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  • Handbill for a performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers

    Handbill for a performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers

    Printed by
    Tucker Printing House, American
    Subject of
    Fisk Jubilee Singers, American, founded 1871
    Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895
    Twain, Mark, American, 1835 - 1910
    Medium
    ink on paper (fiber product)
    Dimensions
    H x W: 8 3/4 x 6 1/4 in. (22.2 x 15.9 cm)
    Type
    handbills
    Place printed
    Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1875
    Description
    A paper handbill advertisement for a performance by the Jubilee Singers on March 23, 1875 at City Hall in an unnamed location. One side of the handbill has the printed title [A SONG FROM FREDERICK DOUGLASS] at the top and then recounts a visit of the Jubilee Singers with Frederick Douglass where he shared a spiritual that he sang while enslaved that inspired him to seek freedom in the North. The lyrics of the song are printed in the center of the handbill. The details for the upcoming performance are printed at the bottom center in large text [CITY HALL / ON THE EVENING OF / TUESDAY, MARCH 23D, 1875. / Tickets now on sale at Stockbridge's]. At the bottom left corner in small print is [Tucker Printing House, Portland.]
    The other side of the handbill has printed a letter to [Theo. F. Seward, Esq.] from Samuel Clemens recounting how much he enjoys performances by the Jubilee Singers. At the top of the page in large text is printed [MARK TWAIN / AND THE / Jubilee Singers]. At the bottom center of the page is the text [CITY HALL, / TUESDAY EVENING!].
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Topic
    African American
    Amusements
    Folk (Music)
    Resistance
    Singers (Musicians)
    Slavery
    Spirituals (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2011.57.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Management contract for Sam Cooke

    Management contract for Sam Cooke

    Created by
    William Morris Agency, American, 1898 - 2009
    Subject of
    Cooke, Sam, American, 1931 - 1964
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)
    Type
    contract documents
    Place depicted
    Manhattan, New York City, New York, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    May 26, 1959
    Description
    A one-year management contract between Sam Cooke and the William Morris Agency. It is comprised of two sheets of white paper with black printed text and additional typed and stamped information. Stapled to the front of the document is a small sheet of white paper with typed text regarding paragraph 3(b) of the contract. Sam Cooke's initials are signed at the bottom of this page.
    Topic
    African American
    Business
    Entertainers
    Singers (Musicians)
    Soul (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2011.68.6
    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
  • Journal owned by Saul Williams

    Journal owned by Saul Williams

    Created by
    Williams, Saul, American, born 1972
    Medium
    ink on paper, burlap
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 10 7/8 × 8 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (27.6 × 21.6 × 3.8 cm)
    Type
    journals (accounts)
    Date
    2001 - 2002
    Description
    Bound journal of notes and poetry. Journal is olive green with red binding on the spine. Adhered to the red binding on the front cover, spine, and back cover are portions of cut burlap. A mixed media collage is adhered to the inside of the front cover. Pages made of recycled dark yellow paper with inserted pages of various paper materials. An additional mixed media collage is also adhered to the inside back cover.
    Topic
    African American
    Identity
    Language
    Poetry
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Saul Williams
    Object number
    2014.188.2ab
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Poster of Della Reese

    Created by
    Risher, Jenny
    Subject of
    Della Reese, American, 1937 - 2017
    Medium
    ink on paper (fiber product)
    Dimensions
    H x W: 16 3/16 × 16 3/4 in. (41.1 × 42.5 cm)
    Type
    photomechanical prints
    portraits
    posters
    Date
    late 20th century - early 21st century
    Description
    Poster featuring a color photograph of Della Reese singing. She is behind a microphone stand with her elbows bent at ninety degree angles. She wears a flowing dress jumpsuit with a semi-sheer shawl covering her upper torso, arms, and back. The shawl is tan, light pink, and dark pink, with silver details. A red flower is in her shoulder-length hair. The background is black.
    There are scratches scattered throughout the top right quadrant, which caused loss of color. The poster came in in a plastic sleeve with paper backing. In the top left corner of the back is an upside down black stamp with text that reads [Jenny Risher / 917-723-3785 / info@Jennyrisher.com]
    Topic
    African American
    Actors
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Rev. Della Reese-Lett and Mr. Franklin Lett
    Object number
    2015.150.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Jenny Risher. Permission required for use.
    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
  • Photocollage of entertainers

