NMAAHC Collections Search

The Mothership

Designed by: Clinton, George, American, born 1941; Larkin, Peter, American, born 1926; Fisher, Jules, American, born 1937
Used by: Parliament-Funkadelic, American, founded 1955

Medium: metal, plastic, glass
Dimensions: Overall with Weight: 120 × 250 × 113 in., 1500 lb. (304.8 × 635 × 287 cm, 680.4 kg)

Type: props (object genres)

Date: 1990s

Description: "The Mothership" is the centerpiece stage prop used by Clinton and his multiple bands during their live concert performances. This object is a near-exact replica of the slightly larger Mothership that was used exclusively at the closing moments of concerts during the height of the band's popularity from 1976-1981. This replica prop was built from metal, plastic, and glass in the mid 1990s and used on the "Mothership Reconnection Tour".

Topic: African American; Funk (Music)

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

Object number: 2011.83.1.1-.9

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Personal use
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

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

Photograph of Negro History Week display at The Emporium

Photograph by: Unidentified
Subject of: Albrier, Frances M., American, 1898 - 1987; San Francisco Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, founded 1945; National Council of Negro Women, founded 1935

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 9 13/16 x 8 in. (25 x 20.3 cm)

Type: photographs

Date: February 19, 1957

Caption: This document is part of a scrapbook that was compiled in 1956 and 1957 by Frances Albrier during her term as president of the San Francisco Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). The scrapbook highlights the Chapter’s efforts to register voters and educate Bay Area residents on the importance of voting as a part of the Citizenship Education Project which was jointly sponsored by the NCNW and the National Urban League.
Description: A black-and-white photograph of the first display for Negro History Week in The Emporium in San Francisco, CA mounted on faded green construction paper. The photograph depicting a single display case holding a quilt, American flag, photographs, books, and album covers was installed by Francis Albrier. The photograph and construction paper are adhered to page six (6) in Frances Albrier's scrapbook (2010.60.1).

Topic: African American; Education; Line 22. Historical artifacts; Photography; Politics (Practical); Social reform; United States--History; Women

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

Object number: 2010.60.1.6

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

Letter to Frances Albrier from Stokely Carmichael about the Black United Front

Written by: Carmichael, Stokely, Trinidadian American, 1941 - 1998
Received by: Albrier, Frances M., American, 1898 - 1987
Subject of: National Black United Front, American, founded 1970s

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

Type: letters (correspondence)

Place depicted: Oakland, Richmond, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1950s

Description: A typewritten letter by Gloria Foster on behalf of Stokely Carmichael inviting Frances Albrier, "Dear Friend," to an organizational meeting for the Black United Front in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Topic: African American; Activism; Correspondence

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

Object number: 2010.60.33

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

I Started Out As a Child

Recorded by: Cosby, Bill, American, born 1937
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Records, Inc., American, founded 1958

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm); H x W x D (cardboard sleeve): 12 3/8 × 12 3/8 × 1/8 in. (31.4 × 31.4 × 0.3 cm); H x W (paper sleeve): 12 5/16 × 12 5/16 in. (31.3 × 31.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1964

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled I Started Out As a Child recorded by Bill Cosby. The front of the record sleeve features a color photograph of Bill Cosby smiling and looking in to the camera. Cosby is wearing a black suit jacket, red plaid dress shirt, and black tie. The front cover has red and black text, which reads: “STEREO / WARNER BROS. / RECORDS / 1567 / “i / started / out / as a / child” / bill / cosby.” The reverse side of record sleeve features four different black and white photographs of Cosby, as well as a track list and review. The album includes a paper sleeve.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

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

Object number: 2013.101.9a-c

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

Pendant for an Alpha Kappa Alpha member's diamond anniversary

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 3/16 x 1 3/16 x 1/8 in. (3 x 3 x 0.3 cm)

Type: pendants (jewelry)

Date: after 1983

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal pendant with a small metal loop attached to the top. The circular pendant is gold in color. The Alpha Kappa Alpha seal is embossed at center. The seal has slight green coloration and a diamond at its peak. The pendant has an ornate filigreed border.

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: 2013.133.2.10

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

Pendant for Heritage Club membership of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 3/4 x 9/16 x 1/16 in. (1.9 x 1.4 x 0.2 cm)

Type: pendants (jewelry)

Date: after 1982

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal pendant with a small metal loop attached to the top. The circular pendant has an embossed torch at center surrounded by lettering. The lettering reads “A. K. A. / HERITAGE CLUB.”

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: 2013.133.2.11

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

Pin for the diamond anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 1/8 x 1 1/8 x 3/16 in. (2.9 x 2.9 x 0.5 cm)

Type: pins (jewelry)

Date: 1983

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal pin with a pin back. The pin is a circular gold ring with gold ivy leaves at center. The bottom portion of the circle has "A K A" on it and a diamond, while the top half of the pin has lettering that reads "Alpha Kappa Alpha."

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: 2013.133.2.12

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

Pendant for the centennial celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 3/16 x 1 1/16 x 1/8 in. (3 x 2.7 x 0.3 cm)

Type: pendants (jewelry)

Date: 2002

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal pendant. The circular brass colored pendant has the Alpha Kappa Alpha seal at the bottom center. Text above the seal reads “2002 / LAUNCH / 100th / Anniversary.” Pink leaves decorate border of the pendant.

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: 2013.133.2.13

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

Pendant for the centennial celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 3/16 x 1 x 1/8 in. (3 x 2.5 x 0.3 cm)

Type: pendants (jewelry)

Date: 2004

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal pendant. The circular pendant is gold in color. At the center of the pendant is the Alpha Kappa Alpha seal in green and white. On either side of the seal there are three green ivy leaves. Gold lettering above and below the seal reads “Celebrating / 2004 / 100th / ANNIVERSARY.”

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: 2013.133.2.14

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

Logo pin for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908; Hedgeman Lyle, Ethel, American, 1887 - 1950; Nellie Quander, American, 1880 - 1961

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 3/16 x 3/4 x 1/8 in. (3 x 1.9 x 0.3 cm)

Type: logos

Date: ca. 1918

Description: Alpha Kappa Alpha metal logo with a small metal loop attached to the top of each. The pendants are gold ovals with a portrait of Nellie Quander on embossed one side. Text under the portrait reads “Nellie/Quander / 1911-1918 / FIRST SUPREME BASILEUS.” On the other side of the pendants a portrait of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle is embossed. Text under this portrait reads “ETHEL HEDGEMAN LYLE / 1908 / FOUNDER OF A K A.”

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: 2013.133.2.15.1

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

Logo pin for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908; Hedgeman Lyle, Ethel, American, 1887 - 1950; Nellie Quander, American, 1880 - 1961

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 3/16 x 3/4 x 1/8 in. (3 x 1.9 x 0.3 cm)

Type: logos

Date: ca. 1918

Description: Alpha Kappa Alpha metal logo with a small metal loop attached to the top of each. The pendants are gold ovals with a portrait of Nellie Quander on embossed one side. Text under the portrait reads “Nellie/Quander / 1911-1918 / FIRST SUPREME BASILEUS.” On the other side of the pendants a portrait of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle is embossed. Text under this portrait reads “ETHEL HEDGEMAN LYLE / 1908 / FOUNDER OF A K A.”

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: 2013.133.2.15.2

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

Pin for History Books membership of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Marjorie H. Parker, American, 1917 - 2006; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 1/16 x 7/8 x 1/8 in. (2.7 x 2.2 x 0.3 cm)

Type: logos

Date: 1958

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal logo with a small metal loop attached to the top. The pendant is shaped like three books. Two of the books are on top of each other while the third book is leaning against them. One of the books has the A. K. A. seal on the cover, while another has lettering on the spine that reads “THE HISTORY OF / ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA / 1908-1999.”

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: 2013.133.2.16

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

Logo pin for Job Corps membership of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908; Purnell, Julia B., American, 1916 - 2013

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 1/16 x 13/16 x 1/8 in. (2.7 x 2.1 x 0.3 cm)

Type: logos

Date: 1962

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal logo with a small metal loop attached to the top. The pendant is in the shape of a pentagon and has an arrow pointing up at center. At the top of the pendant are the words "Job Corps."

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: 2013.133.2.17

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

Logo pin for Heritage Series membership of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908; Larzetta Hale - Wilson, American

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 3/16 x 1 x 1/8 in. (3 x 2.5 x 0.3 cm)

Type: logos

Date: 1966

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal logo with a small metal loop attached to the top. The brass-colored circular pendant has several logos related to Alpha Kappa Alpha’s “African American Women Heritage Series” embossed on it.

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: 2013.133.2.18

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

Logo pin for Personal Involvement Now membership of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908; Grays, Mattelia B., American

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 1/16 x 7/8 x 1/8 in. (2.7 x 2.2 x 0.3 cm)

Type: logos

Date: 1970

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal logo with a small metal loop attached to the top. The gold, circular pendant has a gavel embossed at the top. Text underneath the gavel reads “P I N / Personal Involvement Now.”

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: 2013.133.2.19

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

Pin for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Ivy Leaf Club

Created by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 3/8 x 3/8 x 1/16 in. (1 x 1 x 0.2 cm)

Type: lapel pins

Date: after 1908

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal lapel pin with a stickpin back. The pin is in the shape of an ivy leaf with a green center and gold colored metal outline.

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: 2013.133.2.1ab

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

Member badge for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 9/16 x 5/8 x 1/4 in. (1.4 x 1.6 x 0.6 cm)

Type: badges

Date: after 1908

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal members badge with a stickpin back. The badge is in the shape of an ivy leaf with a green center. The badge is outlined with small pearls. There is one diamond at the top of the badge. Gold lettering appears in the green center. It reads “A. K. A.”

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: 2013.133.2.2

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

Logo pin for The Founders' Window membership of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908; Bernice Sumlin, American, born 1926

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 1 1/8 x 7/8 x 1/8 in. (2.9 x 2.2 x 0.3 cm)

Type: logos

Date: 1974

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal logo with a small metal loop attached to the top. The rectangular pendant has brass ivy vines over a yellowish background. At the top of the pendant is “SORORITY.” At the center of the pendant is “A K A” embossed vertically.

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: 2013.133.2.20

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

Pin for Influencing Decisions - A Design for Action of Alpha Kappa Alpha

Manufactured by: Unidentified
Subject of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908; Barbara Phillips, American, 1938 - 2013

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 7/8 x 3/4 x 1/8 in. (2.2 x 1.9 x 0.3 cm)

Type: logos

Date: 1978

Description: An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal logo with a small metal loop attached to the top. The pendant is a small circle that has a compass rose at center that divides the pendant’s face into four sections. The left section has a hand holding a diploma, the top section has a scale, the right section has a hand holding a gavel and the bottom section has a domed building.

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: 2013.133.2.21

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

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