Written by

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Published by

Los Angeles Times, founded 1881

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Type

clippings

Date

1976

Description

A copy of a 1976 commentary in the Los Angeles Times titled, "Looking for the Bicentennial Man." The article discusses Baldwin's views on the state of the United States 200 years after its independence. Baldwin was invited by the LA Times to write this article while residing in the South of France.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Communication

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Baldwin Family

Object number

2011.99.13

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, American, founded 1909

Edited by

W.E.B. Du Bois, American, 1868 - 1963

Subject of

Roseland, Harry, American, 1867 - 1950

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

9 7/8 x 6 13/16 x 1/8 in. (25.1 x 17.3 x 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Place printed

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

Date

January 1916

Description

The January 1916 (Vol. 11 No. 3) issue of The Crisis. The front cover features a reproduction of the 1904 painting, "To the Highest Bidder" by Harry Roseland. The black-and-white reproduction depicts a mother and daughter standing in front of a sign that reads, "Auction Sale of Slaves". There are approximately 52 pages.

Topic

African American

Literature

Mass media

Politics (Practical)

Race relations

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Bobbie Ross in memory of Elizabeth Dillard

Object number

2012.84.12

Restrictions & Rights

Public Domain

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Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Pakay, Sedat, Turkish, 1945 - 2016

Subject of

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W: 13 15/16 x 10 15/16 in. (35.4 x 27.8 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Istanbul, Turkey, Middle East, Asia

Date

1964

Description

A black-and-white portrait of James Baldwin with his right hand on his left shoulder.

Topic

African American

Literature

Photography

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.20.1

Restrictions & Rights

© Sedat Pakay 1964

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Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Pakay, Sedat, Turkish, 1945 - 2016

Subject of

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image and Sheet): 10 15/16 x 13 15/16 in. (27.8 x 35.4 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Istanbul, Turkey, Middle East, Asia

Date

1966

Description

A photograph of James Baldwin sitting at a typewriter and smoking a cigarette.

Topic

African American

Literature

Photography

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.20.2

Restrictions & Rights

© Sedat Pakay 1966

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Pakay, Sedat, Turkish, 1945 - 2016

Subject of

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W: 10 15/16 x 13 15/16 in. (27.8 x 35.4 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Istanbul, Turkey, Middle East, Asia

Date

1965

Description

A photograph of James Baldwin in a dark shirt. He is on the water of the Golden Horn.

Topic

African American

Literature

Photography

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.20.3

Restrictions & Rights

© Sedat Pakay 1965

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Pakay, Sedat, Turkish, 1945 - 2016

Subject of

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W: 13 15/16 x 10 15/16 in. (35.4 x 27.8 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

Place captured

Istanbul, Turkey, Middle East, Asia

Date

1965

Description

A black-and-white photograph of James Baldwin standing with sailors in front of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

Topic

African American

Literature

Photography

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.20.4

Restrictions & Rights

© Sedat Pakay 1965

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Twain, Mark, American, 1835 - 1910

Published by

Charles L. Webster and Company, American, 1884 - 1894

Printed by

J. J. Little and Company, American, founded 1867

Medium

ink, metal, paper and cloth on cardboard;

paper and cloth on cardboard;

paper, cloth and ink on cardboard

Dimensions

H x W x D (OVERALL): 9 1/8 × 7 5/16 × 1 3/4 in. (23.2 × 18.5 × 4.4 cm)

H x W x D (2014.249a - Closed): 8 3/4 × 7 3/16 × 1 3/16 in. (22.2 × 18.2 × 3 cm)

H x W x D (2014.249a - Open): 8 3/4 × 14 1/2 × 3 9/16 in. (22.2 × 36.8 × 9 cm)

H x W x D (2014.249b - Folded): 8 3/4 × 7 3/16 × 1 5/16 in. (22.3 × 18.3 × 3.3 cm)

H x W x D (2014.249b - Unfolded): 8 3/4 × 23 13/16 × 1/16 in. (22.3 × 60.5 × 0.1 cm)

H x W x D (2014.249c): 9 1/8 × 7 5/16 × 1 9/16 in. (23.2 × 18.5 × 4 cm)

Type

hardcover books

Place printed

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

Place depicted

Missouri, United States, North and Central America

Date

1885

Description

A first edition, first printing hardcover of the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Tom Sawyer's Comrade)” (2014.249a), by Mark Twain with a chemise (2014.249b) and slipcover (2014.249c). The front cover of the book is a dark green with the title embossed in various fonts that read, [Adventures / of / HUCKLEBERRY / FINN / (Tom Sawyer's Comrade) / BY / MARK TWAIN. / ILLUSTRATED.]. The "H" and the "F" of Huckleberry Finn are painted with gold leaf in a lettering that resembles wooden slats. The author’s name is also in gold leaf. In the bottom left corner of the front cover is an embossed illustration of a young boy wearing a straw hat, jacket and pants, with his hands in his pocket. Behind the boy is a fence in the background which has been filled in with gold leaf. The top third of the book spine is the title of the book embossed over a gold leaf square with a compass illustration to the left of the word [Finn. In the center of the spine is a floral design embossed directly above the author’s name, embossed in gold leaf [BY MARK TWAIN]. The bottom third of the spine is the publisher’s information, embossed in gold leaf, [CHARLES·L·WEBSTER / & CO.]. The back cover is blank. There is a handwritten note in pencil in top right corner of front flyleaf that reads [1st issue]. The book is inscribed in black ink in the center of second front flyleaf, [John W. Ruckman]. The frontispiece features a black-and-white illustration of Huckleberry Finn holding a shotgun in his proper left hand and a rabbit in his proper right hand. The illustration is signed on the bottom, left corner, reading [E·W·KEEMBLE / ·1884·]. The second frontispiece is a black-and-white photograph of a bust of Mark Twain in profile. The text below the image reads [Mark Twain / FROM THE BUST BY KARL GERHARDT. / Heliotype Printing Co. Boston and New York]. The book has forty-three (43) chapters, one hundred and seventy-four (174) black-and-white illustrations, and three hundred and sixty-six (366) pages. The interior pages are off-white.

A tri-fold, cardboard, dark green chemise (2014.249b), lined with an off-white interior. The chemise has extenders for the sides of book between tri-folds. A black fabric pull-tab is attached at the center of the proper left side of chemise.

A hardback slipcase, with proper left opening for the chemise-wrapped book to slide into. The exterior is covered with same green as the chemise, and the interior is lined with off-white paper. On the top third of the slipcase spine is handwritten text in black ink that reads [HUCKLEBERRY / FINN / MARK TWAIN].

Topic

African American

American South

Children

Language

Literature

Race relations

Slavery

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.249abc

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium

glass and brass

Dimensions

L x W: 3 1/2 x 5 1/4 in. (8.9 x 13.3 cm)

Type

inkwells

Place used

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France, Europe

Date

mid 20th century

Description

Inkwell with a glass base and a brass top. This was among James Baldwin's personal effects from his house in St. Paul de Vence in the South of France.

Topic

African American

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Baldwin Family

Object number

2011.99.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Personal use

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Hurston, Zora Neale, American, 1891 - 1960

Published by

J. B. Lippincott & Co., American, 1836 - 1978

Medium

ink on paper with cloth, cardboard, metallic paper and acetate film

Dimensions

H x W x D (Closed): 8 1/4 × 5 5/8 × 1 1/2 in. (21 × 14.3 × 3.8 cm)

Type

hardcover books

Place printed

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Place made

Eau Gallie, Brevard County, Florida, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

Eatonville, Orange County, Florida, United States, North and Central America

Florida, United States, The Everglades, North and Central America

Date

1937

Description

A signed, first edition hardcover book with dust jacket and a clear, protective plastic cover. The book takes place in early twentieth century Florida. The book recounts the life story of the protagonist, Janie Crawford, a young woman born during the Reconstructionist Era. The dust jacket is gold with central, black and white illustration featuring a male God-like figure in against a stormy sky. The figure is throwing down gold-colored lightening and thunderbolts to the flooded land below. In the lower left corner of the image is a small grouping of trees blowing in the storm. Along the bottom of the illustration, roofs of structures can be seen just above the water. The image is bordered in black. Above and below the illustration on the front cover is text in black. At the top [THEIR EYES/WERE WATCHING GOD/A NOVEL]. Along the bottom [ZORA N· HURSTON]. The black text along the top of the white, back cover of the dust jacket reads: [Some Reviews / OF ZORA NEALE HURSTON’S PREVIOUS BOOK / “Mules and Men”], followed by five book review blurbs. The book has an orange cloth binding. The exterior spine is embossed with black text across the top and bottom of the spine. The text at the top of the spine reads [Their eyes / were / watching / God] above a black circle with a black dot in the center and [Hurston]. The name of the publishers [Lippincott] is embossed in black lettering across the bottom of the spine. The title of the book has been embossed on the front of the book in black lettering [Their eyes were / watching God / Zora Neale Hurston] just below seven black circles with black dots in the circles centers. The inside front cover is inscribed with red ink by the author [To/Miss Ruby Mc Knight/Using stars like stair-/steps -/Zora Neale Hurston]. The book is twenty chapters and two hundred and eighty-six pages long.

Topic

African American

American South

Language

Literature

Rural life

Segregation

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.315ab

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Chesnutt, Charles W., American, 1858 - 1932

Published by

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, American, founded 1880

Produced by

Riverside Press, American, 1852 - 1971

Medium

ink on paper with gold, cloth, cardboard and acetate film

Dimensions

H x W x D (Closed): 7 1/8 × 4 7/8 × 1 1/16 in. (18.1 × 12.4 × 2.7 cm)

Type

hardcover books

Place depicted

Cumberland County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Place printed

Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Date

1899

Description

This book is a first edition, first printing of “The Conjure Woman," a collection of seven short stories, all set in "Patesville," North Carolina and told through the view point of the character Uncle Julius: The Goophered Grapevine, Po’ Sandy, Mars Jeems’s Nightmare, The Conjurer’s Revenge, Sis’ Becky’s Pickaninny, The Gray Wolf’s Ha’nt, and Hot-foot Hannibal. The book has a tan cloth binding. The front cover has three illustrations set in in red blocks at top center of the cover. From left to right the illustrations include a white hare, an elderly bald man with a beard, and a white hare. Title of book, [THE CONJURE WOMAN], is embossed beneath the red blocks in gold serif typeface and author's name, [CHARLES · W · CHESNUTT], centered at bottom of the front cover, also in gold serif typeface. The spine text is all printed in gold serif typeface. The text along the top third of the spine reads [THE / CONJURE / WOMAN]. The author's name [CHARLES W · / CHESNUTT], is embossed on the center of the spine and the name of the publishers [HOUGHTON / MIFFLIN CO] is embossed across the bottom of the spine. The book is two hundred and twenty-nine pages and includes a title page and contents page.

Topic

African American

American South

Folklife

Language

Literature

Race relations

Stereotypes

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.280

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Used by

Actors Studio, American, founded 1947

Received by

Gunn, Bill, American, 1934 - 1989

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product), imitation leather

Dimensions

11 1/2 x 8 3/4 x 7/8 in. (29.2 x 22.2 x 2.2 cm)

Type

scripts (documents)

Place used

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

Date

1964

Description

James Baldwin's personal copy of Blues for Mr. Charlie, an original mimeographed play scrip. The script is bound in pale blue leatherette with large brass rivets. The script is inscribed to fellow-writer and filmmaker William Gunn "For Bill Gunn, at last, Jimmy B." and additionally "J.B." Baldwin scribbled over the words "Property of Actors Studio Theatre, 745 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y" with the same black marker.

.

Topic

African American

Civil rights

Drama (Theatre)

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.57.19

Restrictions & Rights

© Estate of James Baldwin. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, American, founded 1896

Medium

ink on paper, metal

Dimensions

H x W x D (closed): 9 5/16 × 6 1/2 × 1/8 in. (23.7 × 16.5 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Place printed

Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America

Date

1917

Description

A magazine printed in red and blue ink on white paper. The front of the magazine has a cross within a crown at center. The text “BEAR THE CROSS” is written on the cross and “WEAR THE CROWN” is printed on the crown. Columns are printed in blue ink on the left and right sides of the cover. Red text on the left column reads “FOR GOD AND YOU.” Red text on the right column reads “FOR CHRIST AND YOUNG WOMEN.” Above the columns is an arch containing the title of the magazine. The title is printed in red text in reads “NATIONAL BAPTIST / METOKA AND GALEDA / BIBLE CLASS MAGAZINE.” “September, 1917” is printed in red ink below the title. Printed at the bottom of the front cover in red and blue text is “PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE NATIONAL BAPTIST PUB. BOARD / NASHVILLE, TENN. R.H. BOYD. D.D., L.L.D., SECY...” Printed below this is “PRICE--10¢ Per Single Copy; 25¢ Per Quarter” and “OFFICE AT NASHVILLE, TENN.AS SECOND CLASS MATTER.” An advertisement for the Progress Tailoring Company is printed on the back.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

American South

Literature

Religious groups

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture; Gift of Dr. and Mrs. T.B. Boyd, III and R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation

Object number

2013.208.6

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

The Adviser Weekly, American

Published by

Congo, JNO. O. Advertising and Printing Services, American

Edited by

Congo, JNO. O.

Subject of

Cathrell, Sally J. Jr., American, 1913 - 1981

Dr. Heard, Albert, American

Medium

ink on newsprint

Dimensions

H x W x D (Closed): 10 7/8 × 7 7/16 × 1/16 in. (27.7 × 18.9 × 0.1 cm)

H x W x D (Open): 10 7/8 × 14 7/8 × 1/16 in. (27.7 × 37.8 × 0.1 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Place printed

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

Date

August 10, 1934

Description

The Adviser Weekly vol. 1 no. 3, featuring an open letter from the United Economic & Commercial League (U. E. & C. League) and a photograph of the league’s president, Dr. Albert Heard. The magazine is printed on two (2) sheets of folded white newsprint with black print and black-and-white photographs. The top fourth of the front cover is the masthead. The masthead is in a white field with the magazine title, date, price, and print run quantity in black text that reads, [THE ADVISER WEEKLY / A News Review Magazine / AUGUST 10, 1934 PRICE FREE 5000 THIS ISSUE]. Below and centered is a box with black text advertising a popularity contest held by the magazine. The text reads, [Who Are the Most Pop- / ular Girls in St. Louis? / $100.00 in cash prizes will / be given to the ten most / popular girls in the Adviser / Weekly’s popularity con- / test. >> See rules and entry / blank on page 4.]. On the left side of the box are the news items featured in this issue and on the right side of the box are the news items featured in every issue. The bottom half of the magazine features [AN OPEN LETTER / From the U. E. & C. League] highlighting the one year anniversary of the league and an interview with the league’s founder and president, Dr. Albert Heard. The magazine has articles related to fashion, sport, health, night life, and business, as well as meal suggestions, recipes, and advertisements for local businesses. This magazine issue is eight (8) pages, including the front and back covers.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

American West

Business

Cooking and dining

Fashion

Health

Journalism

Literature

Mass media

Nightlife

Sports

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.46.25.272

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Lorde, Audre, American, 1934 - 1992

Published by

Crossing Press, American, founded 1963

Medium

ink on book paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 1/2 in. (21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm)

Type

portraits

paperbacks

Date

1984

Description

Hardback book with black and bronze-colored print on a blue cover. At bottom left is a black-and-white photograph of Audre Lorde.

Topic

African American

Education

Literature

Social reform

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2010.42.5

Restrictions & Rights

© Audre Lorde 1984. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Packard, Cynthia

Received by

Baldwin, David, American

Subject of

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium

ink or paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W (letter): 11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)

H x W (envelope): 4 1/4 x 9 1/2 in. (10.8 x 24.1 cm)

Type

letters (correspondence)

Place depicted

Route de la Colle, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France, Europe

325 New Africa House, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Date

July 20, 1994

Description

A typewritten letter (a) dated July 20, 1994 from Cynthia Packard, James Baldwin’s former assistant, to David Baldwin. In the letter Packard conveys her feelings about James Baldwin and how she misses him even seven years after his death. Packard signed the letter with "Cyndie." Also included is the envelope (b) that the letter was sent in. The letter was sent from the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where Packard taught.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Correspondence

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Baldwin Family

Object number

2011.99.32ab

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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

Created by

Unidentified

Subject of

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

7 1/8 x 9 7/16 in. (18.1 x 24 cm)

Type

photographs

portraits

Place captured

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France, Europe

Date

1970-1987

Description

A black-and-white photograph of James Baldwin sitting at his work table in his home in the South of France.

Topic

African American

Literature

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Baldwin Family

Object number

2011.99.34

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture