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

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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

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

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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

Manufactured by

GATEWAYS UNLTD., American

Owned by

Bailey, Jan, American, 1942 - 2010

Subject of

Benjamin Chavis, American, born 1948

Medium

metal

Dimensions

Diameter: 1 3/4 × 3/8 in. (4.4 × 1 cm)

Type

buttons (information artifacts)

Place depicted

Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Date

1971 - 1980

Description

Round pin-back button featuring a yellow and brown image of a man behind bars. Brown type circles center image and reads, [FREE THE WILMINGTON 10/NOW!]. Yellow type appears along edge of button and reads, [GATEWAYS UNLTD WASH D.C.].

Topic

African American

Civil rights

Freedom

Justice

Politics (Practical)

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.201.1.24

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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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

Printed by

Unidentified

Subject of

Horne, Lena, American, 1917 - 2010

Coquatrix, Bruno, French, 1910 - 1979

Baquet, Maurice, French, 1911 - 2005

Steffen, Paul

Constantin, Jean, French, 1923 - 1997

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

Framed: 23 7/8 x 16 7/16 x 1/2 in. (60.6 x 41.8 x 1.3 cm)

L x W (Image): 22 3/4 x 15 1/2 in. (57.8 x 39.4 cm)

Type

posters

Place used

Paris, Île-de-France, France, Europe

Date

1954

Description

This poster advertises Lena Horne's appearance at the Olympia Music Hall in Paris, France from August 23 to September 11. The poster is has a green background with white, green and purple text against contrasting color fields. Across the top margin is text that reads "L'Olympia/ votre Music-Hall!" in white lettering against a purple oval. Beneath is a large purple rectangle with white text that reads "La Grande Vedette Internationale/ LENA/ HORNE." There is a white margin around the poster's edge.

Topic

African American

Actors

Entertainers

Jazz (Music)

Mass media

Musical Theatre

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.27.9.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

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

Printed by

Unidentified

Subject of

Paige, Satchel, American, 1906 - 1982

Tatum, Goose, American, 1921 - 1967

Negro League Baseball Players Association, American, founded 1990

Kansas City Monarchs, American, 1920 - 1965

New York Harlem Stars, American, 1931 - 1931

Medium

ink on cardboard

Dimensions

H x W: 21 3/4 x 13 3/4 in. (55.2 x 34.9 cm)

Type

posters

Place printed

Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, United States, North and Central America

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

Date

1945

Description

A Negro American League baseball poster featuring Satchel Paige and Goose Tatum. The poster is white at top and has a white border. The text at the top of the poster is red and says “VICTORY FIELD / INDIANAPOLIS / FRI. AUG. 31 8:00 p. m. / Adults $1.25 Children 12 & Under 25¢. Below this in white text in a blcak square is "NEGRO American LEAGUE / BASEBALL." Printed in black ink on a red background is “25 TIMES WORLD’S / Champions / Kansas City / Monarchs / VS / Harlem Stars / FEATURING THE CLOWN PRINCE OF BASEBALL GOOSE TATUM.” Images of Goose Tatum and Stchel Page are also printed on the red background. At the bottom of the poster in white text on a black background is “SEE – IN ACTION – LE ROY ‘SATCHEL’ PAIGE / ‘THE AGELESS WONDER’ REPUTEDLY THE / GREATEST PITCHER OF ALL TIME!”

Topic

African American

Athletes

Baseball

Segregation

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.135.3

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

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

Written by

Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895

Medium

printing ink on rag paper

Dimensions

H x W x D (framed): 95 × 48 5/8 × 2 3/4 in. (241.3 × 123.5 × 7 cm)

H x W: 93 3/4 × 46 1/4 in. (238.1 × 117.5 cm)

Type

broadsides

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1863

Description

Large three-sheet broadside promoting "Men of Color" to enlist in the Army; text printed in relief with carved wood type and cast letterpress/metal type. Text reads "MEN OF COLOR To Arms! To Arms!"

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Military

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Credit Line

201Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2012.133

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Slavery and Freedom Objects

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Exhibition

Slavery and Freedom

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Unidentified

Distributed by

China West Entertainment, 2004 - 2009

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 22 1/4 x 16 1/2 in. (56.5 x 41.9 cm)

Type

broadsides

Place used

Shanghai, China, Asia

Date

2006

Description

A broadside advertising a James Brown concert in Shanghai. The broadside is black with blue and white text in both English and Chinese. A color image of James Brown is on the left side of the broadside. He is wearing a green sequined jacket, green pants and a green shirt and singing into a microphone. The text at the top of the broadside says “JAMES / BROWN / Live!” The date and location of the concert is on the right side of the broadside as well as ticketing information. Hotel and promoter logos are on the bottom of the broadside.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2008.7.15

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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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

