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Laquer disc of Billie Holiday master recordings

Recorded by: Holiday, Billie, American, 1915 - 1959
Produced by: Granz, Norman, 1918 - 2001
Written by: Arlen, Harold, American, 1905 - 1986; Koehler, Ted L., American, 1894 - 1973; Kern, Jerome, American, 1885 - 1945; Hammerstein, Oscar II, American, 1895 - 1960; Romberg, Sigmund, Hungarian, 1887 - 1951; Harbach, Otto Abels, American, 1873 - 1963

Medium: Instantaneous Transcription Disc (a): lacquer on aluminum;; Disc Sleeve (b): ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter: 16 in. (40.6 cm)

Type: phonograph records

Place depicted: 444 Madison Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1952

Caption: This transcription disc, dated 1952, has master recordings of Billie Holiday. Holiday sings “My Man”, “Lover Come Back To Me”, Stormy Weather and Yesterdays. Details of the recording process are heard with the technician listing takes, Holiday singing a retake of Stormy Weather, as well as making a note to herself before singing. The sound quality of the master recording disc is exceptional.
Description: An instantaneous transcription disc, the label notes the Client as Norman Granz, the Artist as Billie Holiday, and the Date as 7/28/52. The record contains the master recordings of the songs "My Man," "Lover Come Back to Me," "Stormy Weather," and "Yesterdays."; Consists of: Instantaneous Transcription Disc (a) and Original Disc Sleeve (b).; 2010.50.2a: Instantaneous transcription disc.; The recording on side 1 begins with a man listing the take of the first recording, "C 839 take 6." The first song on the recording is "My Man." As a man lists the take for the next song, "C 840 take 4," Billie Holiday can be heard making a quick note before she begins to sing "Just press off because [Inaudible]" She then sings "Lover Come Back to Me."; The recording on side 2 begins with a man listing the take "C 841 take 2." Billie Holiday begins singing "Stormy Weather," but the song is cut short after approximately 20 seconds. The take is re-listed as "C 841 take 3." Holiday then begins again with "Stormy Weather." The listing of the second song on the recording is distorted, but should be C 842 take 2. Holiday then sings "Yesterdays."; 2010.50.2b: Original disc sleeve. audiodiscs / Audio Device Inc. / 444 Madison Avenue / New York, N.Y.

Topic: African American; Jazz (Music)

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

Object number: 2010.50.2ab

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

Overcoming Barriers in Education

Written by: Dr. Jackson, Ida Louise, American, 1902 - 1996
Published by: University of California, Berkeley, American, founded 1868
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: 11 1/4 x 8 1/4 x 7/8 in. (28.6 x 21 x 2.2 cm)

Type: books

Place printed: Berkeley, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1984-1985; published 1990

Description: A hardcover book titled "Overcoming Barriers in Education" written by Dr. Ida Louise Jackson. The cover is blue with gold lettering along the spine. The first page of the book is signed and dated by the author.

Topic: African American; Education; Sororities; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Historical Society of Washington, DC and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Object number: 2013.133.3.31

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

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

Souvenir Program: Bethel Baptist Institutional Church Brotherhood Alliance

Created by: Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, American, founded 1838
Subject of: Dr. Wilson, Robert H., American, 1924 - 2011

Medium: ink on paper, metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 11 × 8 5/8 × 1/16 in. (27.9 × 21.9 × 0.2 cm)

Type: souvenir programs

Place used: Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1956

Description: Souvenir program from the Bethel Baptist Institutional Church Brotherhood Alliance for men's day activities. The faded orange cover has black printed text at the top with the title and date, March 18th, 1956, of the program. The program is fastened with two (2) staples. The center of the cover has an image of pastor Rev. Robert H. Wilson. There is an image of the church at the bottom with the location at Hogan and Caroline Streets, Jacksonville, Florida. The interior has images of the men's day officials, a program schedule, and information about committees and speakers. There is an advertisement for the Afro American Life Insurance Company on the back cover.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Communities; Men; Religion; Religious groups; United States--Social life and customs

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

Object number: 2015.97.40.64

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

Souvenir Program of the Goodwill Baptist Church in the Dedication of their New House of Worship

Created by: Goodwill Baptist Church, American, founded after 1900
Subject of: Rev. Ball, William B., American, born ca. 1890

Medium: ink on paper, metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 11 × 8 1/2 × 1/16 in. (27.9 × 21.6 × 0.2 cm)

Type: souvenir programs

Place used: Richmond, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1953

Description: Souvenir program from the dedication of the Goodwill Baptist Church. The tan cover has a thin ribbon graphic border. Below the title, the location, 410 North Monroe Street, Richmond, Va. is listed. The dates for the services [November 22nd through December 11th 1953] are noted above the pastor, Rev. W. B. Ball. The program begins with images and a brief biography of the pastor and his wife, Mary M. Ball. The program has images of church members and committees. There is schedule information interspersed with advertisements. The program is fastened with two (2) staples. The back cover is blank.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Communities; Religion; Religious groups; United States--Social life and customs

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

Object number: 2015.97.40.66

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

Quilted petticoat

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: cotton fabric and cotton batting
Dimensions: H x W x D (On form): 37 × 24 × 20 in. (94 × 61 × 50.8 cm)

Type: quilts; petticoats

Place used: United States, North and Central America

Date: 1830s-1840s; repurposed 1890s

Description: This quilted petticoat may have been made from a repurposed wholecloth bedcover or refashioned from a once larger skirt. The front of the textile is faced with a small-scale printed floral vine design in white, yellow, purple, and red blossoms with green leaves on a light brown ground. The back of the textile is faced with an orange striped cotton. A layer of cotton batting was quilted between the front and back facing fabrics. It was hand quilted with off-white cotton thread in an offset grid pattern with a leafy vine border design. The floral printed fabric was turned and hand stitched to the back fabric as binding. The fabrics and quilted motifs indicate it was probably made in the 1830s or 1840s. The fabric may have been imported from France.; The cut textile is turned under and the edges left raw at the interior waistline of the petticoat and the cotton batting can be seen along these raw edges. A small piece of printed cotton with a small-scale repeating design of purple flowers on a yellow ground is stitched at the interior proper left front waist. A long length of off-white cotton twill tape is attached around the back waist to hold gathers in the petticoat. The twill tape remains loose on the front so that the front of the petticoat has a flat silhouette. The petticoat is closed by tying these loose lengths of twill tape at the front waist.The hem of the petticoat is the original binding of the bedcover and the quilted vine border of the bedcover is turned horizontal around the bottom of the petticoat. The textile was probably repurposed into its current form as a petticoat between the 1870s and 1890s due to the flat front and gathered back waist.

Topic: African American; Clothing and dress; Reconstruction (United States History, 1865-1877); Slavery; United States--History--1865-1921; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Aaron and Maureen Robinson and Family

Object number: 2014.180.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Poster for the American Negro Exposition in Chicago

Illustrated by: Pious, Robert Savon, American, 1908 - 1983

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 21 7/16 × 13 3/4 in. (54.5 × 35 cm)

Type: posters

Date: 1940

Caption: The American Negro Exposition took place at the Chicago Coliseum, July 4 through September 2, 1940. The event recognized two important occasions: the 75th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery and the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Featuring the contributions of African Americans to American life since 1865, the Exposition was considered the first Negro World's Fair and the first time that African Americans had the opportunity to present themselves and their stories to the world.
Description: A poster for the American Negro Exposition at the Chicago Coliseum. The image on the poster is of a male standing behind a female. They have their heads turned to their right and have their arms raised. In their right hands they are holding a book and a gear. In their left hands they are holding a document and a broken chain. The background is a pink mountain-scape with Abraham Lincoln’s face at center with a blue sky and pink clouds. Agricultural tools are at the bottom. Black text at the top center of the poster reads: [AMERICAN NEGRO EXPOSITION.] Brown text at the center of the poster reads: [1865] and [1940.] Blue text on a black background at the bottom of the poster reads: [CHICAGO COLISEUM / JULY 4 TO SEPT. 2.] Small black text at the bottom of the poster reads: [AMERICAN NEGRO EXPOSITION HEADQUARTERS, 3632 SOUTH PARKWAY, CHICAGO.]

Topic: African American; Advertising; Communities; Design; Emancipation; Festivals; United States--History--1933-1945

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Gift of Ingrid Rose in Memory of Milton M. Rose

Object number: 2015.178

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Chromogenic print of the tombstone of Perry William Cloman

Created by: Unidentified
Subject of: Cloman, Percy William, American, 1897 - 1921

Medium: dye and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 3 1/2 × 4 3/8 in. (8.9 × 11.1 cm)

Type: photographs

Place depicted: Eufaula, McIntosh County, Oklahoma, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980

Description: A color photograph of the headstone of Percy William Cloman, brother of Eunice Jackson. The gravestone is a stone marker, surrounded by browning grass and some leaves. Carved at the top of the gravestone is a recessed cross. Engraved below the cross is: [PERCY WILLIAM CLOMAN/ OKLAHOMA/ SGT CO M 65 PIONEER INF/ WORLD WAR I/ JUNE 17, 1897 March 19, 1921]. The photograph has curved corners.

Topic: African American; American South; American West; Communities; Military; World War I

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

Object number: 2014.75.58

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: The Princetta R. Newman Collection of Family Photographs, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Classification: Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photographic postcard of Jack Johnson's corner of the ring

Created by: Dana Photo Studio, American
Distributed by: The Sommer Studio, American
Subject of: Johnson, Jack, American, 1878 - 1946

Medium: ink on photographic paper on cardboard
Dimensions: H x W: 3 1/2 x 5 7/16 in. (8.9 x 13.8 cm)

Type: photographic postcards

Place captured: Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1910

Description: A black-and-white photographic postcard of Jack Johnson's corner before the "Fight of the Century" between Johnson and James J. Jeffries. Johnson, seated wears a robe and points with his right hand. He is surrounded by training and support staff.

Topic: African American; Athletes; Boxing; Photography; Race relations

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

Object number: 2010.36.1.1

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

Photographic postcard of Jack Johnson and James J. Jeffries clinching

Created by: Dana Photo Studio, American
Subject of: Johnson, Jack, American, 1878 - 1946; Jeffries, James J., American, 1875 - 1953

Medium: ink on photographic paper on cardboard
Dimensions: H x W: 3 1/2 x 5 7/16 in. (8.9 x 13.8 cm)

Type: photographic postcards

Place captured: Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1910

Description: A black-and-white photographic postcard of the "Fight of the Century" between Jack Johnson and James J. Jeffries. In this photo, the pair are standing chest to chest with interlocking arms.

Topic: African American; Athletes; Boxing; Photography; Race relations

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

Object number: 2010.36.1.2

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

Daguerreotype of Rhoda Phillips

Photograph by: Unidentified
Subject of: Phillips, Rhoda, American, 1831 - 1906

Medium: silver amalgam, silver on copper photographic plates
Dimensions: H x W (Sheet): 2 x 2 1/2 in. (5.1 x 6.4 cm)

Type: daguerreotypes

Place captured: Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1850

Description: A 1/9th plate daguerreotype of Rhoda Phillips (1831-1906), a woman who was born into slavery. She wears a dress with a flower pattern, lace cuffs, and a lace collar. The case is contemporary and has velvet lining.

Topic: African American; Photography; Slavery

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

Object number: 2011.34

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Media Arts-Photography

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Press kit for Sonny Liston versus Cassius Clay Championship Fight

Distributed by: Dundee-MacDonald Enterprises, Inc., American, founded 1963
Subject of: Dundee's 5th St. Gym, American, 1950 - 1983; Ali, Muhammad, American, 1942 - 2016; Liston, Sonny, American, 1928 - 1970

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 12 x 9 1/4 in. (30.5 x 23.5 cm)

Type: press kits

Place depicted: Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States, North and Central America

Date: February 1964

Description: The press kit is an orange folder with graphics of the two fighters on the front. The folder contains 2011.56.3.1 through 2011.56.3.17. These documents include biographical sketches, physical measurements, and travel brochures. The cover features images of both Liston (on the left) and Clay (on the right).
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Athletes; Boxing; Mass media; United States--History--1961-1969

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Dwaine Simpson 5th St. Gym Museum Collection

Object number: 2011.56.3

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Documents and Published Materials; Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
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

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

Constitution of the Lay Organization of the California Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Created by: African Methodist Episcopal Church, American, founded 1816
Subject of: Bethel A.M.E. Church, American, founded 1852

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

Type: constitutions

Place depicted: San Francisco, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: after 1990

Description: Document of the "Constitution of the Lay Organization" from the California Conference of the A.M.E. Church. The typed document has three (3) sheets of paper stapled together in the upper right corner. The black text is only printed on the front side of each page. The constitution begins with Article II which reads [The object and purpose of this organization is to organize and train the lay members....] before stating objectives a-h. The second page has a history of Bethel A.M.E. Church lay organization from 1941-1990. Committee members are listed on the last page. There is an inscription [554 B] on the reverse. The papers have a crease in the middle from being folded.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Communities; Religion; Religious groups

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

Object number: 2015.97.40.17.2

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

J.D. McClain’s Day in Court

Created by: Donaldson, Jeff, American, 1932 - 2004
Subject of: Jackson, Jonathan, American, 1953 - 1970; Haley, Harold Joseph, American, 1904 - 1970; Black Panther Party, American, 1966 - 1982; AfriCOBRA, founded 1968

Medium: paint on cardboard with ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W (artwork): 29 1/8 × 19 5/16 in. (74 × 49 cm); H x W x D (frame): 31 1/8 × 21 3/16 × 1 3/4 in. (79.1 × 53.8 × 4.5 cm)

Type: paintings; mixed media

Place depicted: San Rafael, Marin County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1970

Description: This mixed media work is Jeff Donaldson's interpretation of a photograph taken of the 1970 Marin County courthouse incident. The original newspaper photograph and caption can be seen in the center of the image. The figure on the left in the artwork has his left hand outstretched and the source image in the palm of his hand. In the original photograph, the man on the left is James McClain. In both images, he is holding a gun in his right hand at eye level pointed toward the figure on the right. Unlike McClain in the newspaper photograph, the man in the painting is wearing a black and white horizontally striped shirt with white numbers, [81970], on a black strip reminiscent of prison clothing. He is also wearing tan pants and a white jacket.; The figure on the right in the original image is California Superior Court Judge Harold Haley dressed in black court dress robes. In Donaldson's mixed media piece, the black robes are partially visible but Haley's figure has a skull in place of his head and is reaching toward the man on the left. The piece is multicolored. In the center is black text on a white background that reads [GLASS] and repeats [-SS] below. To the left of the skull is [A] in the stars and stripes pattern of the American flag. The artist signed the work at the bottom. The artwork is floating in a white frame.

Topic: African American; Art; Black power; Law; Mass media; Prisons

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

Object number: 2017.33.2

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Visual Arts

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Handbill for a performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers

Printed by: Tucker Printing House, American
Subject of: Fisk Jubilee Singers, American, founded 1871; Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895; Twain, Mark, American, 1835 - 1910

Medium: ink on paper (fiber product)
Dimensions: H x W: 8 3/4 x 6 1/4 in. (22.2 x 15.9 cm)

Type: handbills

Place printed: Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1875

Description: A paper handbill advertisement for a performance by the Jubilee Singers on March 23, 1875 at City Hall in an unnamed location. One side of the handbill has the printed title [A SONG FROM FREDERICK DOUGLASS] at the top and then recounts a visit of the Jubilee Singers with Frederick Douglass where he shared a spiritual that he sang while enslaved that inspired him to seek freedom in the North. The lyrics of the song are printed in the center of the handbill. The details for the upcoming performance are printed at the bottom center in large text [CITY HALL / ON THE EVENING OF / TUESDAY, MARCH 23D, 1875. / Tickets now on sale at Stockbridge's]. At the bottom left corner in small print is [Tucker Printing House, Portland.]; The other side of the handbill has printed a letter to [Theo. F. Seward, Esq.] from Samuel Clemens recounting how much he enjoys performances by the Jubilee Singers. At the top of the page in large text is printed [MARK TWAIN / AND THE / Jubilee Singers]. At the bottom center of the page is the text [CITY HALL, / TUESDAY EVENING!].
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Amusements; Folk (Music); Resistance; Singers (Musicians); Slavery; Spirituals (Music)

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

Object number: 2011.57.1

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Management contract for Sam Cooke

Created by: William Morris Agency, American, 1898 - 2009
Subject of: Cooke, Sam, American, 1931 - 1964

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

Type: contract documents

Place depicted: Manhattan, New York City, New York, New York, United States, North and Central America; Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: May 26, 1959

Description: A one-year management contract between Sam Cooke and the William Morris Agency. It is comprised of two sheets of white paper with black printed text and additional typed and stamped information. Stapled to the front of the document is a small sheet of white paper with typed text regarding paragraph 3(b) of the contract. Sam Cooke's initials are signed at the bottom of this page.

Topic: African American; Business; Entertainers; Singers (Musicians); Soul (Music)

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

Object number: 2011.68.6

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

Program for the interment services for Joe Louis

Written by: Mays, Ella Kay
Printed by: Unidentified
Subject of: Louis, Joe, American, 1914 - 1981; Reverend Ewing, Gene, American; Fort Myer Memorial Chapel, American, founded 1861; Arlington National Cemetery, American, founded 1864

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W x D: 9 × 6 3/16 (22.8 × 15.7 × 0.1 cm)

Type: programs

Place used: Arlington, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: April 21, 1981

Description: A program from the interment services for Joe Louis. The program is printed in brown ink on tan paper. The front page features a bust portrait of Joe Lewis wearing a suit jacket, dress shirt, and neck tie. Text above and below the image reads [Internment [sic] Services / for / Joe Louis / (Barrow) / May 13, 1914 - April 12, 1981 / ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY / Fort Meyers Memorial Chapel / Arlington, Virginia / Officiant / THE REVEREND GENE EWING]. The obituary by Ella Kay Mays is printed on the second page, the order of ceremonies on the third page, and honorary pallbearers and quotes about Louis on the back page. The program is two (2) pages with a front and back cover.

Topic: African American; Athletes; Boxing; Local and regional; Religious groups; United States--Social life and customs

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

Object number: 2013.46.25.5

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera

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

Journal of Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Session of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Created by: African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, American, founded 1821
Subject of: Blackwell Memorial AME Zion Church, American, founded 1918

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W x D: 8 1/16 × 5 1/4 × 3/16 in. (20.5 × 13.3 × 0.4 cm)

Type: journals (periodicals)

Place used: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date: June 29-July 4, 1948

Description: Booklet of "Journal Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Session" from the A.M.E. Zion Church. The tan front cover has a double black border around the black printed text. The lower half of the front cover reads [Held in / Blackwell Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church / Chicago, Illinois / June 29-July 4, 1948 / Bishop John W. Martin, A.M., D.D., L.L.D., / Presiding / Rev. W. T. Beck / Pastor]. The book has a price of twenty-five (25) cents. The journal includes conference rolls, proceeding summaries, and observations and recommendations. The back cover is blank.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Communities; Religion; Religious groups

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

Object number: 2015.97.40.16

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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

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