Photograph by

Scurlock, Addison N., American, 1883 - 1964

Subject of

Terrell, Mary Church, American, 1863 - 1954

Owned by

Terrell, Mary Church, American, 1863 - 1954

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image and Sheet): 7 × 5 in. (17.8 × 12.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

Place captured

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

Date

ca. 1910

Description

A black and white photograph of Mary Church Terrell (TA2017.13.10.2). She is depicted seated in profile from the waist up. The left side of her face is visible. She is wearing a light colored beaded and fringed evening dress. She wears her hair in a loose up-do. There is a photographer's stamp embossed in the bottom left corner. There are several handwritten inscriptions on the reverse, one reading [Mary Church Terrell] and the another reading [Defender].

Topic

African American

Activism

Education

Local and regional

Photography

Social reform

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Ray and Jean Langston in memory of Mary Church and Robert Terrell

Object number

TA2017.13.10.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Archival Collections

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Scurlock, Addison N., American, 1883 - 1964

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

photographic gelatin and silver on paper

Dimensions

H x W (image and sheet): 9 7/16 × 4 7/16 in. (24 × 11.3 cm)

Type

photographs

portraits

Place depicted

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

Date

1900s - 1910s

Description

Black and white portrait of a woman in graduation attire. The woman is standing with the left side of her body facing the camera and is wearing a graduation cap and gown. Her high neck lace blouse is visible above the collar. The words [SCURLOCK / WASH D.] are written in the bottom right corner. There are no inscriptions on the back.

Topic

African American

Education

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Jennifer Cain Bohrnstedt

Object number

TA2015.143.6.3

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Archival Collections

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Commissioned by

National Memorial Association, American, 1916 - 1933

Manufactured by

Unidentified

Medium

metal , celluloid , and ink

Dimensions

H x W x D: 2 9/16 × 2 9/16 × 3/8 in. (6.5 × 6.5 × 1 cm)

Type

souvenirs

Place depicted

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

Date

ca. 1926

Description

Three-dimensional cylinder with Bakelite ivory tone top and bottom covers; top cover features image of 1926 original design intent for the National Negro Memorial.

Topic

African American

Associations and institutions

Identity

Local and regional

Politics (Practical)

United States--History--1919-1933

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Ball-Hoagland family in honor of Robert Ball

Object number

2016.74

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Exhibition

A Century in the Making

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C X06

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Unidentified

Subject of

Rev. Toliver, Isaac, American, died 1913

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 6 7/8 × 4 3/4 in. (17.5 × 12.1 cm)

Type

advertising cards

Place depicted

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

Date

1900-1913

Description

An advertising card for Rev. Isaac Toliver of Liberty Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. The card features an oval-shaped black-and-white photograph portrait of Toliver at the center. He wears a dark three-piece suit and a white shirt. Below the photograph is printed text in black ink with his name, title, and the name and city of the church. His name is handwritten on the reverse.

Topic

African American

Local and regional

Religion

Religious groups

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.63.102.32

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Col. Young, Charles, American, 1864 - 1922

Received by

Price, Oscar W., American, born 1894

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W: 5 7/8 x 6 1/2 in. (14.9 x 16.5 cm)

Type

itineraries

Place depicted

Wilberforce, Greene County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America

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

Date

1918

Description

Black typewritten text printed on yellowed paper, at the top is [ITINERARY OF COL. CHARLES YOUNG.] At the bottom is [Total number of miles 497. / Rest one day, trip 16 days. / Walked 15 min. out of each hr. / Average 31 miles.]

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Correspondence

Local and regional

Military

Race discrimination

Resistance

World War I

Credit Line

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

Object number

2010.39.3

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Exhibition

Double Victory: The African American Military Experience

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Womack, Thomas, American

Received by

Womack, Julia, American, 1881 - 1942

Medium

graphite on paper

Dimensions

H x W (.1 open): 6 1/8 × 10 in. (15.6 × 25.4 cm)

H x W (.2): 3 1/4 × 5 1/8 in. (8.3 × 13 cm)

Type

envelopes

letters (correspondence)

Place made

Darlington Heights, Prince Edward County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

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

Date

April 7, 1915

Description

This letter was written on April 7, 1915 by Thomas Womack from Darlington Heights, Virginia, to Julia Womack in Washington, D.C. The letter wishes Julia better health as she was recently ill, and mentions a matter that Thomas would like to discuss so they can "get it threw [sic] with." He asks Julia to inform him when she will be returning to Darlington Heights. The letter is written on ruled paper folded in half vertically to form four pages. The envelope has no return address. A two-cent red postage stamp is adhered in the recto upper right corner with a post office stamp to the left.

Topic

African American

Correspondence

Families

Health

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.63.102.34.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Prince, Fotografer, American, 1847 - 1929

Subject of

President McKinley, William, American, 1843 - 1901

President Harrison, Benjamin, American, 1833 - 1901

Harris, Charles Oscar, American, 1852 - 1913

Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895

Unidentified Man or Men

Medium

silver and albumen on photographic paper and cardboard

Dimensions

18 x 24 in. (45.7 x 61 cm)

H x W: 15 x 21 1/2 in. (38.1 x 54.6 cm)

Type

albumen prints

portraits

Place captured

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

Date

1892

Description

A black-and-white photograph of men seated and standing in front of a doorway. They wear coats, many wear ties, and several hold bowler and top-hats. At the bottom right of the photograph is the address, "11th and Pa. Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C." Below the photograph is written "Republican Notification Comittee / Washington, D.C., / Monday, June 20th 1892." Frederick Douglass stands at the back, just left of the doorway.

Topic

African American

Local and regional

Photography

Politics (Practical)

Race relations

United States--History--1865-1921

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Family of Charles Oscar Harris

Object number

2010.56

Restrictions & Rights

Public Domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

United States Department of War, American, 1789 - 1947

Subject of

Cpl. McVey,, Lawrence Leslie Sr., American, 1897 - 1968

369th Infantry Regiment, American, 1913 - 1945

Medium

toner on paper with metal

Dimensions

H x W: 14 × 8 11/16 in. (35.6 × 22.1 cm)

Type

photocopies

Place made

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

Date

March 17, 1936; September 16, 1968

Caption

Due to racial tension within the US Army, the 369th Infantry Regiment was assigned to the French Army for the duration of US involvement in World War I. Formed from the 15th New York National Guard Regiment and nicknamed the "Harlem Hellfighters," the 369th was the first African American regiment to reach the battlefields of World War I and the first Allied troops to reach the banks of the Rhine. Upon completion of the 369th’s service in the war, the regiment had spent 191 days in combat, the longest of any American regiment. In appreciation for their actions in the Maison-en-Champagne campaign, the 369th was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Government for acts of bravery in conflicts against the enemy. In addition to this honor, 171 individual members of the 369th Regiment were awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor. The 369th Regiment finished their service in Europe and returned to the US in February 1919.

Description

A Photostat copy of a discharge certificate for Corporal Lawrence Leslie McVey. Two sheets that are stapled three times at the top. The title on top reads, [U.S. Veterans Administration Claim Number # C 600 698 / CERTIFICATE IN LIEU OF LOST OR DESTROYED / DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE]. Below is the Great seal of the United States with a fill in the blank section below outlining McVey's military service dates. The Second page has a [TRANSCRIPT FROM RECORD OF SERVICE] that tells which battles McVey fought and the decorations and honors he received. The back of the second page has a circular stamp in purple ink that reads, [BRONX, N.Y. / SEP / 16 / 1968 / USPO].

Topic

African American

Military

World War I

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gina R. McVey, Granddaughter

Object number

2011.108.13

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

United States Department of War, American, 1789 - 1947

Written by

Maj. Gen. Wahl, Lutz, American, 1869 - 1928

Received by

Cpl. McVey,, Lawrence Leslie Sr., American, 1897 - 1968

Subject of

369th Infantry Regiment, American, 1913 - 1945

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 10 1/2 x 8 in. (26.7 x 20.3 cm)

Type

correspondence

Place made

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

Date

September 17, 1928

Caption

The 369th United States Infantry, nicknamed the “Harlem Hellfighters,” was the first African American regiment of troops to reach the battlefields of World War I. The 369th Regiment was formed from the 15th New York National Guard Regiment and was recognized as part of the U.S. Army on July 15th, 1917. The regiment arrived in Brest, France on January 1st, 1918, being the first African American U.S. soldiers to arrive in France and initially assigned to dam building and stevedores in charge of loading and unloading cargo. The 369th Regiment, due to racial tension within the US Army was assigned to the French Army for the duration of US involvement in WWI. The 369th were the first Allied troops of the war to reach the banks of the Rhine. Upon completion of the 369th’s service in the war, the regiment had spent 191 days in combat, the longest of any American regiment. The entire 369th Regiment, in appreciation for their actions in the Maison-en-Champagne campaign, was given the Croix de Guerre, a medal awarded by the French Government for acts of bravery in conflicts against the enemy. In addition to this honor, 171 individual members of the 369th Regiment were awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor. The 369th Regiment finished their service in Europe and returned to the US in February 1919.

Description

A letter from Adjutant General, Major General Lutz Wahl to Corporal Lawrence McVey forwarding the French dispatch awarding the French Croix de Guerre to McVey and asking for a receipt to be returned. The letter is signed by Wahl at the bottom. The letter has been folded multiple times horizontally, three distinct creases can be seen.

Topic

African American

Correspondence

Military

World War I

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gina R. McVey, Granddaughter

Object number

2011.108.23

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

United States Department of War, American, 1789 - 1947

Received by

Cpl. McVey,, Lawrence Leslie Sr., American, 1897 - 1968

Subject of

369th Infantry Regiment, American, 1913 - 1945

Medium

ink on paper with plaster

Dimensions

H x W: 10 1/2 x 8 in. (26.7 x 20.3 cm)

Type

correspondence

Place made

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

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

May 16, 1919

Caption

The 369th United States Infantry, nicknamed the “Harlem Hellfighters,” was the first African American regiment of troops to reach the battlefields of World War I. The 369th Regiment was formed from the 15th New York National Guard Regiment and was recognized as part of the U.S. Army on July 15th, 1917. The regiment arrived in Brest, France on January 1st, 1918, being the first African American U.S. soldiers to arrive in France and initially assigned to dam building and stevedores in charge of loading and unloading cargo. The 369th Regiment, due to racial tension within the US Army was assigned to the French Army for the duration of US involvement in WWI. The 369th were the first Allied troops of the war to reach the banks of the Rhine. Upon completion of the 369th’s service in the war, the regiment had spent 191 days in combat, the longest of any American regiment. The entire 369th Regiment, in appreciation for their actions in the Maison-en-Champagne campaign, was given the Croix de Guerre, a medal awarded by the French Government for acts of bravery in conflicts against the enemy. In addition to this honor, 171 individual members of the 369th Regiment were awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor. The 369th Regiment finished their service in Europe and returned to the US in February 1919.

Description

A letter from the Adjutant General to Lawrence McVey announcing the enclosure of a French Croix de Guerre medal with bronze star, citation, and certificate, and asking for a receipt. The document is mounted to sheets of adhesive cloth on the reverse that have the label, [POROUS PLASTER / Manufactured for / LOEWENSTEIN'S PHARMACY].

Topic

African American

Correspondence

Military

World War I

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gina R. McVey, Granddaughter

Object number

2011.108.24

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Subject of

Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895

Talbert, Mary Burnett, American, 1866 - 1923

National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, American, founded 1896

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W: 8 x 18 in. (20.3 x 45.7 cm)

Type

souvenirs

Place depicted

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

Date

ca. 1920

Description

A rectangular, framed photographic souvenir poster of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Home in Anancostia, D.C. The poster features three black-and-white photographs against a tan background. In the center is a rectangular photograph of the exterior of the Frederick Douglass house. To the proper left is an oval photographic portrait of Frederick Douglass, where he appears in profile from the chest up. Underneath the portrait is the text [FREDERICK DOUGLASS / Anti-Slavery Orator, Publicist and Journalist. Nominated for the "Hall of Fame."]. To the proper right is an oval photographic portrait of Mary B. Talbert, where she appears standing in profile, looking down at a white flower she holds in one hand, her other hand resting against the back of a chair. Beneath the portrait of Talbert is printed [MRS. MARY B. TALBERT / Of Buffalo, N.Y., Life Member, Trustee Board, Douglass Home. Under her administration and direction the Douglass Home was redeemed.].

Topic

African American

Antislavery

Photography

Slavery

Social reform

Credit Line

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

Object number

2012.46.4

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Douglass, Joseph Henry, American, 1871 - 1935

Received by

Terrell, Mary Church, American, 1863 - 1954

Subject of

Stowe, Harriet Beecher, American, 1811 - 1896

National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, American, founded 1896

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W: 11 × 8 3/8 in. (27.9 × 21.3 cm)

Type

letters (correspondence)

Place made

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

Date

May 31, 1911

Description

Letter to Mrs. Terrell from Joseph H. Douglass, grandson of Frederick Douglass, dated May 31, 1911. Single page written on Douglass' personal stationary. Black ink on tan paper. Letter head at the top reads [JOSEPH H. DOUGLASS / Solo Violinist / ENGAGEMENTS ACCEPTED / FOR RECITALS / CONCERTS AND CHURCH / SERVICES / NOW TOURING AMERICA]. Along the left side of the page is a text box containing five quotes from newspapers titled [PRESS COMMENTS]. The handwritten letter reads [1644 Fla. ave N. W. / Wash. D.C. May 31st 1911 / My dear Mrs Terrell: / Replying to your esteemed / favor just received, will say / that it is my pleasure to / accept the invitation to the present / and render a violin selection / on the occasion of the one hun- / dredth anniversary of Harriet / Beecher Stowe. / I thank you for the oppor- / tunity and honor which enables / me to add my little mite / in the celebration of that noble / woman's birth as well as to appear / before such a body of honored women. / I am proud of the fact that / among those mentioned in your / letter, none will be more represen- / tative or distinguished among the / speakers of the meeting than your / honored self. / Yours most sincerely / Joseph H. Douglass / (P.S. / I have carefully / noted the date June 14")]

Topic

African American

Classical (Music)

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Political organizations

Social reform

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.46.22

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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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