Printed by

Globe Poster Printing Company, 1929 - 2010

Subject of

Garrett, Shelly, American, 1946 - 2018

University of the Arts, American, founded 1876

Merriam Theater, American

Medium

ink on cardboard

Dimensions

H x W: 22 1/16 × 14 in. (56.1 × 35.6 cm)

Type

advertising cards

Place used

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America

Place printed

Baltimore, Maryland, United States, North and Central America

Date

1991

Description

A showcard advertising the stage play “Beauty Shop" by Shelly Garrett. The poster is small, narrow and printed on thin cardboard. The text is black, white, and Day-Glo pink and in a variety of sizes and fonts. The top fourth of the poster has two speech bubbles: the one on the left that reads, [AMERICA’S / No.1 SMASH HIT / BLACK COMEDY], in black text and is filled in with hot pink. The speech bubble on the right reads: [ALWAYS / SELLS / OUT!], as white text in a black speech bubble. Below the speech bubbles is the text: [SHELLY / GARRETT’S] written in black ink and below that is the main title of the play, [BEAUTY SHOP], outlined in black ink and overlaid with Day-Glo pink ink. The text has been set against a Day-Glo green background, featuring a brick wall and a window with a view into a barbershop, where three cartoon figures are depicted in black and white. The figure on the left is a barber, wearing a barber’s coat and holding a pair of shears. The center figure is a balding male figure wearing a barber's cape. The figure on the right is a female wearing a crop top and mini skirt, hoop earrings and has her hair arranged into two puff balls on either side of her head. Behind the figures is a counter holding a hairdryer and bottles and jars. The bottom third of the poster lists the theater location, dates, prices of admission, and information on how to purchase tickets. The reverse of the poster is blank.

Topic

African American

Advertising

Beauty salons (Beauty shops)

Comedy

Comedy (Theatre)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Kathleen M. Kendrick

Object number

2015.64.2

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

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

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Unidentified

Photograph by

Unidentified

Distributed by

Club 845, American, founded 1945

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

LeTang, Henry Dancers, American

LeTang, Henry, American, 1915 - 2007

Sampson, Edgar, American, 1907 - 1973

Sampson, Edgar And His Orchestra, American

Hudgins, Johnny, American, 1896 - 1990

Price, Naomi

Gardener, Judy

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 5 1/2 × 4 3/16 in. (14 × 10.7 cm)

Type

advertising cards

Place captured

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

Place used

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

Date

ca. 1947

Description

An advertisement card for Club 845's Gala Holiday Revue. The card is printed on white paper with scalloped edges. At the top of the card is the text, [THE HENRY LETANG DANCERS / Laurie, Blanche, Serena, Birdie, Shirley & Selma]. Below is a black-and-white image of The Henry LeTang Dancers at Club 845, posing in matching costumes. Each of the six (6) women is wearing a large scalloped headpiece, a crop top with winged shoulders, and a long skirt with an embellished waist that opens in front. The women are depicted standing in a semicircle, facing the viewer, with their hands holding the front of their skirts open and with one leg extended forward. Laura Cathrell is the performer depicted on the far left side of the image. The two women in the center are standing back-to-back and the rest of the women are turned slightly towards the center. A large number of tables are set up behind the women. Each table is covered with a tablecloth and set with two (2) chairs. Below the image is additional text that reads, [CLUB 845 Invites You to Join Us / Every weekend beginning December / 16th when we present -- / OUR GALA HOLIDAY REVUE / Produced by HENRY LETANG-- / --STARRING -- / Johnny Hudgins, .. Pantomine[sic] Commedian[sic] / Judy Gardener, .. Her Song & Accordian[sic] / Naomi Price, .. Mistress of Ceremonies / THE HENRY LETANG DANCERS / Dancing to the Music of / EDGAR SAMSON & His ORCHESTRA]. The back of the card is blank.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Actors

Dance

Entertainers

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.46.25.263

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Cooper, Ralph, American, 1908 - 1992

Printed by

Unidentified

Subject of

Campbell, Richard

Theard, Sam, American, 1904 - 1982

Elks Rendezvous, American, ca. 1930 - 1945

United Service Organizations, American, founded 1941

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 10 15/16 × 8 9/16 in. (27.8 × 21.7 cm)

Type

advertisements

Place used

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

Date

1941-1945

Description

A promotional mailer from the Elk's Rendezvous Nite Club. The mailer is a single sheet of paper which folds in half to form the mailer. The first page features a reproduced letter to Ralph Cooper, Elk's Rendezvous Nite Club, to Mr. Richard Campbell, U.S.O., thanking the U.S.O. for allowing their orchestra to perform. The text is printed in red on a white background. The letter is surrounded by a white and red border featuring illustrations of a tank, soldiers, a crowd of men and women, and a banner. It also has the phrase [We Mean it!] printed in white along the top right edge of the border. The interior pages fold out to form a full-page red and white spread. It features a collage of photographic images with [ELK'S RENDEZVOUS / FLOOR /SHOW] printed at the top and information about the club and the performers, printed at the bottom. Ralph Cooper is depicted in the top left corner and Sam Theard in the bottom right corner. The top half of the back of the mailer includes blank space for an address and stamp surrounded by illustrations of music notes and female dancers in front of a building with [Elk's Rendezvous] printed on a sign above the dancers. The bottom half features red and white text against an illustrated background decorated with a star spangled curtain, music notes, and female dancers.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Jazz (Music)

Military

Nightlife

World War II

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.46.25.18

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Cathrell Printing Company, American

Subject of

Cathrell, Walter B., American, 1884 - 1924

Cathrell, Sally J., 1893 - 1970

Unidentified Child or Children

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 3 11/16 × 6 5/16 in. (9.3 × 16 cm)

Type

advertisements

Place printed

Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1920

Description

A white advertising card for The Cathrell Printing Company. The card is bordered with a thin black line. On the left side is a small rectangle containing a black-and-white cut-out image of two (2) small girls. The children wear white rompers and stand on a small platform. The remainder of the card is black text in varying fonts, advertising the printing company. Along the top of the card is the company’s name, president, and secretary: [The Cathrell Printing Company. / W. B. Cathrell, President. / S. J. Cathrell, Secretary.]. Below the names is a small double line with graphic of a flower below. There are two (2) columns of text in the in the center of the card that read, [UP-TO-DATE / IN EVERY BRANCH] on the left, and [PHONE / LINDELL 3617-W] on the right. Below the column is additional text that reads, [WEDDING INVITATIONS & STATIONERY / A SPECIALITY. / 4118 Cook Ave. / St. Louis, Mo.]. There are blue and black ink markings on the back of the card.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Business

Communication

Families

Photography

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.46.25.91.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Cathrell Printing Company, American

Subject of

Cathrell, Walter B., American, 1884 - 1924

Cathrell, Sally J., 1893 - 1970

Unidentified Child or Children

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 3 5/8 × 6 5/16 in. (9.2 × 16 cm)

Type

advertisements

Place printed

Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1920

Description

A white advertising card for The Cathrell Printing Company. The card is bordered with a thin black line. On the left side is a small rectangle containing a black-and-white cut-out image of two (2) small girls. The children wear white rompers and stand on a small platform. The remainder of the card is black text in varying fonts, advertising the printing company. Along the top of the card is the company’s name, president, and secretary: [The Cathrell Printing Company. / W. B. Cathrell, President. / S. J. Cathrell, Secretary.]. Below the names is a small double line with graphic of a flower below. There are two (2) columns of text in the in the center of the card that read, [UP-TO-DATE / IN EVERY BRANCH] on the left, and [PHONE / LINDELL 3617-W] on the right. Below the column is additional text that reads, [WEDDING INVITATIONS & STATIONERY / A SPECIALITY. / 4118 Cook Ave. / St. Louis, Mo.]. The back of the card is blank.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Business

Communication

Families

Photography

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.46.25.91.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Subject of

Hyers, Anna Madah, American, 1855 - 1929

Hyers, Emma Louise, American, 1857 - 1901

Hyers Sisters, American, 1867 - ca. 1900

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 8 3/4 x 3 7/8 in. (22.2 x 9.8 cm)

Type

broadsides

Date

1876

Description

A broadside advertising the musical drama "Out of Bondage", the first play about slavery with an African-American cast. It features the cast, and a synopsis of the three acts that make up the play. The broadside has some slight wear and is affixed to a piece of paper. There is an inscription on the front of the broadside that reads: [Sept. 10th].

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Actors

Drama (Theatre)

Musical Theatre

Opera (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2012.46.74

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

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

Created by

Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., founded 1919

Subject of

Poitier, Sidney, American, born 1927

Tracy, Spencer, American, 1900 - 1967

Katharine Hepburn, American, 1907 - 2003

Houghton, Katharine, American, born 1945

Directed by

Kramer, Stanley, 1913 - 2001

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 11 × 14 in. (27.9 × 35.6 cm)

Type

lobby cards

Place printed

Culver City, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1967

Description

Lobby card features a color still from the film Guess Who's Coming to Dinner The image depicts Katharine Hepburn and Katharine Houghton seated at a table looking up at Spencer Tracy to the right of the frame. Sidney Poitier is shown standing next to the table, facing Tracy. A white box with blue and red text in the bottom left corner reads, [Columbia Pictures presents a / Stanley Kramer / production / Spencer / Tracy / Sidney / Poitier / Katharine / Hepburn / guess who's / coming to dinner / and introducing / Katharine Houghton / Music by DeVol · Written by William Rose / Produced and directed by Stanley Kramer · Technicolor®]. Black type in BL corner of lobby card reads, [Copyright ©1967 by Columbia Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved].

Topic

African American

Actors

Hollywood (Film)

Race relations

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.108.9.1

Restrictions & Rights

© 1967 Columbia Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

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

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture