NMAAHC Collections Search

Shoe shine machine depicting a caricatured shoe shine boy

Manufactured by: Siros Manufacturing Company, American

Medium: metal , paint , rubber
Dimensions: 48 1/4 x 20 3/4 x 19 5/8 in. (122.6 x 52.7 x 49.8 cm); Cord Length: 93 in.

Type: machines

Date: 1945-1960

Description: A yellow and gray, metal shoe shine machine with a frame at the top of the front panel holding a cartoon image of a caricatured boy. The frame has embossed text at the top that reads [BRUSH- UP] and at the bottom the read [SHINE]. The cartoon image depicts a caricature of a shoe shine boy with a bald head, a wide white mouth, white nose, white eyes and ears. He is wearing a plaid jacket, black pants and white shoes. Next to the boy is a speech bubble that reads [BRUSH / UP / SHINE] with the text [5¢] below. Next to the frame is a red coin slow with the text [BRUSH / UP / 5¢] written in white above the slot. At the base of the front panel is an opening to insert a foot. There is a small hood above the opening with a sign affixed to it that reads [KEEP SHOE MOVING / LIGHTLY ON BRUSH]. At the top of the machine is a metal and plastic sign case with embossed text that reads [BRUSH-UP / SHINE]. A plate on the top of machine reads [INSTRUCTIONS / BLACK & BROWN SHOES ONLY / RUNNING TIME ½ MINUTE / KEEP SHOE MOVING / TO BRUSH HEEL AND SIDES / PAT. PENDING / SIROS MFG. CO. HOUSTON, TEXAS].

Topic: African American; Business; Caricature and cartoons; Labor; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.299

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Occupational
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Negro in Business

Written by: Washington, Booker T., American, 1856 - 1915
Published by: Hertel, Jenkins & Co., American

Medium: book paper
Dimensions: H x W x D: 8 x 5 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (20.3 x 14.6 x 3.8 cm)

Type: hardcover books

Place printed: Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1907

Description: Hardcover book titled "The Negro in Business" written by Booker T. Washington. The cover is maroon with white lettering.

Topic: African American; Business; Literature

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

Object number: 2008.5.1

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Documents and Published Materials-Published Works; Library Collections
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Negro Business League pin

Created by: Turner, G. Addison, American
Subject of: Washington, Booker T., American, 1856 - 1915; National Negro Business League, American, 1901 - 1966

Medium: celluloid, ribbon and metal
Dimensions: H x W: 3 3/4 x 2 x 1/8 in. (9.5 x 5.1 x 0.3 cm)

Type: badges

Date: ca. 1908

Description: A badge with a blue ribbon and portrait attached to a metal clasp. The front of the badge has a portrait of Booker T. Washington, while the back side of the badge has a drawing of a beehive and the title “National Negro Business League.”

Topic: African American; Associations and institutions; Business

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

Object number: 2008.5.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Advertisement for the record album Hot On the One

Printed by: Unidentified
Distributed by: Polydor Records, German, founded 1924
Owned by: Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 40 x 12 1/4 in. (101.6 x 31.1 cm)

Type: portraits; posters

Date: 1980

Description: A hanging advertisement for the record album "hot on the one” by James Brown. The advertisement is made up of two record sleeves with a white card with yellow text attached between them. The two sleeves and card are attached with a black strip of fabric. The two sleeves are for the album being advertised. They both feature a color picture of James Brown in profile and have “JAMES BROWN…LIVE” in white text across the top. Below this text is smaller, red text is “HOT ON THE ONE.” The white card hanging between them features a yellow image of James Brown on the right side. Written in yellow and black text is “LE RETOUR DE / ‘JAMES BROWN’ / UNE SERiE DE CONCERTS PRESTiGiEUX.” At the bottom of the card written in black text is “double album live/ HOT ON THE ONE.”

Topic: African American; Business; Communication; Funk (Music); Soul (Music)

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

Object number: 2008.7.11

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in: 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

Business contract between Third World Music and Editions Intro Meisel

Written by: Edition Intro Meisel GmbH, German, founded 1966
Signed by: Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006
Subject of: Third World Music, American

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

Type: contracts

Date: July 1, 1984

Description: An eight page typewritten contract dated July 1, 1984, between Third World Music and Editions Intro Meisel. The contract has seventeen terms and conditions on seven pages. It is signed on page seven by James Brown in black ink. The pages are fastened together with a metal staple.

Topic: African American; Business; Communication; Funk (Music); Soul (Music)

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

Object number: 2008.7.21

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Barber Shop • Charleston, SC

Photograph by: Freed, Leonard, American, 1929 - 2006
Subject of: Unidentified Man or Men; Unidentified Woman or Women
Printed by: Steinmetz Studio

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W (Image): 12 13/16 x 19 1/16 in. (32.5 x 48.4 cm); H x W (Sheet): 16 x 20 in. (40.6 x 50.8 cm); H x W (Matted): 20 x 26 in. (50.8 x 66 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints; portraits

Place captured: Charleston, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1965; printed 1998

Description: a photograph of barbers and customers in a barbershop in New Orleans, LA by photographer Leonard Freed. The photo looks down between two rows of barber chairs and depicts several young barbers standing at their charis. Most of the barbers are men but to the right of the center of the photo stands a young woman in a barber jacket. The date and place the photo was taken are inscribed on the back along with the photographer's stamp.

Topic: African American; American South; Business; Hair; Men; Photography; United States--History--1961-1969

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

Object number: 2009.10.10

Restrictions & Rights: © Leonard Freed & Magnum Photos, Inc.

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

Deed of sale between William Walker and John and Joan Gunston

Written by: Unidentified
Subject of: Walker, William, English
Signed by: Gunston, John, English; Gunston, Joan, English; Gunston, Ursula, English; Warren, Thomas, English; Bulkeley, William, English; Manby, James, English

Medium: ink on vellum
Dimensions: H x W: 20 3/8 × 28 1/8 in. (51.8 × 71.4 cm)

Type: deeds; indentures

Place made: Somerset County, England, Europe; Saint George, Barbados, Caribbean, North and Central America

Date: March 28, 1685

Description: A deed of sale document between William Walker and John and Joan Gunston for the sum of seven hundred pounds. The upper left corner of text is embellished with stylized writing. The bottom of the document has the signatures of John and Joan Gunston. Both signatures have attached seals with paper ribbons attached. The document begins “This Indenture made the Eight and Twentieth day of March In the first yeare of the reined of our Sovereign Lord James the second by the grace / of God of England Scottland Ffrance and Ireland King defender of the faith Anno Dni 1685 Betweene John Gunston and Joan Gunston Spinster both of Taunton Deane / in the county of Somersett Nephew and Niece Captain Thomas Gunston late of the parish of St. George in the island of Barbados (illegible) on the one part And William Walker / Cittizen and Ironmonger of London of the other part Withnesseth that they the said John Gunston and Joan Gunston as well for and in consideration of the summe of Seven / hundred pounds of lawfull money of England to them in hand payd by the said William Walker…” The middle of the document mentions the ownership and transfer of the Negro slaves. Written on the back side of the document at center is “28th March 1684 / Mr Jhn Gunston & Mrs Joan Gunston Conveyance / to Mr. William Walker.” On the back in the upper left corner is a small summary of the exchange of funds with witness signatures. In the upper right corner is a statement of understanding signed by Ursula Gunston. Witness signatures and a small wax seal stamp are also present.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Business; Communication; Trans Atlantic slave trade

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

Object number: 2010.1.316

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents
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

Deed of sale including 237 enslaved persons in transaction

Written by: Moulton and Rushton, British
Signed by: Smith, Robert,1st Baron Carrington, British, 1752 - 1838; Payne, René, British; Smith, Samuel, British, 1754 - 1834; Smith, George, British, 1765 - 1836; Smith, John, British, 1767 - 1842

Medium: ink on vellum, wax
Dimensions: H x W (page 1): 22 7/16 × 27 15/16 in. (57 × 71 cm); H x W (page 2): 21 7/8 × 27 15/16 in. (55.5 × 71 cm); H x W (page 3): 22 1/4 × 27 7/8 in. (56.5 × 70.8 cm); H x W (page 4): 22 7/16 × 27 15/16 in. (57 × 71 cm); H x W (page 5): 22 7/16 × 27 15/16 in. (57 × 71 cm); H x W (page 6): 22 1/4 × 27 15/16 in. (56.5 × 71 cm); H x W (page 7): 22 1/4 × 27 3/4 in. (56.5 × 70.5 cm)

Type: deeds; indentures

Place made: London, England, Europe
Place used: Saint Catherine, Jamaica, Caribbean, North and Central America

Date: August 20, 1798

Description: Seven (7) paged deed of sale document between Samuel Smith, Rene Payne, George Smith, John Smith and Robert Lord Carrington for the sum of [nineteen thousand] one hundred and seventeen pounds, eleven shillings. The indenture document is sold by Moulton and Rushton of Chancery Lane, as indicated in the upper left corner of the front of the first page. The document is bordered in red lines. The top of the document in the upper left corner is stylized script [This indenture of three parts/Sold by/Moulton and Rushton,/Chancery Lane] Following the first line of stylized text is the start of the indenture [made the Twenty Eighth day of August in the/thirty eighth year of the Reign of our/Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain Ffrance and Ireland King Defender of the ffaith and soforth and in the year of our Lord One/thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight Between Samuel Smith and/Rene Payne of the City of London (illegible) of the first part The said Samuel Smith and Rene Payne and their (illegible)/George Smith and John Smith of the City of London (illegible) of the second part and The Right Honorable Robert Lord/Carrington of the third part]. On the left side in the upper third are two (2) blue squares of paper with embossed seals. On the reverse of the first page in the upper left corner is the payment of the indenture received to Robert Lord Carrington for the sum of [nineteen thousand] (AA, 1/29/15) one hundred and seventeen pounds and eleven shillings. The payment is witnessed and signed. At the top in the middle is a note regarding the sealing and endorsing of the document. On the left side in the middle third, is a note regarding where the indenture was filed [Enrolled in the Office of Enrollments in Jamaica/May 25th 1799 Lib: 465 fol 187/(illegible)/(illegible signature]. In the middle of the center of the reverse of the document is a summary of the document contents and the date [Dated 20th of August 1798./Samuel Smith Esq./and others...../to/The Right (illegible)/Lord Carrington../Conveyance/of two thirds of the ffarm/plantation/Enrd 25th May 1799/(illegible)/6.. 15 71/2 . 6/ 6.. 18 . 17]. Included in the indenture is a schedule of property listed on the sixth and seventh pages. On the last page are five (5) wax seals and signatures along the bottom. The signatures include Samuel Smith, Rene Payne, George Smith, John Smith and Lord Carrington.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Business; Trans Atlantic slave trade

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

Object number: 2010.1.317a-g

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-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Signed contract for the Jackson 5 to appear on "The Flip Wilson Show"

Created by: American Federation of TV & Radio Artists, American, founded 1937
Subject of: The Jackson 5, American, 1964 - 1975; Wilson, Flip, American, 1933 - 1998
Signed by: Michael Jackson, American, 1958 - 2009; Jermaine Jackson, American, born 1954; Marlon Jackson, American, born 1957; Tito Jackson, American, born 1953; Jackie Jackson, American, born 1951; Joe Jackson, American, born 1928

Medium: ink on paper (fiber product)
Dimensions: H x W: 13 x 8 1/2 in. (33 x 21.6 cm)

Type: contracts

Date: 1971

Description: A single sheet AFTRA engagement contract between The Jackson Five and Clerow Productions, Inc. to appear on "The Flip Wilson Show" dated June 30, 1971. The form is is pre-printed on the front and back of the paper in black ink, specific details have been typed in black ink on the front of the form, and there are several handwritten signatures.. The front of the form details the program, sponsor, performance place, date, and compensation among other things. It is signed by Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Toriano, and Sigmund Jackson as well as Joe Jackson, signing as their guardian. The document is also signed by a producer from either Celrow Productions or Bob Henry Productions. The standard terms and conditions are printed in two columns on the front and upper third of the back of the form. There are two dye cut holes at the top of the form and the left corner is torn from where it had been stapled.

Topic: African American; Business; Motown (Music); Popular music; Television

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

Object number: 2010.23.1a

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

Schematic drawing of stage requirements for The Jackson Five

Created by: Unidentified
Subject of: The Jackson 5, American, 1964 - 1975

Medium: pigment on printing paper, plastic, pressure-sensitive tape
Dimensions: H x W (Paper): 6 1/4 × 8 1/2 in. (15.9 × 21.6 cm); H x W (Overall): 7 1/2 × 9 7/16 in. (19 × 24 cm)

Type: plans (drawings)

Date: 1971

Description: A photocopy of a hand drawn diagram for the Jackson Five's stage requirements. The diagram is in black pigment on white paper. It details a stage, barrier, drum riser, and stage wings with dimensions for all elements provided. The back of the diagram is blank. The paper is dye cut at the top with two holes and there are multiple small holes, likely from staples, on the upper left of the paper. The diagram is in a sealed laminate or clear adhesive sleeve. The plastic is larger than the diagram and the border on the back is covered in masking tape.

Topic: African American; Business; Disco (Music); Popular music; Rock and roll (Music)

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

Object number: 2010.23.1b

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Contract signed by Otis Redding for "Mr. Pitiful"

Created by: East Publications Inc.
Subject of: Redding, Otis, American, 1941 - 1967; Cropper, Steve, American, born 1941; Stewart, Jim, American, born 1930

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 14 x 8 1/2 in. (35.6 x 21.6 cm)

Type: contracts

Place depicted: 3226 Commodore, Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America; 2582 Capewood, Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1965

Description: A contract signed by Otis Redding. The contract has black print on legal paper with signatures on the bottom right of the front. The contract establishes the payment distribution regarding the song "Mr. Pitiful" between writers Otis Redding and Steve Cropper and Stax/Volt record executive Jim Stewart.

Topic: African American; Business; Law; Soul (Music)

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

Object number: 2010.50.1

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

The Connecticut Courant, Vol. LXXXVII, No. 4461

Newspaper with advertisement for Augustus Washington's photography business

Published by: Hartford Courant, American, founded 1764
Subject of: Washington, Augustus, American, 1821 - 1875

Medium: ink on newsprint
Dimensions: H x W: 25 3/4 x 19 1/2 in. (65.4 x 49.5 cm)

Type: advertisements

Place made: Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut, United States, North and Central America

Date: July 20, 1850

Description: A newspaper advertisement for Augustus Washington's photography and dagurreotype business, the Washington Daguerrean Gallery. The adverstisement is black ink on newsprint, and at the top of the notice is a drawing of a woman sitting for her portrait.

Topic: African American; Business; Mass media; Photography

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

Object number: 2010.52.2

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Teaching report for County Supervisor of Rowan, NC filled out by Julia Cowan

Created by: Rowan County Government, American, founded 1753
Signed by: Cowan, Julia D., American

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 7 x 8 9/16 in. (17.8 x 21.7 cm)

Type: reports

Place made: Rowan County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1897

Description: A report for the County Supervisor of Rowan County, North Carolina completed by Julia D. Cowan, schoolteacher. The report has black print and handwriting on yellowed paper.

Topic: African American; Business; Education; Segregation

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

Object number: 2010.54.12

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Documents and Published Materials
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

Does Not Discriminate

Created by: Schwartz, Joe, American, 1913 - 2013

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W: 13 7/8 x 14 in. (35.2 x 35.6 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints

Place depicted: Fulton Street and Franklin Avenue, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York City, Kings County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1940s

Caption: Does Not Discriminate - Fulton Street and Franklin Avenue, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, 1940's; Joe Schwartz, Folk Photography: Poems I've Never Written (2000), 117.
Description: A black-and-white photograph of a restaurant window. In the window is a menu and a sign that reads "THIS RESTARAUNT[sic] DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE Against COLORED PEOPLE SAME PRICES TO ALL!"

Topic: African American; Business; Photography; Race discrimination

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Joe Schwartz and Family

Object number: 2010.74.98

Restrictions & Rights: © Joe Schwartz

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

Bill of sale for a 42-year-old man named Isaac to John Rouzee

Owned by: Rouzee Family, American

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: L x W: 7 1/2 x 7 3/8 in. (19.1 x 18.7 cm)

Type: financial records; bills of sale

Place made: Essex County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: October 24, 1810

Caption: This document is from a collection of financial papers related to the plantation operations of several generations of the Rouzee Family in Essex County, Virginia. The papers date from the 1790s through 1860.
Description: A bill of sale for a 42-year-old "negro man named Isaac." Isaac was sold by William A. Lane to John Rouzee. The signature of Lane appears in the bottom right corner next to the word "seal," which is circled in ink. The signature of a witness, Daniel Branin, appears in the lower left corner. On the reverse is written, "Bill of Sale for negro Isack." The document is handwritten in black ink.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Agriculture; Business; Domestic slave trade; Finance; Men

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

Object number: 2011.104.1

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Liljenquist Family Collection
Portfolio/Series: Rouzee Family Papers
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Payment receipt to Rosa Gray for the hire of an enslaved man, Cook

Owned by: Rouzee Family, American

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: L x W: 4 3/4 x 8 1/4 in. (12.1 x 21 cm)

Type: financial records; receipts

Place made: Essex County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: January 28, 1813

Caption: This document is from a collection of financial papers related to the plantation operations of several generations of the Rouzee Family in Essex County, Virginia. The papers date from the 1790s through 1860.
Description: A receipt for payment by Edward Rouzee to Rosa Gray for "hire of negro man Cook the property of Gray in year 1811." The receipt is signed in the bottom right corner by William Noel for Rosa Gray. The document is handwritten in black ink. The paper is torn unevenly at the bottom.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Agriculture; Business; Finance; Slave hire system; Slavery

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

Object number: 2011.104.10

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Liljenquist Family Collection
Portfolio/Series: Rouzee Family Papers
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Memorandum of enslaved men and women hired or not hired for 1794

Owned by: Rouzee Family, American

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: L x W: 8 5/8 x 4 1/2 in. (21.9 x 11.4 cm)

Type: financial records

Place made: Essex County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1794

Caption: This document is from a collection of financial papers related to the plantation operations of several generations of the Rouzee Family in Essex County, Virginia. The papers date from the 1790s through 1860.
Description: A document titled at the top "Memorandum." Written in a vertical column, the document lists names and monetary values. Some names have the notation "not Hired." On the reverse is written "Memorandum Negro hires 1794] in the center and "Bond for the year 1794" along the lower left side. The document is handwritten in black ink.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Agriculture; Business; Finance; Slave hire system; Slavery

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

Object number: 2011.104.11

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Liljenquist Family Collection
Portfolio/Series: Rouzee Family Papers
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Affidavit of apprehension of Moses, property of Edward Rouzee

Owned by: Rouzee Family, American

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: L x W: 12 1/2 x 8 in. (31.8 x 20.3 cm)

Type: financial records; legal documents

Place made: Essex County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: April 2, 1830

Caption: This document is from a collection of financial papers related to the plantation operations of several generations of the Rouzee Family in Essex County, Virginia. The papers date from the 1790s through 1860.
Description: A payment receipt and affidavit drafted by Thomas Wright Jr, justice of the peace, regarding an enslaved man named Moses. The document states that Robert M. Callip of Essex county apprehended Moses, property of Edward Rouzee of Essex County, two and one-half (2 1/2) miles away from the Rouzee plantation. The one page, single-sided document is handwritten in black ink. Below the text to the right is the ornate signature of Thomas Wright, Jr. Below the text to the left is the calculation of the money owed, five dollars ($5.00) for the apprehension plus twenty-five cents ($0.25) for the distance, totaling five dollars and twenty-five cents ($5.25). The paper has a small notch torn at the top left. The paper has been folded twice vertically and once horizontally. On the reverse is written "Magistrate Certificate respecting Moses a Runaway."
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Agriculture; Business; Finance; Freedom; Law; Men; Resistance; Runaway slaves; Self-liberation; Slavery

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

Object number: 2011.104.12

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Liljenquist Family Collection
Portfolio/Series: Rouzee Family Papers
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Receipt for purchase of a man named Ned by Edward Rouzee from an estate sale

Owned by: Rouzee Family, American

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: L x W: 10 5/8 x 7 1/2 in. (27 x 19.1 cm)

Type: financial records; receipts

Place made: Essex County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: September 18, 1817

Caption: This document is from a collection of financial papers related to the plantation operations of several generations of the Rouzee Family in Essex County, Virginia. The papers date from the 1790s through 1860.
Description: A receipt written by Th. Matthews for the payment by Mr. Edward Rouzee of the amount of twenty (20) dollars for "his purchase of Ned at the sale of Henry [illegible] Estate." A one-page, single-sided document of handwritten black ink on paper. The paper is torn along the bottom edge.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Agriculture; Business; Domestic slave trade; Finance; Men

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

Object number: 2011.104.13

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Liljenquist Family Collection
Portfolio/Series: Rouzee Family Papers
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Letter and payment receipt for hire of enslaved persons owned by Apphia Rouzee

Owned by: Rouzee Family, American

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: L x W: 6 x 7 3/4 in. (15.2 x 19.7 cm)

Type: business letters; financial records

Place made: Essex County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: January 1, 1802

Caption: This document is from a collection of financial papers related to the plantation operations of several generations of the Rouzee Family in Essex County, Virginia. The papers date from the 1790s through 1860.
Description: A letter written by Apphia Rouzee to Mr. Evan Brown in care of William Noel stating "you must hire out all the negros to the best advantage for this yeare and send by him all the cash you have received." The letter is dated January 1, 1802. On the reverse, in a different hand, is a note dated January 2, 1802 recording a payment of one hundred and twenty four (124) pounds and two (2) pence received from Evan Brown and signed by William Noel. The paper is torn on two sides and there are two tears in the center. The paper has been folded and creased many times.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Agriculture; Business; Finance; Slave hire system; Slavery

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

Object number: 2011.104.14

Restrictions & Rights: Public domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Liljenquist Family Collection
Portfolio/Series: Rouzee Family Papers
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Collection Search

Filter by

Search form