    Photocollage of entertainers

    Compiled by
    Unidentified
    Photograph by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Unidentified Woman or Women
    Medium
    ink on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 10 x 8 in. (25.4 x 20.3 cm)
    Type
    black-and-white photographs
    collages
    Date
    early 20th-mid 20th Century
    Description
    Black-and-white photocollage of various performers and performances.
    Topic
    African American
    Entertainers
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Photography
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Henrietta W. Shelton, Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc.
    Object number
    2011.145.3.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Junction 88

    16mm motion picture film of Junction 88
    Directed by
    Quigley, George P., 1940 - 1950
    Subject of
    Howard, Bob
    Markham, Dewey, American, 1904 - 1981
    Mitchell, Abbie, American, 1884 - 1960
    Sissle, Noble, American, 1889 - 1975
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film;
    16mm Film (b): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 1000 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 1000 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Place filmed
    United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1948
    Caption
    In a quiet town named "Junction 88", a young musician, Buster Jenkins, struggles to find success and fights to win the approval of his sweetheart's father.
    Description
    2015.167.11.1ab: 16mm black and white films.
    In the small town of Junction 88, young black musician Buster Jenkins plays a love song on the piano for his sweetheart, Lolly Simpson. Meanwhile, out on the Simpsons' porch, Lolly's father, "Pop" Simpson, tells "Mom" Simpson and Buster's mother that he will not give his consent for his daughter to marry Buster because he believes that the struggling musician will not be able to make a decent living. Although the mothers defend Buster as a good, God-fearing, churchgoing boy, Pop continues to favor the hard-working, hard-drinking Onnie as his future son-in-law. Miles away from Junction 88, music agent Bob Howard and his colleague Piggy discover in their mail what they believe will be a hit song. Determined to sign the song's composer, "Hewlett Green," Bob and Piggy set out for Junction 88, the town from which the song was sent. When they arrive, Bob and Piggy are amazed to discover that no one in Junction 88 has ever heard of Hewlett Green. Bob and Piggy continue their fruitless search for Hewlett Green and enlist the help of a young boy named Chinka Pin, who spends much of his time singing at the town barber shop. Later, Bob and Piggy meet Lolly, who introduces them to her friend Caroline. Bob falls instantly in love with Caroline, and the four attend a benefit concert that Buster has organized at the church. Before the concert begins, Lolly introduces Bob and Piggy to Buster, and they are granted permission from Buster to perform in the concert. Noble Sissle and his orchestra play after Chinka Pin sings the National Anthem. Bob and Piggy close the concert with three songs. Lolly notices that Buster is upset about something, but he keeps his troubles to himself and tells her that he is not ready to reveal what is upsetting him. Bob and Piggy put the word out that they want to sign Hewlett Green to a long-term contract. The search quickly comes to an end, however, when Buster steps forward in church and reveals that he has been writing songs under the assumed name of Hewlett Green. After signing a contract with Bob and Piggy, Buster takes Lolly's hand in marriage.
    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Accessed on August 10, 2016 (http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=27661)
    Topic
    African American
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Race films
    Rural life
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.11.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Collection title
    Nieman Film Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Junction 88

    16mm motion picture film of Junction 88
    Directed by
    Quigley, George P., 1940 - 1950
    Subject of
    Howard, Bob
    Markham, Dewey, American, 1904 - 1981
    Mitchell, Abbie, American, 1884 - 1960
    Sissle, Noble, American, 1889 - 1975
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film;
    16mm Film (b): acetate film;
    16mm Reel (c): metal;
    16mm Reel (d): metal;
    Film Shipping Container (e): cardboard
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 1000 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 1000 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Place filmed
    United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1948
    Caption
    In a quiet town named "Junction 88", a young musician, Buster Jenkins, struggles to find success and fights to win the approval of his sweetheart's father.
    Description
    2015.167.11.2ab: 16mm black and white films.
    2015.167.11.2cd: Original metal film reels.
    2015.167.11.2e: Original cardboard film shipping box. A label on the side of the film shippping box reads [FOR TRANSFER/ JUNCTION 88].
    In the small town of Junction 88, young black musician Buster Jenkins plays a love song on the piano for his sweetheart, Lolly Simpson. Meanwhile, out on the Simpsons' porch, Lolly's father, "Pop" Simpson, tells "Mom" Simpson and Buster's mother that he will not give his consent for his daughter to marry Buster because he believes that the struggling musician will not be able to make a decent living. Although the mothers defend Buster as a good, God-fearing, churchgoing boy, Pop continues to favor the hard-working, hard-drinking Onnie as his future son-in-law. Miles away from Junction 88, music agent Bob Howard and his colleague Piggy discover in their mail what they believe will be a hit song. Determined to sign the song's composer, "Hewlett Green," Bob and Piggy set out for Junction 88, the town from which the song was sent. When they arrive, Bob and Piggy are amazed to discover that no one in Junction 88 has ever heard of Hewlett Green. Bob and Piggy continue their fruitless search for Hewlett Green and enlist the help of a young boy named Chinka Pin, who spends much of his time singing at the town barber shop. Later, Bob and Piggy meet Lolly, who introduces them to her friend Caroline. Bob falls instantly in love with Caroline, and the four attend a benefit concert that Buster has organized at the church. Before the concert begins, Lolly introduces Bob and Piggy to Buster, and they are granted permission from Buster to perform in the concert. Noble Sissle and his orchestra play after Chinka Pin sings the National Anthem. Bob and Piggy close the concert with three songs. Lolly notices that Buster is upset about something, but he keeps his troubles to himself and tells her that he is not ready to reveal what is upsetting him. Bob and Piggy put the word out that they want to sign Hewlett Green to a long-term contract. The search quickly comes to an end, however, when Buster steps forward in church and reveals that he has been writing songs under the assumed name of Hewlett Green. After signing a contract with Bob and Piggy, Buster takes Lolly's hand in marriage.
    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Accessed on August 10, 2016 (http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=27661)
    Topic
    African American
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Race films
    Rural life
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.11.2abcd
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Collection title
    Nieman Film Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • <I>Ross</I>

    Ross

    Recorded by
    Ross, Diana, American, born 1944
    Distributed by
    Motown Record Corporation, American, founded 1959
    Owned by
    Ginger Smock, American, 1920 - 1995
    Medium
    record (a): vinyl;
    jacket (b): ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W (album jacket): 12 5/16 × 12 5/16 in. (31.3 × 31.3 cm)
    Diameter (record): 12 in. (30.5 cm)
    Type
    long-playing records
    Date
    1978
    Description
    A twelve-inch 33 1/3 rpm LP recording of the album "Ross" recorded by Diana Ross. The front of the album cover is yellow and has an illustration of Diana Ross wearing a white dress. She is in front of a green plant. Her right arm is raised and her hand is behind her head. She is holding a cigarette in her right hand. The smoke of the cigarette spells “Ross.” The word “Diana” is at the top center of the album cover in white.
    Topic
    African American
    Rhythm and blues (Music)
    Singers (Musicians)
    Soul (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Lydia Samuel Bennett
    Object number
    2016.161.3.5ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    © 1978 Motown Record Corporation. Permission required for use.
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Audio Recordings
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Artwork featuring illustrated portraits of Della Reese

    Artwork featuring illustrated portraits of Della Reese

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Della Reese, American, 1937 - 2017
    Medium
    ink , paper (fiber product) , glass , metal
    Dimensions
    H x W (drawing): 23 1/2 × 21 1/4 in. (59.7 × 54 cm)
    H x W x D (frame): 27 1/4 × 24 1/4 × 3/4 in. (69.2 × 61.6 × 1.9 cm)
    Type
    drawings
    portraits
    Date
    circa 1970
    Description
    Framed collage-style drawing featuring three images of Della Reese. The drawing is done entirely in black, gray, and white. In each image, she is pictured from the chest up, holding a microphone. The largest image is at the top right. It shows the woman with a gray streak in her black hair, her eyes closed, mouth open and hands raised. On the left, she wears a floral patterned garment, with her mouth open as if she is singing. The lowest image appears to have been done on a separate sheet of paper and overlaid with the other drawing. It shows her smiling and wearing a garment with a decorated neckline. The drawing is in a black metal frame on brown mat board with a tan border. The drawing is signed along a flower stem at lower left [dick Ell-(illegible)].
    Topic
    African American
    Actors
    Entertainers
    Singers (Musicians)
    Television
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Rev. Della Reese-Lett and Mr. Franklin Lett
    Object number
    2015.150.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Visual Arts
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    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
  • Photograph of Velma Middleton and Louis Armstrong

    Photograph of Velma Middleton and Louis Armstrong

    Photograph by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Middleton, Velma, American, 1917 - 1961
    Armstrong, Louis, American, 1901 - 1971
    Medium
    silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W (Image): 4 13/16 × 6 13/16 in. (12.3 × 17.3 cm)
    H x W (Sheet): 5 1/8 × 7 1/16 in. (13 × 18 cm)
    Type
    gelatin silver prints
    portraits
    Place captured
    Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium, Europe
    Date
    1949
    Description
    A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Velma Middleton and Louis Armstrong. The two are depicted from the shoulders up sitting closely together, with their heads touching. Middleton is depicted playing a trumpet while Armstrong holds his proper left hand to his proper left ear. Middleton is wearing a dark top and looking towards the top of the image. Armstrong is wearing a white tuxedo, black bowtie, and is looking towards the left edge of the image. Armstrong has a comical expression on his face. Near the left corner of the image is an inscription in blue ink that reads, [X Marks / the spot / With Love / to Laura / Velma / Middleton]. Black text printed in the negative at the bottom right reads [BRUSSELS, '49]. There are no inscriptions on the back of the photograph.
    Topic
    African American
    Conductors (Musicians)
    Entertainers
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Jazz (Music)
    Photography
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2013.46.25.70
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Collection title
    The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Denim and suede suit jacket and bellbottoms worn by Charley Pride

    Denim and suede suit jacket and bellbottoms worn by Charley Pride

    Attributed to
    Ortiz's Art Clothing and Ace Tailors, American
    Worn by
    Pride, Charley, American, born 1934
    Medium
    jacket: cotton denim, suede, and metal;
    pants: cotton denim, suede, and metal
    Dimensions
    H x W (jacket): 30 1/2 x 20 in. (77.5 x 50.8 cm)
    Inseam (pants): 34 1/2 in. (87.6 cm)
    Jacket on Form: 30 1/2 x 25 x 14 1/2 in. (77.5 x 63.5 x 36.8 cm)
    Type
    jean jackets
    trousers
    Place made
    Galveston, Texas, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1976
    Description
    This denim jean jacket (a) and bell-bottom jeans (b) with suede patchwork details were worn by Charley Pride. The blue jean jacket (a) is cut straight with full-length sleeves and a fold-over collar with exaggerated pointed lapels. It closes at the center front with four (4) round metal buttons that have the text "KEMINGTON / 20 / GA / EXPRESS" engraved around them. Rectangular patches of tan, brown, and ochre suede with blue denim are sewn on the front and back yoke. There are two (2) patch pockets, one at each front chest, with pointed flaps that close using one (1) button each, though the button on the proper right pocket is missing. The cuff of each sleeve closes with two (2) buttons each. The jacket is not lined. There is a size tag at the interior center back neck.
    The bell-bottom blue jeans have side panels on each leg made from rectangular patches of tan, brown, and ochre suede with blue denim, matching the yoke decoration on the jacket (a). The pants close at the center front waist with a metal zipper, one (1) metal snap, and one (1) metal hook-and-eye. There is one (1) inset pocket at the proper right front waist. The pants are not lined.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Country (Music)
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charley Pride
    Object number
    2012.125.50ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    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
  • Dress worn by Denyce Graves in Washington National Opera's production of Carmen

    Dress worn by Denyce Graves in Washington National Opera's production of Carmen

    Designed by
    Langman, Donna, American
    Worn by
    Graves, Denyce, American, born 1964
    Medium
    (a): silk satin, silk and cotton brocade, ribbon, cotton tape, glass beads, plastic boning, and metal fasteners;
    (b): silk taffeta, synthetic satin, velvet, synthetic lace, buckram, plastic zipper, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (corset): 21 × 17 3/4 in. (53.3 × 45.1 cm)
    H x W (skirt): 61 x 40 in. (154.9 x 101.6 cm)
    Type
    corsets
    skirts
    Place used
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1993-1994
    Description
    This black corset and pink ruffled skirt were designed by Donna Langman and worn by Denyce Graves as the lead in the Washington National Opera's production of Carmen during the 1993-1994 season. The corset (a) is made from black silk satin and is sleeveless and strapless. A loop of black woven cotton tape is sewn at the top of both sides with black beaded decoration covering the tape and black beaded fringe hanging below it. These beaded pieces are worn draped across the upper arm, not over the shoulder. The corset closes at the center back with a black metal zipper and one (1) hook-and-eye at the top of the zipper. The interior of the corset is lined with a black silk and cotton floral brocade. The seams are pressed open and serged along the raw edges. Flexible boning covered in black ribbon with a woven floral design is hand sewn to the interior to provide stiff shaping. There are sixteen (16) long pieces of boning around the corset and two (2) shorter pieces of boning sewn one at each front side where the arm meets the chest. A cream fabric label is sewn at the interior proper left back with embroidered and handwritten black text reading "Donna Langman / Denyce Graves [handwritten] / new york". Hanger loops made from the black floral ribbon are sewn at each interior side.
    The skirt (b) has tiers of pink iridescent silk taffeta ruffles cascading down the front. A single pink taffeta ruffle runs around the entire bottom of the skirt, which is longer in the back with a slight train. The waist and the back of the skirt are faced in a fuchsia synthetic satin fabric. This fabric is covered on the skirt by a black velvet overlay that wraps around the sides and ends in a v at the center front waist. The velvet is sewn to the skirt around the waist and is tacked around the length of the skirt where the fuchsia fabric meets the pink taffeta ruffle. A length of black lace is sewn around the top edge of the velvet overlay, which resembles a long scarf or shawl wrapped around the waist of a Spanish flamenco style skirt. The skirt closes at the center back using a pink plastic zipper with one (1) metal snap and one (1) metal hook-and-eye. An additional black metal invisible zipper is sewn at the center back of the black velvet overlay, covering the pink metal zipper when closed. Buckram is sewn inside the waistband and the hem of the skirt. The skirt is not lined. Two (2) hanger loops made from pink synthetic fabric are sewn one at each interior side waist.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Costume
    Local and regional
    Opera (Music)
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Denyce Graves
    Object number
    2012.49.2ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    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

  • Statues Hardly Ever Smile

    16mm motion picture film of Statues Hardly Ever Smile
    Directed by
    Lathan, Stan, American, born 1945
    Produced by
    Chamba Productions, founded 1971
    Created by
    Collins, Kathleen, American, 1942 - 1988
    Produced by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Subject of
    Brooklyn Museum, American, founded 1895
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 19 Minutes
    Length (Film): 750 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Place filmed
    Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    16mm color film directed by Stan Lathan and produced by Chamba Productions for the Brooklyn Museum about a program to bring children from the local community into the museum to create performance art. Includes footage of children interacting with objects in the museum and creating performances based upon their reaction.
    Description
    16mm color film directed by Stan Lathan and produced by Chamba Productions about a program to bring children from the local community into the Brooklyn Museum to create performance art.
    Consists of: 16mm Print (a).
    2012.79.1.63.1a: 16mm Print. The film begins with the camera panning around a room with many cases in the Brooklyn Museum. Children are heard in the voiceover narration describing the statues. The footage also includes close-ups of some of the statues. The next scene shows children and young adults following spoken directions to pretend they are holding various objects in their hands. The narrator describes how the children spent time in the rotunda of the museum for six weeks, and there is footage of the children participating in dance exercises in the rotunda. The narrator describes the idea for the project to bring children together with an object and create a performance around that. The next scene shows an object and children touching the face of another object. Some other children are shown in front of a different museum object and holding the same pose as that object. Children in the voiceover narration describe thinking about the objects and questioning what the people depicted in the objects are doing. As the narrator describes, the children participated in improvisation based on the space and the objects around them. The footage includes a group of students discussing how to put on an improvisation based on an object. The next scene shows the students performing the improvisation in the rotunda that they created. One of the boys reflects on how he did the improvisation. In the next scene, the students perform a dance while a man plays a drum. The next scene shows a man playing the piano and singing and the children sing along with him. The music accompanies a montage of the students doing various activities shown in the film. The final scene shows the students leaving the museum, a bus traveling a city street, one of the students exiting the bus and greeting some friends as the credits appear. The film ends with children playing in a circle on a playground.
    Topic
    African American
    Art
    Children
    Communities
    Dance
    Education
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Museums
    Singers (Musicians)
    Theatre
    Urban life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.63.1a
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Statues Hardly Ever Smile

    16mm motion picture film of Statues Hardly Ever Smile
    Directed by
    Lathan, Stan, American, born 1945
    Produced by
    Chamba Productions, founded 1971
    Edited by
    Collins, Kathleen, American, 1942 - 1988
    Produced by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Subject of
    Brooklyn Museum, American, founded 1895
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 19 Minutes
    Length (Film): 750 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Place filmed
    Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    16mm color film directed by Stan Lathan and produced by Chamba Productions for the Brooklyn Museum about a program to bring children from the local community into the museum to create performance art. Includes footage of children interacting with objects in the museum and creating performances based upon their reaction.
    Description
    16mm color film directed by Stan Lathan and produced by Chamba Productions about a program to bring children from the local community into the Brooklyn Museum to create performance art.
    Consists of: 16mm Print (a).
    2012.79.1.63.2a: 16mm Print. The film begins with the camera panning around a room with many cases in the Brooklyn Museum. Children are heard in the voiceover narration describing the statues. The footage also includes close-ups of some of the statues. The next scene shows children and young adults following spoken directions to pretend they are holding various objects in their hands. The narrator describes how the children spent time in the rotunda of the museum for six weeks, and there is footage of the children participating in dance exercises in the rotunda. The narrator describes the idea for the project to bring children together with an object and create a performance around that. The next scene shows an object and children touching the face of another object. Some other children are shown in front of a different museum object and holding the same pose as that object. Children in the voiceover narration describe thinking about the objects and questioning what the people depicted in the objects are doing. As the narrator describes, the children participated in improvisation based on the space and the objects around them. The footage includes a group of students discussing how to put on an improvisation based on an object. The next scene shows the students performing the improvisation in the rotunda that they created. One of the boys reflects on how he did the improvisation. In the next scene, the students perform a dance while a man plays a drum. The next scene shows a man playing the piano and singing and the children sing along with him. The music accompanies a montage of the students doing various activities shown in the film. The final scene shows the students leaving the museum, a bus traveling a city street, one of the students exiting the bus and greeting some friends as the credits appear. The film ends with children playing in a circle on a playground.
    Topic
    African American
    Art
    Children
    Communities
    Dance
    Education
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Museums
    Singers (Musicians)
    Theatre
    Urban life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.63.2a
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Statues Hardly Ever Smile

    16mm motion picture film of Statues Hardly Ever Smile
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Produced by
    Chamba Productions, founded 1971
    Edited by
    Collins, Kathleen, American, 1942 - 1988
    Directed by
    Lathan, Stan, American, born 1945
    Produced by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Subject of
    Brooklyn Museum, American, founded 1895
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 19 Minutes
    Length (Film): 720 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Place filmed
    Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    16mm color film directed by Stan Lathan and produced by Chamba Productions for the Brooklyn Museum about a program to bring children from the local community into the museum to create performance art. Includes footage of children interacting with objects in the museum and creating performances based upon their reaction.
    Description
    16mm color film directed by Stan Lathan and produced by Chamba Productions about a program to bring children from the local community into the Brooklyn Museum to create performance art.
    Consists of: 16mm Print (a).
    2012.79.1.63.3a: 16mm Print. The film begins with the camera panning around a room with many cases in the Brooklyn Museum. Children are heard in the voiceover narration describing the statues. The footage also includes close-ups of some of the statues. The next scene shows children and young adults following spoken directions to pretend they are holding various objects in their hands. The narrator describes how the children spent time in the rotunda of the museum for six weeks, and there is footage of the children participating in dance exercises in the rotunda. The narrator describes the idea for the project to bring children together with an object and create a performance around that. The next scene shows an object and children touching the face of another object. Some other children are shown in front of a different museum object and holding the same pose as that object. Children in the voiceover narration describe thinking about the objects and questioning what the people depicted in the objects are doing. As the narrator describes, the children participated in improvisation based on the space and the objects around them. The footage includes a group of students discussing how to put on an improvisation based on an object. The next scene shows the students performing the improvisation in the rotunda that they created. One of the boys reflects on how he did the improvisation. In the next scene, the students perform a dance while a man plays a drum. The next scene shows a man playing the piano and singing and the children sing along with him. The music accompanies a montage of the students doing various activities shown in the film. The final scene shows the students leaving the museum, a bus traveling a city street, one of the students exiting the bus and greeting some friends as the credits appear. The film ends with children playing in a circle on a playground.
    Topic
    African American
    Art
    Children
    Communities
    Dance
    Education
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Museums
    Singers (Musicians)
    Theatre
    Urban life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.63.3a
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Poster advertising a concert for Mrs. Coretta Scott King on October 6, 1958

    Created by
    Montgomery Improvement Association, American, founded 1955
    Printed by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    King, Coretta Scott, American, 1927 - 2006
    Dr. Simpson, Ralph Ricardo, American, born 1933
    Holt Street Baptist Church, American, founded 1909
    Medium
    ink on paper with pressure-sensitive tape
    Dimensions
    H x W: 14 × 11 in. (35.5 × 27.9 cm)
    Type
    posters
    Place used
    Montgomery, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    October 6, 1958
    Description
    A poster advertising a concert for Mrs. Coretta Scott King on October 6, 1958. A black-and-white image of Scott King is featured near the top edge of the poster. She is depicted in bust pose, in three-quarters profile looking towards the left edge of the image. She is wearing sleeveless dark dress with a light colored, ruffled neckline. Above the image is black text that reads, [APPEARING IN CONCERT]. Below the image is more black text that reads, [MRS. CORETTA SCOTT KING / National Famous Soprano / MR. RALPH SIMPSON, Accompanist / Monday, October 6, 1958 – 800 p.m. / Holt Street Baptist Church / Sponsored by The / MONTGOMERY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION / Gen. Adm. $1.00]. There are inscriptions in pencil and black ink on the back of the poster as well as a purple sticky note secured with clear tape.
    Topic
    African American
    American South
    Civil rights
    Classical (Music)
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2016.90.5.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Program from a Mrs. Coretta Scott King recital on September 30, 1956

    Created by
    Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, American, founded 1877
    Subject of
    King, Coretta Scott, American, 1927 - 2006
    Scott, Minnie Kimbrough, American, died 2012
    Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968
    Medium
    ink on paper with metal and graphite
    Dimensions
    H x W: 9 × 6 × 1/16 in. (22.9 × 15.3 × 0.1 cm)
    Type
    souvenir programs
    Place used
    Montgomery, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    September 30, 1956
    Description
    A program for a recital for Mrs. Coretta Scott King on September 30, 1956. A black-and-white image of Scott King is centrally featured. She is depicted in bust pose, in three-quarters profile looking towards the left edge of the image. She is wearing sleeveless dark dress with a light colored, ruffled neckline. Above the image is black text that reads, [THE USHER BOARDS / AND THE / YOUNG MATRONS COUNCIL / OF / DEXTER AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH / PRESENT]. Below the image is additional black text that reads [CORETTA SCOTT KING / SOPRANO / In Recital / MINNIE KIMBROUGH SCOTT / ACCOMPANIST / MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA / Sunday, September 30, 1956 – 5:30 P.M. / Rev. M. L. King, Jr. ………………….Pastor / Mr. L. W. Smiley ………………….Chairman / Mrs. Norman Walton ………………….Co-Chairman / Mr. R. D. Nesbitt ………………….Advisor]. The program has eight (8) interior pages, a front cover, a back cover, and handwritten notes on some of the interior pages. There is a purple sticky note affixed to the back of the booklet.
    Topic
    African American
    American South
    Amusements
    Classical (Music)
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Religion
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2016.90.5.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Photograph of Denyce Graves wearing a Donna Langman designed dress for "Carmen"

    Photograph by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Graves, Denyce, American, born 1964
    Medium
    ink on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 5 x 3 in. (12.7 x 7.6 cm)
    Type
    color photographs
    portraits
    Place depicted
    The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    2012
    Description
    Full color photograph of American mezzo-soprano opera singer, Denyce Graves, wearing a pink and black satin flamenco-style designed by Donna Langman for Act IV in the Washington National Opera's production of "Carmen". This candid photograph of Graves in costume appears to have been taken while backstage.
    Topic
    African American
    Costume
    Local and regional
    Musical Theatre
    Opera (Music)
    Photography
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Denyce Graves
    Object number
    2012.49.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    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
  • Soul Train trophy for Artist of the Decade - Female given to Whitney Houston

    Soul Train trophy for Artist of the Decade - Female given to Whitney Houston

    Issued by
    Soul Train, American, 1971 - 2006
    Owned by
    Whitney Houston, American, 1963 - 2012
    Medium
    metal and marble
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 13 15/16 × 3 1/8 × 3 1/8 in. (35.4 × 7.9 × 7.9 cm)
    Type
    trophies (prizes)
    Place used
    Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    2000
    Description
    A Soul Train trophy given to Whitney Houston in 2000, called the "Soul Train Music Special Artist of the Decade Award for Extraordinary Artistic Achievements-Female." The award is a gold metal statuette affixed to a cube-shaped green marble base. The gold metal statuette features stylized figures similar to an African ceremonial mask. The front depicts a geometric female torso without arms and a head without facial features, wearing a geometric style headdress. The back depicts a geometric male torso without arms, also with a head without facial features, wearing a geometric style headdress. Extending out of the top of the headdress are four (4) smaller heads of a similar style to the main figures. One (1) smaller head extends directly above the female head and one (1) smaller head extends directly above the male head, each with one face. Two (2) smaller heads extend up from the headdress in between the male and female sides of the statuette. These heads have two identical faces, one facing out and the other facing in. On the front of the base is a gold plaque with etched text [WHITNEY HOUSTON/THE ARTIST OF THE/DECADE AWARD/FEMALE/SOUL TRAIN/MUSIC AWARDS - 2000]. The statuette bends at a slight angle from the torso, towards the side of the cube with the gold plaque.
    The statuette is bolted into the marble base with a bolt that can be seen at the bottom of the base. On the head of the bolt, the letters [AJ] can be seen.
    Topic
    African American
    Actors
    Popular music
    Singers (Musicians)
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Whitney Houston
    Object number
    2014.161.5
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    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
  • American Music Award trophy given to Whitney Houston

    American Music Award trophy given to Whitney Houston

    Issued by
    American Music Awards
    Owned by
    Whitney Houston, American, 1963 - 2012
    Medium
    Lucite™, wood, metal and felt
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 14 × 4 5/8 × 4 11/16 in. (35.6 × 11.7 × 11.9 cm)
    Type
    trophies (prizes)
    Place used
    Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1987
    Description
    An American Music Awards trophy given to Whitney Houston in 1987 for "Favorite Female Vocalist Soul / R & B". The trophy is a tall Lucite™ pyramid on a cube-shaped black-painted wood base. The clear quadrilateral pyramid is affixed to a small square Lucite™ platform that is adhered to the wood base. The pyramid has no markings or text. Etched onto the front edge of the square platform is the text infilled with white [AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD]. The black square wood base has a gold metal plaque affixed to the front. The plaque is etched with text infilled with black [FAVORITE FEMALE VOCALIST/ Soul/ R & B/ Whitney Houston/ 1987]. On the back of the base in the lower left corner is a small gold-colored metal strip etched with the text [8741] infilled in black. The bottom of the wood base is covered in black felt.
    Topic
    African American
    Actors
    Popular music
    Singers (Musicians)
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Whitney Houston
    Object number
    2014.161.6
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    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