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The Show-Down vol. 1 no. 1
- Published by
- Show-Down Publishing Company, American, founded 1935
- Photograph by
- Stiger Studio, American
- Edited by
- Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981
- Subject of
- Cathrell, Laura, 1914 - 1999
- Date
- November 7, 1935
- Medium
- ink on paper with metal
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (Closed): 11 5/16 × 8 9/16 × 1/16 in. (28.8 × 21.7 × 0.2 cm)
- H x W x D (Open): 11 5/16 × 17 1/8 × 3/16 in. (28.8 × 43.5 × 0.5 cm)
- Description
- The Show-Down magazine, volume 1, number 1. The front cover is white with green print and features a green tinted image of Laura Cathrell, against a dark background. Cathrell is wearing a dark, long sleeve dress with a V-neck and puffed sleeves. She is standing in three-quarters profile, with her head turned towards the viewer, and holding her hands steepled in front of her waist. White text printed in the negative of the image at the bottom right corner reads, [Stiger / K.C. Mo.]. The main cover line is printed just below the image of Cathrell and reads, [LAURIE CATHRELL (Story on Page 8)]. The date is printed along the top edge of the front cover and reads, [November] on the left and [1935] on the right. The masthead is centered along the top fourth of the front cover, and reads, [THE / SHOW DOWN]. The text, [SHOW DOWN], is in large, block lettering patterned with vertical white stripes. The price is printed along the bottom edge of the front cover [15 Cents] on the left and [Per Copy] on the right. An inscription in blue ink, written over the bottom right corner of the image reads, [To my darling Mother / whom I owe all / my success! / Sally J. Cathrell / 11/7/35]. The interior pages are white and green with black text and black-and-white images. The back cover is blank. This magazine issue is sixteen (16) pages.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Place printed
- Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
- Collection title
- The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Topic
- Caricature and cartoons
- Dance
- Entertainers
- Jazz (Music)
- Mass media
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Photography
- Theatre
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2013.46.25.73
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
The Show-Down vol. 1 no. 5
- Published by
- Show-Down Publishing Company, American, founded 1935
- Edited by
- Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981
- Written by
- Jenkins, Theodore C.
- Subject of
- Williams, Lucretia, American
- Date
- April 1936
- Medium
- ink on paper with metal
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (Closed): 11 5/16 × 8 3/4 × 1/16 in. (28.7 × 22.3 × 0.2 cm)
- H x W x D (Open): 11 5/16 × 17 1/2 × 3/8 in. (28.7 × 44.5 × 0.9 cm)
- Description
- The Show-Down magazine, volume 1, number 5. The front cover is white with blue print and features a blue tinted image of Lucretia Williams, against a gradient background. Williams is depicted in bust pose, wearing a light colored, collared jacket. She is seated with her hands folded and resting on a flat surface in front of her. She is looking off to the right edge of the image and is smiling. The main cover line is centered along the bottom fourth of the front cover and reads [A Short Short Story / By Theo. C. Jenkins]. The masthead is centered in the top fourth of the front cover, and reads, [THE / SHOW DOWN]. A horizontal blue line extends from either side of the word [THE]. The text, [SHOW DOWN], is in large, block lettering patterned with vertical white stripes. The date and price is printed below the mast head, [April 1936] on the left, and [Price 15c] on the right. The interior pages are white and green with black text and black-and-white images. The back cover is blank. This magazine issue is fifteen (15) pages.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Place printed
- Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
- Collection title
- The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Topic
- Caricature and cartoons
- Dance
- Entertainers
- Jazz (Music)
- Mass media
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Photography
- Theatre
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2013.46.25.74
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
The Show-Down vol. 1 no. 6
- Published by
- Show-Down Publishing Company, American, founded 1935
- Edited by
- Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981
- Written by
- Mays, Gene
- Subject of
- Waller, Fats, American, 1904 - 1943
- Brown, Anne Wiggins, Norwegian, 1912 - 2009
- Duncan, Todd, American, 1903 - 1998
- Date
- May 1936
- Medium
- ink on paper with metal
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (Closed): 11 1/4 × 8 3/4 × 1/16 in. (28.6 × 22.3 × 0.2 cm)
- H x W x D (Open): 11 1/4 × 17 1/2 × 1/4 in. (28.6 × 44.4 × 0.7 cm)
- Description
- The Show-Down magazine, volume 1, number 6. The front cover is green with brown print and features a brown tinted image of Todd Duncan and Anne Brown, against a gradient background. Duncan is depicted from the waist up and Brown from the shoulders up. Duncan is wearing a white collared shirt. Brown is wearing a light colored, ruffled blouse. They are both looking off to the upper left edge of the image and are smiling. The main cover line is centered along the bottom fourth of the front cover and reads [“Fats” Waller – A New King / by Gene Mays]. The masthead is centered in the top third of the front cover, and reads, [THE / SHOW DOWN]. A horizontal brown line extends from either side of the word [THE]. The text, [SHOW DOWN], is in large, block lettering patterned with vertical white stripes. The price is centered below the mast head, [Fifteen Cents]. The date is printed in boxes on either side of the image, [May] on the left, and [1936] on the right. The interior pages are white and green with black text and black-and-white images. The back cover is blank. This magazine issue is fifteen (15) pages.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Place printed
- Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
- Collection title
- The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Topic
- Caricature and cartoons
- Dance
- Entertainers
- Jazz (Music)
- Mass media
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Photography
- Theatre
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2013.46.25.75
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
The Show-Down vol. 1 no. 9
- Published by
- Show-Down Publishing Company, American, founded 1935
- Edited by
- Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981
- Written by
- Dancer, Maurice
- Subject of
- Moses, Ethel, American, 1904 - 1982
- Date
- September 1936
- Medium
- ink on paper with metal
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (Closed): 11 5/16 × 8 13/16 × 1/16 in. (28.8 × 22.4 × 0.2 cm)
- H x W x D (Open): 11 5/16 × 17 7/16 × 1/4 in. (28.8 × 44.3 × 0.7 cm)
- Description
- The Show-Down magazine, volume 1, number 9. The front cover is green with navy print and features a blue tinted image of Ethel Moses against a light blue background. Moses is depicted from the shoulders up. Her head is turned and she looking up to the left corner of the image. She wears a plaid coat over a white blouse and dark jacket. The main cover line is centered along the bottom fourth of the front cover and reads ["The Green Pastures" / Sensational Masterful Screen Production]. The date and price are printed along the bottom edge of the front cover and reads, [September – 1936] on the left and [Fifteen Cents] on the right. The masthead is centered in the top third of the front cover, and reads, [THE / SHOW-DOWN]. A horizontal blue line extends from either side of the word [THE]. The text, [SHOW-DOWN], is in large, block lettering patterned with vertical white stripes. The interior pages are white and green with black text and black-and-white images. The back cover is blank. This magazine issue is fifteen (15) pages.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Place printed
- Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
- Collection title
- The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Topic
- Caricature and cartoons
- Dance
- Entertainers
- Hollywood (Film)
- Jazz (Music)
- Latin jazz (Music)
- Mass media
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Photography
- Theatre
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2013.46.25.76
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
The Show-Down vol. 1 no. 10
- Published by
- Show-Down Publishing Company, American, founded 1935
- Edited by
- Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981
- Written by
- Lawrence, Neil
- Subject of
- Waters, Ethel, American, 1896 - 1977
- Date
- October 1936
- Medium
- ink on paper with metal
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (Closed): 11 1/4 × 8 13/16 × 1/16 in. (28.6 × 22.4 × 0.2 cm)
- H x W x D (Open): 11 1/4 × 17 1/2 × 3/16 in. (28.6 × 44.4 × 0.4 cm)
- Description
- The Show-Down magazine, volume 1, number 10. The front cover is green with navy print and features a blue tinted, circular image of Ethel Waters against a blue background. Waters is depicted from the neck up. Her head is turned and she is looking towards the right side of the image. She wears a white fur stole. The main cover line is centered along the bottom fourth of the front cover and reads, [Beginning - / "Dark Ghetto" / by Neil Lawrence]. The date and price are printed along the bottom edge of the front cover and reads, [October - 1936] on the left and [Fifteen Cents] on the right. The masthead is centered in the top third of the front cover, and reads, [THE / SHOW-DOWN]. A horizontal blue line extends from either side of the word [THE]. The text, [SHOW-DOWN], is in large, block lettering patterned with vertical white stripes. The interior pages are white and green with black text and black-and-white images. The back cover is features an advertisement for Norton & Margot’s Dance Studio. This magazine issue is fourteen (14) pages.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Place printed
- Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
- Collection title
- The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Topic
- Actors
- Caricature and cartoons
- Dance
- Entertainers
- Jazz (Music)
- Latin jazz (Music)
- Literature
- Mass media
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Photography
- Theatre
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2013.46.25.77
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
The Show-Down vol. 2 no. 1
- Published by
- Show-Down Publishing Company, American, founded 1935
- Edited by
- Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981
- Photograph by
- Maurice Seymour Studio, American, founded 1929
- Written by
- Lawrence, Neil
- Dancer, Maurice
- Albagli, Victor
- Subject of
- Anderson, Ivie, American, 1905 - 1949
- Moseley, Thomas, American, 1878 - 1971
- Lunceford, Jimmie, American, 1902 - 1947
- Date
- November 1936
- Medium
- ink on paper with metal
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (Closed): 10 7/8 × 8 3/16 × 1/16 in. (27.7 × 20.8 × 0.2 cm)
- H x W x D (Open): 10 7/8 × 16 5/16 × 3/8 in. (27.7 × 41.4 × 0.9 cm)
- Description
- The Show-Down magazine, volume 2, number 1. The front cover is green with navy print and features a blue tinted, image of Ivie Anderson against a blue background. Anderson is depicted from the shoulders up. Her head is turned and she is looking towards the upper right side of the image. The top right corner of the image has been replaced by a graphic of a wooden fence. The bottom left corner depicts an illustration of a turkey. Four cover lines to the left of the image read, [FINAL CHAPTER / "Dark Ghetto" / By / NEIL LAWRENCE], [PLAY BUREAU / "Fair Exchange" / By / VICTOR ALBAGLI], ["NOAH'S" / Thomas Moseley / By / MAURICE DANCER], and ["Rhythmania" / JIMMIE LUNCEFORD]. Text across the bottom of the page reads [FIRST ANNIVERSARY / November 1936 Ten Cents]. A horizontal line forms a border below the text. The masthead is centered in the top third of the front cover, and reads, [THE / SHOW-DOWN]. A horizontal blue line extends from either side of the word [THE]. The text, [SHOW-DOWN], is in large, block lettering patterned with vertical white stripes. The interior pages are white and green with black text and black-and-white images. The back cover is features an advertisement for Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra. This magazine issue is twenty (20) pages.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Place printed
- Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
- Collection title
- The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Topic
- Actors
- Business
- Caricature and cartoons
- Dance
- Entertainers
- Jazz (Music)
- Mass media
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Photography
- Theatre
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2013.46.25.78
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
The Show-Down vol. 2 no. 4
- Published by
- Show-Down Publishing Company, American, founded 1935
- Edited by
- Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981
- Subject of
- Key, Alice, American, 1911 - 2010
- Date
- April 1937
- Medium
- ink on paper with metal
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (Closed): 11 5/16 × 8 13/16 × 1/16 in. (28.7 × 22.4 × 0.2 cm)
- H x W x D (Open): 11 5/16 × 17 3/8 × 1/2 in. (28.7 × 44.2 × 1.2 cm)
- Description
- The Show-Down magazine, volume 2, number 4. The front cover is green with navy print and features a blue tinted, image of Alice Key against a blue background. Key’s image is oriented left of center. Key is depicted nude with her proper left hand placed on her proper right shoulder. The main cover line to the right of the image reads, [VIEWS OF / STARS / OF / TODAY/ AND / TOMORROW]. Above and below the text are three (3) small stars. The date and price are printed along the bottom edge of the front cover and reads, [April - 1937] on the left and [Ten Cents] on the right. The masthead is centered in the top third of the front cover, and reads, [THE / SHOW-DOWN]. A horizontal blue line extends from either side of the word [THE]. The text, [SHOW-DOWN], is in large, block lettering patterned with vertical white stripes. The interior pages are white and green with black text and black-and-white images. The back cover is features an advertisement for Don Redman and his Orchestra and Orlando Robeson and his Orchestra. This magazine issue is sixteen (16) pages.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Place printed
- Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
- Collection title
- The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Topic
- Business
- Caricature and cartoons
- Dance
- Entertainers
- Jazz (Music)
- Mass media
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Photography
- Theatre
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2013.46.25.79
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Delegate
- Published by
- MelPat Associates, American, 1965 - 1986
- Created by
- Patrick, C. Melvin, American, died 1985
- Date
- 1984
- Medium
- ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 7/16 × 9/16 in. (27.5 × 21.4 × 1.5 cm)
- Description
- A 1984 issue of Delegate magazine published by MelPat Associates. The cover of the magazine is white with an image of the Olympic rings, all red except the bottom left ring, which has been replaced by a blue ribbon badge with text that reads [1984 / DELEGATE]. Below the rings is a grid of black and white photographic portraits. Twenty-two (22) men and women are pictured, with the name of everyone printed under his or her image in blue. Blue text at the bottom right corner reads [The / Olympics / Past and / Present / page 159]. The spine of the magazine is white with red text that reads [DELEGATE, 1984 - The 8th Year of the 3rd Century].
- The magazine’s content opens with a masthead, set in white text against a black background reading [DELEGATE, 1983], and a table of contents, followed by an untitled editorial note about the 1984 presidential election.
- The content then continues with profiles of African American business organizations, business leaders, events, community organizations, sororities, fraternities, doctors, dentists, politicians, actors, and journalists. This includes the National Urban League, NAACP, Harlem YMCA Sports Hall of Fame, Pan-Hellenic Council, American Bridge Association, Interracial Council for Business Opportunity, Delegate Magazine reception, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Chesebrough-Pond’s Inc., Ciba-Geigy, Prince Hall Grand Lodge, John Hunter Camp Fund, The Girl Friends, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, Frederick Douglass Awards Dinner, Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Phelps-Stokes Center for Human Development, Mamie Phipps Clark, Northside Center, National Newspaper Publishers Association, 100 Black men, AME Zion Church, Top Ladies of Distinction, Carats, Inc., Links, Republican Party, Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, National United Church Ushers Association of America, National Association of Medical Minority Educators, Eddie Atkinson, National Association of Market Developers, Suzanne de Passe, Negro Ensemble Co., Dance Theatre of Harlem, Walter Mondale, Jesse Jackson, Democratic Party, CBS Records, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Edgar B. Felton, Black Congress on Health, Law and Economics, National Black Nurses’ Association, National Bar Association, National Pharmaceutical Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, National Medical Association, Morehouse School of Medicine, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, National Association of University Women, National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Tuskegee Airmen, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, 100 Black Women, Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Boys Choir of Harlem, Cardinal Cooke, Oliver C. Sutton, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Black Caucus Weekend, National Council of Negro Women, 369th Veterans’ Association, Beaux Arts Ball, The Edges Group, and Comus Social Club. In the middle is a large feature on the Olympics, one titled “The Story of the Past” and the other “The Story of the Future.” There are also features on black Hollywood and the cities of Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Oak Bluffs.
- There are approximately 511 pages with black and white photographs and advertisements throughout, as well as a few advertisements in color. The back cover of the magazine features a full page advertisement for Kool cigarettes.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Place made
- Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
- San Francisco, California, United States, North and Central America
- Oakland, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America
- Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
- Topic
- Advertising
- Associations and institutions
- Business
- Caricature and cartoons
- Communities
- Dance
- Fraternal organizations
- Fraternities
- Government
- Hollywood (Film)
- Journalism
- Labor
- Mass media
- Men
- Olympics
- Political organizations
- Politics (Practical)
- Professional organizations
- Religious groups
- Social life and customs
- Sororities
- U.S. History, 1969-2001
- Urban life
- Women
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Anne B. Patrick and the family of Hilda E. Stokely
- Object number
- 2012.167.18
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
-
Djuka: The Bush Negros of Dutch Guiana
- Written by
- Kahn, Morton Charles, American, 1896 - 1959
- Published by
- Viking Press, founded 1925
- Date
- 1931
- Medium
- ink on paper (fiber product), cardboard, and thread
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 8 7/16 × 6 × 1 5/16 in. (21.4 × 15.2 × 3.3 cm)
- Description
- A 233-page first edition hardcover book entitled Djuka the Bush Negroes of Dutch Guiana. The front cover has a dark brown imprint of a close-up depiction of an African maroon from Dutch Guiana. The spine of the book has a brown decorative print with a border along the upper and lower edges. The spine reads [DJUKA / THE / BUSH / NEGROES / OF / DUTCH / GUIANA]. Beneath the title the author’s name is imprinted [ MORTON C. / KAHN]. [ VIKING ] is located just above the lower decorative print.
- The interior end leaf of the book includes a map of the continents of South America, Africa, and a small portion of North America. This entire graphic is brick-red and light yellow in color. The light yellow continent of Africa is on the right side of the map. The early twentieth century boundary lines of Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana/British Gold Coast, Togoland, Nigeria, and Cameroon are filled in with the brick red color. The Niger River and the Congo River are also noted on the map. The interior of Africa has an illustration of individuals from their necks up. They all have coffles around their necks linking them together and the group is headed towards the western coast of Africa. The left side of the end leaf shows [SOUTH AMERICA], the [WEST INDIES] and the top of Florida labelled [N / A] presumably signifying North America. South America is light yellow, but [GUIANA] is blocked out in the same brick red color as the west African countries. The interior of South America has an illustrated depiction of a group of maroons with a dwelling behind them. The [SLAVE ROUTES] between these continents are depicted with bulleted arrows. The arrow starts at western Africa and branches to Guiana, the West Indies, and North America. The tip of the arrow pointing to Guiana has the labels of [BRITISH / DUTCH / FRENCH].
- The book includes 65 photographs. Among them are benches almost identical to those of the Ashanti in West Africa, drums, carved calabash gourds used for eating, carved wooden combs, images of transportation along waterways, and other images of daily life, dress, and culture.
- There is an inscription on the page facing the title page which appears to have been written in 1999 and was for documentation purposes.
- Place depicted
- Suriname, South America
- Place printed
- New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- Netherlands, Europe
- Cultural Place
- West Africa, Africa
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
- Type
- hardcover books
- Topic
- African diaspora
- Caricature and cartoons
- Colonialism
- Communities
- Dance
- Dutch colonialism
- Foodways
- Free communities of color
- Music
- Race relations
- Religion
- Resistance
- Rural life
- Self-liberation
- Trans Atlantic slave trade
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2010.1.253
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Jack Mitchell Photography of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Collection
- smithsonian online virtual archive
- Record
- Creator
- Ailey, Alvin
- Mitchell, Jack, 1925-
- name
- Wood, Donna, 1954-
- DeLoatch, Gary, 1953-1993
- Jamison, Judith
- Allen, Sarita
- Chaya, Masazumi
- Truitte, James
- DeLavallade, Carmen , 1931-
- Williams, Dudley, 1938-2015
- Tyson, Andre
- Roxas, Elizabeth
- inclusive dates
- 1961-2004
- Physical description
- 16 Linear feet
- Abstract
- Jack Mitchell (1925- 2013) was an acclaimed photographer who began chronicling the work of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1961. Alvin Ailey (1931- 1989), one of the most influential African American choreographers of modern dance, dedicated himself and his dance company to creating ballets that not only accelerated the careers of young African American dancers, but also stole the attention of national and international audiences in displaying the racial perspective of dance in the African American experience. This collection serves as Mitchell's documentation of the dance company's evolution while capturing the true idiosyncrasies and physicality of movement through still images. Through Alvin Ailey and Jack Mitchell's partnership, they were able to collaborate and produce a unique production of art, fusing the meaning and movements of dance and the techniques of photography.
- Preferred Citation
- Photography by Jack Mitchell © Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution, All rights reserved.
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open for research. Access to collection materials requires an appointment.
- Scope and Contents
- The Jack Mitchell Photography of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Collection is comprised of approximately 10,000 black and white prints of solo and ensemble acts, portraits of principle dancers and various associates of the company, color slides and transparencies for private photo sessions and performances, black and white film strips and their corresponding contact sheets, and reference materials.
- Biographical / Historical
- Jack Mitchell was born on September 13, 1925 in Key West, Florida. Although he was not in the field of photography, Mitchell's father bought him his first camera when Jack was a teenager. His first published photograph was of actress, Veronica Lake, for a War Bond Tour, a tour issued by the government that promoted debt securities to soldiers to finance military operations and expenditures He enlisted in the United States army and became a photographer in Italy at the end of World War II. In 1949, Ted Shawn, a dancer and choreographer who is respected among the dance community as a pioneer of American modern dance, invited Mitchell to Massachusetts photograph his dancers at his dance center, Jacobs's Pillow. It was during this time where Mitchell's interest and appreciation for moving bodies was realized. In the lifespan of his career, Mitchell created over 150 covers for Dance Magazine1, the New York Times, Time, Life, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and Vogue.2
- As Jack Mitchell started to photograph the poses and ballets of the American Ballet Theater throughout the late 1950s, Alvin Ailey saw some of Mitchell's photographs. By 1961, Mitchell had established himself as a distinguished photographer of dance, coining the term, "moving stills". His photographs became the benchmark and standard that other dance photographers measured their work. In November 1961, Ailey invited Mitchell to a performance space in Clark Center, NY, and with his dancers, they performed for Mitchell's camera; some of the photographs from that first photo session can be found in this collection.
- Alvin Ailey was born on January 5, 1931 in in Rodgers, Texas, during the Great Depression. As his repertory reflected, the beginning of his life was defined by a tight-knit, predominantly African American folk culture. At age 12, Ailey and his mother, Lula Cooper, moved Los Angeles, California. It is here that he was exposed to the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, which led him to study under the Lester Horton Dance Theater, where he danced with Carmen DeLavallade, James Truitte, and Joyce Trisler. After 3 years of performing and training, he was positioned as a choreographer and later became the director of the company when Lester Horton suddenly died in 1953. His influence from Lester Horton, Martha Graham, and Katherine Dunham help to establish his philosophy that "Everything in dancing is style, allusion, the essence of many thoughts and feelings, the abstraction of many moments. Each movement is the sum total of moments and experiences".3 After Horton's death, Ailey went to perform at Ted Shawn's Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and then on to New York with his longtime schoolmate and fellow dancer, Carmen DeLavallade, to perform in the 1954 Broadway production of "House of Flowers". The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company was established in 1958.
- From the beginning of his journey as a dancer and choreographer, Ailey wanted to show African American experience in his performances. He embedded folk culture in his early works "Revelations" and "Blue Suites". In reflection, before his first South Asian Tour, Alvin expressed, "The cultural heritage of the American Negro is one of America's richest treasures. From his roots as a slave, the American Negro- sometimes sorrowing, sometimes jubilant but always hopeful -has touched, illuminated, and influenced the most preserved of world civilization. I and my dance theater celebrate this trembling beauty."4 "Revelations" was well- received by national and international audiences, Ailey recognized by the dance community as a choreographer with promise and his company and ballets he created were highly anticipated. By 1965, Ailey went from being a dancer to being the company's choreographer. From the onset, Ailey embraced diversity and invited interracial and interdisciplinary perspectives at of the company. He also created ballets for other notable companies including the American Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, London Festival Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, and LaScala Opera Ballet.5 He was invited to choreograph Samuel Barber's Anthony and Cleopatra for the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center in 19666, and Leonard Bernstein's Mass for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 1971.7
- As the company embraced racial diversity, Ailey never lost his sense of obligation to the African American community. In 1969, he established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, which became the Ailey School, formed the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, and pioneered programs promoting arts in education, particularly those that benefitted deprived communities. Among his numerous distinctions were the Dance Magazine Award (1975), the NAACP Spingarn Medal (1976), given for "the highest and noblest achievement by an American Negro during the previous year or years"8 , the Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award (1987), the most prestigious award for modern dance for a lifetime contribution to the field, the Kennedy Center Award (1988) and Honorary Doctorates from Princeton University (1972)9 , Bard College (1977)10 , and Adelphi University (1977). President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Ailey the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, the country's highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions and commitments to civil rights and dance in America.11
- Through Jack Mitchell and Alvin Ailey's work, they were able to collaborate and create something "rich in historical connotations, the liveliest kind of permanent record of the works of important creators and creations that formed the nucleus of Ailey's remarkable vision of American dance and what it could be"12. Alvin Ailey's reputation for creating eclectic dance methods produced movements and poses that are still studied and idolized today. Mitchell was able to pay homage to many of the world's best dance artists from James Truitte, Carmen DeLavallade, Dudley Williams, Donna Wood, Renee Robinson, Gary DeLoatch, as well as Ailey, through his photography. With Ailey's longstanding and established stature within the dance community, and Mitchell's pronouncement of the detailed through his use of lighting in his photographs, this collection highlights the incredible collaboration between Ailey and Mitchell, and serves as a unique document of one of the world's most renowned American dance company's.
- Alvin Ailey's vision for a dance company was dedicated to enriching the American modern dance heritage and preserving African American culture. In a 1989 interview with Dance Magazine, shortly before his death, Ailey discussed how he took pride in knowing that "No other company around [today] does what we do, requires the same range, and challenges both the dancers and the audience to the same degree." Ailey searched for a collaborator that would help him display the value of communicative movement; he found his match in Mitchell. Ailey's influence went beyond the stage and Jack Mitchell's images in this collection document that evolution. With Alvin Ailey's passing in 1989 at age 58 and Jack Mitchell's death in 2013 at age 88, these photographs of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Collection serves as one of the few sources of this dynamic dance company, from its early days to an internationally recognized troupe.
- Footnotes: Footnotes, Jack Mitchell. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Jack Mitchell Photographs. (Kansas City: Andrews and McMeel, 1993), viii, Bruce Weber, "Jack Mitchell, Photographer of the Arts, Dies at 88", The New York Times Obituaries (November 9, 2013):http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/10/arts/jack-mitchell-photographer-of-the-arts-dies-at-88.html, Jennifer Dunning, Alvin Ailey: A Life in Dance. (New York; Addison- Wesley, 1996), 123, Ibid, 146., Alvin Ailey, Revelations: The Autobiography of Alvin Ailey. (New York: Birch Lane, 1995), 6-7., Alvin Ailey, Revelations: The Autobiography of Alvin Ailey. (New York; Birch Lane, 1995), 7., Ibid., Ibid., Dunning, Jennifer. Alvin Ailey: A Life in Dance. (New York: Addison-Wesley, 1996), 286., "Bard College Catalogue 2016-17: Honorary Degrees": https://www.bard.edu/catalogue/index.php?aid=1205177%26sid=670501, Office of the Press Secretary, "President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom" (November 10, 2014): https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/11/10/president-obama-names-recipients-presidential-medal-freedom, Jack Mitchell. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Jack Mitchell Photographs. (Kansas City: Andrews and McMeel, 1993), ix.
- object type
- Archival materials
- topic
- Dancers -- Photographs
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
- Choreography -- United States
- Dance
- Dance schools -- United States
- Dance -- Production and direction
- Dance companies
- Dance -- North America
-
Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A.
- Directed by
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Written by
- Thompson, True T., American, 1896 - 1973
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Everett, Francine, American, 1915 - 1999
- Wilson, Don
- Moore, Katherine
- Hawkins, Alfred
- Boykin, David
- Lewis, L.E.
- Newell, Inez
- Frank, Piano
- King, John
- Ross, Shelly
- Watson, Hugh
- Gilbert, Don
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Orr, Robert, American
- Galloway, Howard
- Date
- 1946
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1150 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1100 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A. It consists of two reels of positive 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), is in black and white and contains sound. A single row of perforations runs along one edge of each film strip, while a variable-area, optical-sound (audio on film) track runs along the other.
- The film tells the story of Gertie LaRue, a Harlem nightclub dancer who leaves her boyfriend and relocates to the fictitious island of “Rinidad.” Her arrival is marked by a reception at the Paradise Hotel, hosted by the hotel’s proprietor Mr. Diamond Joe. Gertie is offered the hotel’s “best room,” the bridal room. The film ends with Gertie’s ex-boyfriend, Al, breaking into her room in the night.
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place purchased
- Bahamas, Caribbean, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Collection title
- Nieman Film Collection
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Dance
- Nightlife
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.6.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
CC0
Print of Cab Calloway dancing at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba
- Photograph by
- Unidentified
- Subject of
- Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
- David "Panama" Francis, American, 1918 - 2001
- Date
- 1950s
- Medium
- silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
- Dimensions
- H x W (Image): 4 3/8 × 6 1/2 in. (11.1 × 16.5 cm)
- H x W (Sheet): 5 1/16 × 7 1/8 in. (12.9 × 18.1 cm)
- Description
- A black and white photograph of Cab Calloway performing with his band at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Calloway is pictured just left of center, in profile turned towards his proper right, his right hand raised and blurred as if in motion. His left hand holds a microphone stand, tilted so the microphone is near his turned face. He wears a plaid tuxedo jacket with white shirt, dark pants and bow tie, and white pocket square. Directly behind Calloway is an upright bass, the face of the player only partially visible behind Calloway's shoulder. Another man stands behind the bass. To the right of him is a drummer, Panama Francis, seated at a white drumkit with "CC" on the large bass drum at the front. The two visible musicians both wear dark colored suit jackets, patterned neck ties, and white pocket squares. To the left is a grand piano, the bench and player out of frame. Behind Calloway's band is an orchestra seated at paneled stands with a logo marking resembling "JM" or "NM." In the background is a striped curtain. There are no inscriptions or markings, front or back.
- Place captured
- Havana, Cuba, Caribbean, Latin America, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Photography
- Type
- gelatin silver prints
- Topic
- Conductors (Musicians)
- Dance
- Jazz (Music)
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Singers (Musicians)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam
- Object number
- 2013.237.7
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
-
Ghana Women Dancing
- Created by
- Biggers, John, American, 1924 - 2001
- Date
- 1968
- On ViewCulture/Fourth Floor, 4 052
- Exhibition
- Visual Art and the American Experience
- Medium
- oil and acrylic paint and chalk on canvas
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (frame): 43 1/8 × 37 1/16 × 1 9/16 in. (109.5 × 94.2 × 4 cm)
- H x W (unframed): 35 15/16 × 29 15/16 in. (91.3 × 76 cm)
- Description
- This is an oil painting of two dancing women. The women wear duku head ties, blouses, and floor-length skirts. The figure on the left has a skirt that wraps around her, with abstract color patterns in yellow and red tones. She wears a blue sleeveless blouse with a white pattern and an off-white head tie with yellow and red highlights. The woman stands with her body facing the viewer, head bent towards her left and bending forward from the waist. The woman next to her stands with her back to the viewer, wearing an off-white wrap skirt and blue short sleeve blouse with light blue pattern. She bends forward slightly from the waist, her left foot visible beneath her skirt. Behind them is a large green moon against a dark blue sky with white stars and constellations in the background.
- Place made
- Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
- Cultural Place
- Ghana, West Africa, Africa
- Classification
- Visual Arts
- Type
- oil paintings
- Topic
- Africa
- African diaspora
- Art
- Dance
- Women
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gerald and Anita Smith
- Object number
- 2012.162.1
- Restrictions & Rights
- © Estate of John Biggers. Permission required for use.
-
CC0
Poster for Ebony Parade
- Distributed by
- Astor Pictures, American, 1930 - 1963
- Subject of
- Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
- Dandridge, Dorothy, American, 1922 - 1965
- Basie, Count, American, 1904 - 1984
- The Mills Brothers, American, 1928 - 1982
- Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
- Everett, Francine, American, 1915 - 1999
- Smythe, Vanita, American, 1925 - 1994
- Hill, Ruby, American, born 1922
- Flowers, Pat, American, 1917 - 2000
- Day, Dawn, and Dusk, American, 1940 - 1960
- The Jubalaires, American, c. 1940-1950
- Lee, Mable, American, 1921 - 2019
- Date
- 1947
- Medium
- ink on paper (fiber product)
- Dimensions
- H x W (Image): 36 5/8 × 20 7/8 in. (93 × 53 cm)
- H x W (Sheet): 41 1/4 × 26 15/16 in. (104.7 × 68.5 cm)
- Caption
- Released in 1947, Ebony Parade was a series of short sketches and numbers originally distributed as musical shorts by the Soundies Distributing Corporation of America.
- Description
- A large poster for the film Ebony Parade with a blue background and an off-white border. Across the blue background are red musical notes and stars outlined in white. At the top center in red lettering is [20 Great Stars]. Printed in the center in small black type is [Astor Pictures presents] followed by [EBONY PARADE] in large yellow letters over a red background. Surrounding the title are color photographic portraits of the stars of the film. At the top left are the faces of Mantan Moreland, Dorothy Dandridge and Ruby Hill, followed by a full portrait of a seated Mabel Lee and in the bottom left corner is an image of the Mills Brothers gathered around two microphones. On the right side are the faces of Cab Calloway, Vanita Smythe, Francine Everett, and Count Basie. At the bottom right is a yellow box bordered in black with red text that reads [featuring / Cab Calloway * Count Basie / His Band His Band / Mills. Bros. * Vanita Smythe / Mantan Moreland * Mable Lee/ Ruby Hill * Francine Everett / Dorothy Dandridge * Pat Flowers / and / Day, Dawn, and Dusk * Jubilaries]. At the bottom left, in small white text on a red background is [RELEASED THRU ASTOR PICTURES CORP.]. On the back of the poster are two stamps in purple that say [Screen Classics, Inc. / 1632 Central Parkway, Cincinnati 10, Ohio].
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Place used
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
- Type
- posters
- Topic
- Actors
- Comedy
- Conductors (Musicians)
- Dance
- Entertainers
- Instrumentalists (Musicians)
- Jazz (Music)
- Musical films
- Musicians
- Race films
- Singers (Musicians)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2013.118.31
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
-
Voulez-vous de la Canne à Sucre?
- Published by
- Salabert, Francis, French, 1884 - 1946
- Composed by
- Lelievre, Léo, French, 1872 - 1956
- Written by
- Varna, Henri, French, 1877 - 1969
- Illustrated by
- Gaudin, Louis, French, 1882 - 1936
- Subject of
- Baker, Josephine, American, 1906 - 1975
- Alex, Joe, Martiniquan, 1891 - 1948
- Date
- 1930
- Medium
- ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W (Image): 10 11/16 × 6 3/4 in. (27.1 × 17.1 cm)
- H x W (Sheet): 16 1/2 × 12 1/2 in. (41.9 × 31.8 cm)
- Title
- Song sheet for Voulez-vous de la Canne à Sucre? performed by Josephine Baker
- Description
- A song sheet titled, "Voulez-vous de la Canne à Sucre?" performed by Josephine Baker and Joe Alex. The song sheet is framed in a silver frame with white matting. The sheet features and illustration of Josephine Baker in costume. She is depicted with her body towards the left of the frame and her head facing the right looking down at a cheetah perched on its hind legs behind her. The artist's mark [Zig / 30] is next to the cheetah's back. French text throughout the sheet reads: [MM. Dufrenne et Varna présentent “Paris Qui Remue” / Revue de MM. H. Varna, L. Lelièvre et Earl Leslie au Casino De Paris / Voulez -Vous de la Canne à Sucre? / (En voulez-vous de la canne !!!) / Fox One Step / chante par / Joséphine Baker et Joe Alex / Por Piano et Chat / 6 fr. / Parole de Léo Lelièvre et Henri Varna / Musique de Paddy / Éditions Francis Salabert / Vente en Gros : / 22, Rue Chauchat, 22 –Paris – 9e / 14, Rue de Loxum Bruxelles]. The back of the frame has an alphanumeric inscription.
- Transcription Center Status
- Transcribed by digital volunteers
- Classification
- Documents and Published Materials
- Memorabilia and Ephemera
- Type
- sheet music
- Topic
- Actors
- Dance
- Entertainers
- Jazz (Music)
- Singers (Musicians)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Portrait Gallery, Gift from Jean-Claude Baker
- Object number
- 2016.135.8
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
-
Breakdance
- Published by
- K-tel, Canadian, founded 1962
- Subject of
- Holman, Michael, American, born 1955
- New York City Breakers, American, founded 1982
- Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, American, 1978 - 1988
- Freeez, British, 1981 - 1985
- 10 Speed
- Dazz Band, American, founded 1980
- Alex &The City Crew
- Twilight 22, American
- B.T. & The City Slickers
- Date
- 1984
- Medium
- vinyl , ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W: 12 5/16 × 12 1/4 in. (31.3 × 31.1 cm)
- Description
- A long playing record of "Breakdance.." by various artists. The record (2016.31.4.2a) is unopened and still in its plastic packaging. The record cover (2016.31.4.2b) has a depiction of a brick wall below a city skyline. Shadows of break-dancers and graffiti of the names of members of the New York City Breakers are visible on the wall. Yellow lettering at the top of the cover reads: [BREAKDANCE]. Lettering at the top of the brick design reads: [The Best Music For Breaking / Learn to Moonwalk, Electric Boogie, Footwork, / Headspin & Top-Rock]. Lettering in the top left of the cover reads: [BONUS / INCLUDES DETAILED / POSTER & INSTRUCTIONAL / RAP ON HOW TO BREAK.]. A K-Tel logo is visible in the bottom right corner. The back of the cover has the same city skyline as the front on the top. Below that there are four sections: definition of breakdancing and photographs; list of the songs; advertisement for the book "Breakdance and the New York City Breakers;" glossary of terms.
- Place depicted
- New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Audio Recordings
- Type
- record covers
- long-playing records
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2016.31.4.2ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- © K-tel International Inc. Permission required for use.
-
Break-Master Featuring New York City Breakers
- Published by
- K-tel, Canadian, founded 1962
- Subject of
- Holman, Michael, American, born 1955
- Run-D.M.C., American, 1981 - 2002
- Grandmaster Flash, American, born 1958
- Melle Mel, American, born 1961
- Planet Patrol, American, founded 1982
- The Jonzun Crew, American, 1981 - 1990
- Twilight 22, American
- Laid Back, Danish, founded 1979
- Midnight Star, American
- The Deele, American, founded 1981
- Date
- 1984
- Medium
- vinyl , ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W: 12 5/16 × 12 3/8 in. (31.3 × 31.4 cm)
- Description
- A long playing record of "Break-Master: New York City Breakers" by various artists. The record (2016.31.4.3a) is unopened and still in its plastic packaging. The record cover (2016.31.4.3b) has a white background with a depiction of breakdancers in different colors. The front cover has a variety text that lists some of the song featured on the album and information about the contents of the record. The K-Tell logo is in the bottom left corner. The back of the record cover has additional information about the songs, the publishing information and photographs of Michael Holman and the New York City Breakers.
- Place depicted
- New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Audio Recordings
- Type
- record covers
- long-playing records
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2016.31.4.3ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- © K-tel International Inc. Permission required for use.
-
Sticker for the New York City Breakers
- Created by
- Unidentified
- Subject of
- New York City Breakers, American, founded 1982
- Owned by
- Holman, Michael, American, born 1955
- Date
- 1980s
- Medium
- ink on paper with adhesive
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 5 in. (12.7 cm)
- Description
- A black and white circular sticker for the New York City Breakers. The sticker has text around the edge that reads: [New York City Breakers]. The center contains a depiction of a man in a track suit doing a break dancing move. The back of the sticker is blank.
- Place depicted
- New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Memorabilia and Ephemera
- Type
- stickers
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2016.31.9
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Untitled (Dancing)
- Created by
- Hunter, Clementine, American, ca. 1886 - 1988
- Subject of
- Unidentified Man or Men
- Unidentified Woman or Women
- Date
- ca. 1965
- Medium
- oil paint on paperboard
- Dimensions
- H x W x D (painting): 6 3/4 × 11 15/16 × 1/8 in. (17.1 × 30.3 × 0.2 cm)
- H x W (framed): 12 3/4 × 19 7/16 in. (32.4 × 49.4 cm)
- Description
- This painting depicts three pairs of people facing each other holding hands. On the left is a pair of women, one wearing a yellow dress, the other in a light green dress. The couple in the middle shows a woman in a red dress and a man in a yellow shirt and black pants. The pair of dancers on the right is made up of a woman in an orange dress and a man in a red shirt and black pants. The artist has signed her initials [CH] in the lower right margin, with the "C" written backwards.
- Place made
- Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Visual Arts
- Type
- oil paintings
- Topic
- American South
- Art
- Communities
- Dance
- Folklife
- Rural life
- Social life and customs
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Collection of Sabra Brown Martin
- Object number
- 2017.68.9
- Restrictions & Rights
- © Cane River Art Corporation
-
Great Migration Home Movie Study Collection
- smithsonian online virtual archive
- Record
- Creator
- National Museum of African American History and Culture (U.S.)
- name
- Church of God
- WHUT Howard University Television
- Mid-Atlantic Regional Moving Image Archive (MARMIA)
- Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of District of Columbia
- inclusive dates
- 1940 - Ongoing
- 1940 - Ongoing
- Physical description
- 825 Digital files
- Abstract
- The Great Migration is a unique, ongoing digitization service program that partners the National Museum of African American History and Culture with individuals across the United States to preserve their important analog audiovisual media. While major motion picture film and television historically lacked diverse representation, black history was instinctively being preserved in everyday home movies. Today, these personal narratives serve as an invaluable tool for understanding and re-framing black moving image history, and provide a much needed visualization of African American history and culture.
- Preferred Citation
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Supported by the Robert Frederick Smith Fund of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Restrictions
- Collection is available online for open research.
- Scope and Contents
- The collection contains 825 digitized audiovisual media objects. However, as an ongoing project the scope of the collection will continue to increase over time. The scope will be updated as is appropriate.
- The content of the collection consists predominantly of amateur recordings created by families to document their lives. This includes major life events, such as birthdays, as well as family vacations and holidays. Additionally, the collection includes footage produced by professionals for broadcast on television. This particular footage entered the collection through partnerships with other memory institutions.
- Physical description
- 825 Digital files
- Abstract
- The Great Migration is a unique, ongoing digitization service program that partners the National Museum of African American History and Culture with individuals across the United States to preserve their important analog audiovisual media. While major motion picture film and television historically lacked diverse representation, black history was instinctively being preserved in everyday home movies. Today, these personal narratives serve as an invaluable tool for understanding and re-framing black moving image history, and provide a much needed visualization of African American history and culture.
- Preferred Citation
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Supported by the Robert Frederick Smith Fund of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Restrictions
- Collection is available online for open research.
- Scope and Contents
- The collection contains 825 digitized audiovisual media objects. However, as an ongoing project the scope of the collection will continue to increase over time. The scope will be updated as is appropriate.
- The content of the collection consists predominantly of amateur recordings created by families to document their lives. This includes major life events, such as birthdays, as well as family vacations and holidays. Additionally, the collection includes footage produced by professionals for broadcast on television. This particular footage entered the collection through partnerships with other memory institutions.
- object type
- Archival materials
- topic
- Amateur films
- Families
- Travel
- Parties
- African Americans