lauren Anderson

Designed by

Lynn, Judanna, American

Worn by

Anderson, Lauren, American, born 1965

Used by

Houston Ballet Company, American, founded 1955

Medium

synthetic fiber, metallic paint, metal thread, and plastic

Dimensions

H x W (h: top of snake to bottom of beads; w: closed): 9 × 6 in. (22.9 × 15.2 cm)

Type

headbands (headgear)

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Place used

Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

2000

Description

A snake headband from a Cleopatra ballet costume. The headband features a gold pliable band with braided metallic gold threads around it. The back of the headband appears to have been previously attached with thread but is now separated. The braided metallic thread forms the shape of a snake's head in the front of the headband. The snake's head sticks up from the rest of the headband and has two clusters of small red beads for eyes. There are three strands of beads hanging down from either side of the headband. The beads vary in size and shape and are gold and turquoise in color.

Topic

Ballet

Costume

Dance

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Houston Ballet

Object number

2019.19.5

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Ghana Women Dancing

Created by

Biggers, John, American, 1924 - 2001

Medium

oil on canvas

Dimensions

Frame: 43 1/4 x 37 3/16 x 2 in. (109.9 x 94.5 x 5.1 cm)

H x W (Canvas): 36 1/4 x 30 1/8 in. (92.1 x 76.5 cm)

Type

oil paintings

Classification

Visual Arts

Exhibition

Visual Art and the American Experience

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 052

Place made

Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1968

Description

This is an oil painting of two dancing women. The women wear duku head ties, blouses, and floor-length skirts. The figure on the left has a skirt that wraps around her, with abstract color patterns in yellow and red tones. She wears a blue sleeveless blouse with a white pattern and an off-white head tie with yellow and red highlights. The woman stands with her body facing the viewer, head bent towards her left and bending forward from the waist. The woman next to her stands with her back to the viewer, wearing an off-white wrap skirt and blue short sleeve blouse with light blue pattern. She bends forward slightly from the waist, her left foot visible beneath her skirt. Behind them is a large green moon against a dark blue sky with white stars and constellations in the background.

Topic

Africa

African diaspora

Art

Dance

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gerald and Anita Smith

Object number

2012.162.1

Restrictions & Rights

© Estate of John Biggers. Permission required for use.

Photographic print of a woman posing outdoors

Photograph by

Shamlain, Ned, Armenian American, born 1892

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

photographic gelatin and silver on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W: 4 7/8 × 3 1/4 in. (12.4 × 8.3 cm)

Type

photographs

portraits

Collection title

The Princetta R. Newman Collection of Family Photographs, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Place depicted

Wichita Falls, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

early 20th century

Description

A black-and-white photograph of a woman standing outdoors in front of a house. She is wearing a cowl-neck blouse, long, wide-leg trousers, and a kimono-sleeved jacket. Her left leg is raised and her foot is resting on an object that is obscured by the plants that climb up the lattice behind her. She is standing in front of a house with clapboard siding. There is a printed border around the photograph with a repeating pattern of vines. In the corners of the border is the text (rotating clockwise), upper left: [PHOTO]; upper right: [WICHITA FALLS]; lower right: [TEXAS]; lower left: [SHAMLAIN'S].

Topic

American South

American West

Communities

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Princetta R. Newman

Object number

2014.75.98

Restrictions & Rights

Ned Shamlain

The Girl Graduate - Her Own Book

Scrapbook assembled by Marjorie P. Collins

Created by

Collins, Marjorie P.

Published by

Reilly and Lee Co., American, 1918 - 1959

Medium

ink on paper with leather

Dimensions

H x W: 9 x 6 x 1 1/2 in. (22.9 x 15.2 x 3.8 cm)

Type

scrapbooks

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Place made

Prairie View, Waller County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1925

Description

A scrapbook assembled by Marjorie P. Collins. The cover of the scrapbook is red leather and in gold type reads: [The Girl Graduate / Her Own Book]. The scrapbook includes 190 pages of newspaper clippings, photographs, hand-written entries, printed programs, ribbons, and correspondence relating to graduate Marjorie P. Collins. She was elected to become a teacher at the Almeda Road Junior High School on June 4, 1925 by the school board.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

Education

Social life and customs

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Beatrix Burneston

Object number

2012.94

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Postcard advertising Niggy Tardust First Show Ever

Created by

Williams, Saul, American, born 1972

Subject of

Lichtenstein, Roy, American, 1923 - 1997

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 4 1/16 × 6 1/16 in. (10.3 × 15.4 cm)

Type

postcards

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Place printed

Austin, Travis County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

2008

Description

The front of the postcard features four artworks by Roy Lichtenstein in each quadrant of the postcard. The reproduced artwork in the upper left corner, originally entitled "Forget it! Forget Me!” depicts the proper left side of a man's face with a woman in the background. A callout is above the woman and to the right of the man [BUT SWEETIE, / I GOT US TICKETS!]. The reproduced work in the upper right corner is "Kiss V." The image depicts a man and woman embracing, with the woman on the left side and the man on the right. The woman is seen crying with her proper right hand grasping the man's proper left shoulder. The reproduced work in the lower left corner is from the work "Ohhh...Alright..." with black text replacing the original words [SO BETH, WHAT / HAPPENED / TO TOM?]. The image depicts a red haired woman talking into the black handset of a telephone. In the lower right corner is the work "Oh, Jeff... I love you, too... But..." with the original text replaced by [TOM WHO?! / GIRLFRIEND, / IT'S ALL ABOUT / JAMAL NOW!!]. The image depicts a blond haired woman talking into the white handset of a telephone. In the middle of the quadrants at the center it lists the artists featured in the advertised gallery in stylized font [saul williams is now / NIGGY TARDUST / FIRST SHOW EVER/ w"/" the NOISETTES, EARL GREY HOUND / GAME REBELLION, THE EXIT, THE THIRST, AFROBOTS]. Above the top two quadrants to right is black text [Matrix Presents Afro-Punk]. In the lower right corner is a column of text with the venue information [Wednesday 12th March / VICE aka EXODUS / 304 6th St. / Austin, TX, 78701 / Tel. 512-477-7523]. To the left of the column of text is a red logo advertising the car manufacturer Toyota and the car called the Matrix. The logo includes the Toyota symbol to the left of text [TOYOTA / MATRIX]. In a circle in the lower left quadrant is the time for the event [7PM / SHARP!!]. The circle has a thick black rim. On the reverse of the postcard is a black, white, and blue illustration in the style of Lichtenstein. The image depicts a woman with black hair crying. She raises her proper right hand to her proper right cheek. Above her head, right of center in the top half of the image, is a thought bubble with black text [OH GOD! WHY CAN'T / MY BOYFRIEND BE / AFRO-PUNK?!]. In the lower right corner of the image is a black and white illustration of a man who looks at the woman. Surrounding the illustration is a thick black border. Behind both figures, is a blue background with white polka dots.

Topic

Art

Graphic design

Hip hop (Music)

Identity

Language

Rock and roll (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Saul Williams

Object number

2014.188.6

Toothpick / match holder urn from Lyons Hall

Manufactured by

Empire Craft Corporation, American, 1930 - 1950

Owned by

Lyons, Louis Daniels, American, 1873 - 1944

Medium

silver

Dimensions

H x W x D: 2 3/4 × 2 3/4 × 2 3/4 in. (7 × 7 × 7 cm)

Type

urns

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Culinary

Exhibition

Power of Place

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 051

Place used

Austin, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1930-1950

Description

This is a small urn with a wide rim. The rim has a raised rope pattern. The urn body narrows near the middle, with the middle portion bulges out in a narrow ring. Below the ring is a tapered base, wider at the bottom. The bottom of the urn has series of concentric rings with etched text in the center that reads "Empire/ STERLING/ WEIGHTED/ 52."

Topic

Business

Communities

Cooking and dining

Domestic life

Families

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Carrington/Lyons Collection

Object number

2015.257.4

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

The Wildcat

Yearbook from Wiley College, 1931

Issued by

Wiley College, American, founded 1873

Owned by

Wells, Henrietta Bell, American, 1912 - 2008

Subject of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, American, founded 1913

Medium

ink on paper with cardboard and synthetic fiber (binding)

Dimensions

H x W x D (Closed): 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1 in. (27.5 × 21 × 2.5 cm)

H x W x D (Open): 10 13/16 × 16 5/8 × 1 in. (27.5 × 42.2 × 2.5 cm)

Type

yearbooks

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place depicted

Wiley College, Marshall, Harrison County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1931

Description

A copy of Wiley College yearbook, titled "The Wildcat" from the year 1931. The front cover has scratch-like incisions throughout and [The / WILDCAT] in black relief at the top center. A depiction of a wildcat (just face, frontal, growling with mouth open and teeth showing), inside a circle with elaborate relief decorations around it is at the center of the cover. [1931] is etched at the bottom center, below the wildcat relief. The back cover is blank but has the same scratch-like texture as the front. The interior front page includes an inscription in black ink with Henrietta Bell's name and sorority. The interior pages are off-white with black type and purple headings. There is a page-long signature in black ink on the first [Autographs] page, at the back of the yearbook.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

Education

HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)

Sororities

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Edward L. Cox

Object number

2015.43.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Ali vs. Terrell, The Astrodome, Houston, 1967

Photograph by

Iooss, Walter Jr., American, born 1943

Subject of

Ali, Muhammad, American, 1942 - 2016

Unidentified Man or Men

Medium

digital

Dimensions

H x W: 5044pixels × 7359pixels

Type

digital images

digital media - born analog

Portfolio/Series

Icons

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Place depicted

Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

February 6, 1967

Description

An image of Muhammad Ali being weighed at center ring prior to his match again Ernie Terrell in 1967 at the Houston Astrodome. Ali stands on the scale wearing his shorts and no shoes. Next to the scale there is a microphone stand filled with microphones. Unidentified men surround Ali in the ring. One man standing behind Ali holds his robe. A video camera and photographers are visible in the background outside of the ring.

Topic

Athletes

Boxing

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Walter Iooss

Object number

2016.164.22.1

Restrictions & Rights

© Walter Iooss

Distinguished Service Cross presentation case issued to Lewis Broadus

Manufactured by

Arrow Manufacturing, American

Issued by

United States Army, American, founded 1775

Received by

Broadus, Lewis Cunningham, American, 1875 - 1960

Medium

leather with metal, plastic, cloth and paper

Dimensions

H x W x D (closed): 7 × 4 1/4 × 1 in. (17.8 × 10.8 × 2.5 cm)

H x W x D (open): 7 1/2 × 4 1/4 × 7 1/2 in. (19.1 × 10.8 × 19.1 cm)

Type

cases (containers)

Classification

Awards and Medals

Place made

Tomball, Harris County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

Awarded 1906; issued 2006

Description

Distinguished Service Cross presentation case issued to Lewis Broadus. The case is rectangular in shape and opens on door metal hinges. The top of the case is designed in gold lettering that reads, [DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS/ [UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]. On the left there is a vertical border of leaves and arrows encased in double lines. The case opens on the shorter end. The top of the case is lined with white paper. The bottom insert is made from a soft grey fabric that has holes where the medal, ribbon bar, and pin can be attached. The insert can be completely removed from the case and hung on a wall. The inside is lined with white plastic and has a rectangular shape coming out of the bottom. Below the rectangle is the manufacture’s mark, [ARROW]. The back is blank.

Topic

Buffalo Soldiers

Military

Spanish-American War, 1898

World War I

World War II

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Lewis Broadus Family

Object number

2007.4.4ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Sepia

Magazine featuring the death of Elijah Muhammad

Published by

Sepia, American, 1948 - 1983

Subject of

Nation of Islam, American, founded 1930

Muhammad, Elijah, American, 1897 - 1975

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 13 3/16 x 10 1/4 in. (33.5 x 26 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place printed

Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

May 1975

Description

A "Sepia" magazine from May 1975, volume 25 number 5. It has a bright blue cover with a red rectangular logo field in the upper left corner with the name "SEPIA' in white letters. The title reads "THE / BLACK / MUSLIMS/ Who will/ inherit/ their/ $80 million/ empire?" The cover features a large picture of Elijah Muhammad in sunglasses and embroidered cap, with the caption "Elijah Muhammad: 1897-1975" in white letters to the left of the image. Below this image are two smaller pictures; in the lower left corner is an image of Wallace and Herbert Muhammad, wearing Fruit of Islam uniforms. In the lower right corner is an image of Muhammad Ali in a suit and tie.

Topic

Communities

Identity

Mass media

Religious groups

Resistance

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the family of Becca Nu'Mani

Object number

2013.39.8

Restrictions & Rights

© Sepia. Permission required for use.

Photograph of a woman

Photograph by

Lucius Harper, American, 1867 - 1920

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 4 × 2 1/2 in. (10.2 × 6.3 cm)

H x W (Folder): 8 1/8 × 9 3/4 in. (20.7 × 24.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Place made

Dallas, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1910

Description

This black and white photograph depicts a young woman shown from the chest up. She wears a white dress with a wide white collar. Her hair is pulled back and curled over her forehead, and she wears earrings. Underneath the photograph is an impression of an underlined signature that reads "Harper & Co." under which is the word "DALLAS." The photograph is set into a black cardboard holder with a double flap opening. The photograph is framed with brown paper.

Topic

Photography

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2014.37.30.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

National Council for Black Studies: Celebrating Three Decades of Progress

Program for the 2006 National Council for Black Studies annual conference

Created by

National Council for Black Studies, American, founded 1975

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 11 1/16 x 8 9/16 x 1/8 in. (28.1 x 21.7 x 0.3 cm)

Type

programs

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Place used

Houston, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

2006

Description

2006 program for the National Council for Black Studies (NCBS) annual conference held in Houston, Texas. This particular conference also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the formation of the NCBS.

Topic

Associations and institutions

Education

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Bertha Maxwell Roddey

Object number

2012.22.14

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Wedding dress worn by Lollaretta Pemberton with veil and headpiece

Created by

Unidentified

Worn by

Allen, Lollaretta Pemberton, American, 1895 - 1979

Medium

lace, tulle and cotton, wire and plastic

Dimensions

H x W (Dress): 53 3/4 × 22 in. (136.5 × 55.9 cm)

H x W (Veil): 102 × 81 in. (259.1 × 205.7 cm)

H x W x D (Headpiece): 9 × 11 × 9/16 in. (22.9 × 27.9 × 1.5 cm)

H x W x D (Headband): 4 1/8 × 2 3/4 × 1 in. (10.5 × 7 × 2.5 cm)

Type

headbands (headgear)

headdresses

veils

wedding dresses

Classification

Clothing-Historical

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

Place used

Marshall, Harrison County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1939

Description

Wedding dress and accompanying accessories worn by Lollaretta Pemberton on her wedding day in 1939. The wedding gown is made of off-white lace and tulle. The gown is floor length and has lace puffed sleeves to the elbows. There is ruching down the front of the front of the bodice. There is a matching long lace and tulle veil, with an attachable headpiece and faux floral headband.

Topic

American West

Clothing and dress

Marriage customs and rites

Migrations

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Rita C. Organ and Pemberton Family

Object number

2012.30.1a-d

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Pass for filmmakers to the Lone Star International Film Festival

Created by

Unidentified

Subject of

Lone Star Film Society, American

Tucker, Ira Sr., American, 1925 - 2008

Dixie Hummingbirds, American, founded 1928

Medium

paper, plastic, metal, nylon

Dimensions

H x W: 23 1/2 x 3 1/8 in. (59.7 x 7.9 cm)

Type

passes (tickets)

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Place collected

Fort Worth, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

2007

Description

Filmmaker pass bearing the logo of “The 1st Annual / LONE STAR INTERNATIONAL / FILM FESTIVAL”. The name “IRA TUCKER, SR.” is printed on the badge. A gold foil sticker with a five-point star on it is affixed to the lower left. The pass is in a plastic case attached with a metal clip to a black nylon lanyard.

Topic

Film

Gospel (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Ira Tucker, Jr. of the Dixie Hummingbirds

Object number

2013.13.23

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Faune et Flore du Texas

Designed by

Oliver, Kermit, American, born 1943

Manufactured by

Hermès International S.A., French, founded 1837

Medium

silk (textile)

Dimensions

H x W: 35 7/16 × 34 7/16 in. (90 × 87.5 cm)

Type

scarves (costume accessories)

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Place made

Lyon, Rhône-Alpes, France, Europe

Place depicted

Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1986

Description

A blue Hermès scarf designed by Kermit Oliver depicting the local flora and fauna of Texas. Against a dark blue background, in the center of the scarf is a large wild turkey surrounded by a wreath of flat, round cactus leaves with birds and flowers interspersed. Within the wreath, below the turkey, is an armadillo, a jaguar, a hare, and a bear. The turkey rests upon fields of yellow flowers, with red hills in the distance. Outside of the wreath, in each corner of the scarf is a small nest depicting various animals seen in their natural habits. At the tip of each corner is a small red star. Connecting the nests is a border around the edge of the scarf, formed by vines and flowers, with a large animal depicted in the center of each one: a mountain lion, a stallion, a longhorn steer, and a coyote. Beneath the wreath along the bottom are two small banners with text that reads "FAUNE ET FLORE DU TEXAS" on the left and "TEXAS WILDLIFE" on the right.

Topic

American West

Art

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Nature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2016.80

Restrictions & Rights

© Hermès. Permission required for use.

File folder owned by Henrietta Bell Wells

Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Wells, Henrietta Bell, American, 1912 - 2008

Subject of

Wiley College, American, founded 1873

Medium

leather , metal , canvas and thread

Dimensions

H x W x D: 11 3/4 × 8 7/8 × 7/8 in. (29.8 × 22.5 × 2.2 cm)

Type

portfolios (containers)

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Place depicted

Wiley College, Marshall, Harrison County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1930

Description

A maroon, textured file folder with a lock. The file folder has rounded edges with a black threaded leather strip around all of the non-binding edges. There is a tab closure, also bordered with black threaded leather strip that locks into a gold circular clasp. The lock requires a key. A [WILEY] sticker is on the top of the tab closure (resembles a blue flag bordered by white with [WILEY] written in white type). Part of the sticker is missing. Inscribed in gold type, under the gold lock to the tab closure, reads: [Henrietta Bell]. The interior (cannot be opened, need key to unlock), appears to have a canvas element, possibly to hold a pad of paper, along with interior flap/sleeve for storing papers. The front cover seems to be padded, while back cover does not.

Topic

Education

HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)

Oratory

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Edward L. Cox

Object number

2015.43.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Brochure about John S. Chase, FAIA Architect

Created by

Chase, John S., FAIA Architect Inc., American, founded 1952

Owned by

Chase, John S., American, 1925 - 2012

Medium

ink on paper, metal

Dimensions

H x W: 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 cm)

Type

brochures

Classification

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Place depicted

Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America

Date

late 20th century

Description

Brochure about architect John S. Chase. The tan brochure has a glossy cover with red printed text which reads [JOHN S. CHASE, FAIA / ARCHITECT] and a thick blue line in the center. The first page of text has a short biography and photograph of Chase. The brochure has images of various architectural projects including the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University and the Washington Technical Institute. Most of the images are exterior and detail shots with a few interior images. The last page is titled [Partial Listing of Selected Projects] with sections for institutional, health, municipal, house, and religious facilities and planning projects. The back cover has red text in the upper left under a thick blue line which reads [1201 Southmore / Houston, Texas 77004 / 713 /524-8413] and [1600 20TH Street, N.W. / Washington, D.C. 20009 / 202 /332-0445].

Topic

Architecture

Business

Design

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Drucie Rucker Chase

Object number

2018.69.1

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Divider from a drafting tool kit used by John S. Chase

Manufactured by

L. L. Ridgway Enterprises, Inc., American, founded 1936

Owned by

Chase, John S., American, 1925 - 2012

Medium

metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 6 3/8 × 9/16 × 7/16 in. (16.2 × 1.5 × 1.1 cm)

Type

kits (sets)

drafting, drawing and writing equipment

dividers

Classification

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Tools and Equipment-Occupational

Place made

Germany, Europe

Place used

Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

mid-late 20th century

Description

Divider from a drafting tool kit used by architect John S. Chase. The metal divider has a grooved handle at the top. The two (2) legs of the divider have a screw closure at the upper join. The ends of the legs are angled and each has a small needle point. There is a screw adjustment on the interior of one leg. The back of the join reads [Ridgway's / GERMANY].

Topic

Architecture

Building Arts

Design

Labor

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Drucie Rucker Chase

Object number

2018.69.2.7

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions