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  • Image for 50th Anniversary NACW 1946

    50th Anniversary NACW 1946

    A black and white photograph of a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Colored Women. The photograph features seated on the main floor, a stage, and a balcony. At the center of the photograph, on stage, is a woman standing at a podium. A sign that reads: [1896 Golden Jubilee 1946 / Celebration N.A.C.W.].
    Photograph by
    McNeill, Robert H., American, 1917 - 2005
    Subject of
    National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, American, founded 1896
    Unidentified Woman or Women
    Medium
    silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (image): 16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm)
    Type
    gelatin silver prints
    Collection title
    Robert McNeill Photographs
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    July 1946
    Description
    A black and white photograph of a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Colored Women. The photograph features seated on the main floor, a stage, and a balcony. At the center of the photograph, on stage, is a woman standing at a podium. A sign that reads: [1896 Golden Jubilee 1946 / Celebration N.A.C.W.].
    Topic
    Activism
    Associations and institutions
    Local and regional
    Photography
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Graham Holdings Company, © Robert H. McNeill
    Object number
    2014.276.2.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Robert H. McNeill. Permission required for use.
  • Image for Photographic print of a group of women posing in rows

    Photographic print of a group of women posing in rows

    A black-and-white photograph of a group of twenty-two (22) women, including Eunice Jackson, all dressed semi-formally, wearing gowns or dresses. The group is posed inside a room with hardwood floors and curtained windows....
    Photograph by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Jackson, Eunice, American, 1903 - 2004
    Unidentified Woman or Women
    Medium
    photographic gelatin and silver on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 8 × 10 in. (20.3 × 25.4 cm)
    Type
    photographs
    portraits
    Collection title
    The Princetta R. Newman Collection of Family Photographs, Tulsa, Oklahoma
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1958-1959
    Description
    A black-and-white photograph of a group of twenty-two (22) women, including Eunice Jackson, all dressed semi-formally, wearing gowns or dresses. The group is posed inside a room with hardwood floors and curtained windows. The back row of thirteen (13) women are standing, the middle row of seven (7) women are seated on a sofa and chairs, and the front row of two (2) women are sitting on the floor, including Jackson. A black dog is sitting in Jackson's lap.
    Topic
    American South
    American West
    Communities
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Princetta R. Newman
    Object number
    2014.75.39
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Digital image of a crowd of marchers at the Women's March

    Digital image of a crowd of marchers at the Women's March

    A digital image of a crowd of marchers at the Women's March in Washington, DC on January 21, 2017. The crowd of marchers are on 14th Street between Jefferson and Madison, outside the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Many in the crowd hold handmade posters with text like: [We're Already Great / Back Off], [United We Stand], and [Women's Rights Are Human Rights].
    Photograph by
    Jones, Leah L., American, born 1978
    Subject of
    Unidentified Woman or Women
    Women's March, American, founded 2017
    Medium
    digital
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3840pixels × 5760pixels (3840 × 5760 cm)
    Type
    digital images
    digital media - born digital
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    14th Street, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    January 21, 2017
    Description
    A digital image of a crowd of marchers at the Women's March in Washington, DC on January 21, 2017. The crowd of marchers are on 14th Street between Jefferson and Madison, outside the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Many in the crowd hold handmade posters with text like: [We're Already Great / Back Off], [United We Stand], and [Women's Rights Are Human Rights].
    126.6 MB
    Topic
    Activism
    Feminism
    Gender
    Identity
    Local and regional
    Museums
    Photography
    Politics (Practical)
    Social reform
    United States--History--2001-
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Leah L. Jones
    Object number
    2017.87.5
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Leah L. Jones
  • Image for Red Starfleet uniform worn by Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura on Star Trek

    Red Starfleet uniform worn by Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura on Star Trek

    This red Starfleet uniform was worn by Nichelle Nichols as the character Lt. Uhura on the television show Star Trek. The red mini-dress is made from synthetic velour fabric with gold braid details and a black knit collar. The dress has full-length fitted sleeves, with a band of gold braid sewn around each sleeve approximately three (3) inches above the cuff hem....
    Designed by
    Theiss, William Ware, American, 1931 - 1992
    Worn by
    Nichols, Nichelle, American, born 1932
    Medium
    synthetic velour cloth with metal and Velcro closures
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (flat): 27 1/2 × 22 × 3/4 in. (69.9 × 55.9 × 1.9 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Date
    1966-1967
    Description
    This red Starfleet uniform was worn by Nichelle Nichols as the character Lt. Uhura on the television show Star Trek. The red mini-dress is made from synthetic velour fabric with gold braid details and a black knit collar. The dress has full-length fitted sleeves, with a band of gold braid sewn around each sleeve approximately three (3) inches above the cuff hem. The dress closes with a metal invisible zipper that begins below the proper left front waist and ends at the proper left top shoulder, running across the front rather than at the side of the bodice. The zipper is left loose for several inches at the bottom before being joined to the fabric at the waist line. The skirt closes by snapping the proper left front with one (1) black metal snap at the proper right front, then with the proper right front skirt fastening on top of the left with one (1) black metal snap at the proper left front near the zipper. The back of the skirt has a slit reaching up to the waist seam. The black knit standing collar is asymmetrical, being deeper at the proper left front. The left side and back portion of the collar is not attached to the neck of the bodice, but is snapped in place around the interior neck with four (4) black metal snaps. A v-shaped patch with gold lame fabric and black embroidery is sewn with the point facing upward at the proper left front chest, with the proper left half of the patch not sewn down. This half of the patch is backed with black Velcro, fastening over the closed zipper.
    The dress is not lined and there are no labels in the dress. Two (2) hanger loops are sewn in the interior, one at the center back neck and one at the proper left shoulder, both made from grosgrain ribbon.
    Topic
    Actors
    Clothing and dress
    Costume
    Science
    Television
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2016.126
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • Black and purple figure skating costume worn by Debi Thomas

    Debi Thomas wore this purple and black costume when she won the U.S. and World Championships in 1986. Thomas would go on to become the first African American to win a medal at the Winter Olympics when she won a bronze medal in Ladies’ Singles Figure Skating in Calgary in 1988.
    Worn by
    Dr. Thomas, Debra Janine, American, born 1967
    Created by
    MacDonald Sheehan, Lauren, American, born 1956
    Medium
    Lycra, spandex, polyester, nylon, beads, and sequins
    Dimensions
    H x W: 27 3/16 × 14 9/16 in. (69 × 37 cm)
    Type
    leotards
    sports uniforms
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Clothing-Historical
    Place used
    Geneva, Switzerland, Europe
    Uniondale, Nassau County, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1986
    Caption
    Debi Thomas wore this purple and black costume when she won the U.S. and World Championships in 1986. Thomas would go on to become the first African American to win a medal at the Winter Olympics when she won a bronze medal in Ladies’ Singles Figure Skating in Calgary in 1988.
    Description
    A black and purple figure skating costume designed by Lauren Sheehan and worn by Debi Thomas in the 1986 U.S. and World Championships. The costume consists of a black, long-sleeve leotard with attached skirt. The leotard features a deep V at the neck, center back and center of each sleeve with sheer panels in the center and decorative crescent-shaped pieces of fabric in various shades of purple along the edges. They are outlined in clear bugle beads and small rhinestones. The body of the costume and sleeves are also covered in large rhinestones set in silver metal rings.
    The skirt of the costume is made up of sheer black pieces of fabric attached to the leotard, with strands of rhinestones, both medium and small. Some of the pieces of sheer black fabric have small, circle sequins at the end, while other have larger petal shaped beads in silver with a rainbow colored design on the back.
    On the back of the costume, a tan zipper runs from the neck down to the lower back.
    Topic
    Athletes
    Clothing and dress
    Figure skating
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Debra Janine Thomas
    Object number
    2016.38.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Digital image of Michelle Obama poster at the Women's March

    Digital image of Michelle Obama poster at the Women's March

    A digital image of a crowd of marchers at the Women's March in Washington, DC on January 21, 2017. At the center of the photograph is a poster of Michelle Obama depicted like the World War Two Rosie the Riveter poster. The top of the poster has the text [Yes We Can]. Under the text, Obama raises an arm and makes a muscle....
    Photograph by
    Jones, Leah L., American, born 1978
    Subject of
    Unidentified Woman or Women
    First Lady Michelle Obama, American, born 1964
    Women's March, American, founded 2017
    Medium
    digital
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3840pixels × 5760pixels (3840 × 5760 cm)
    Type
    digital images
    digital media - born digital
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    4th Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    January 21, 2017
    Description
    A digital image of a crowd of marchers at the Women's March in Washington, DC on January 21, 2017. At the center of the photograph is a poster of Michelle Obama depicted like the World War Two Rosie the Riveter poster. The top of the poster has the text [Yes We Can]. Under the text, Obama raises an arm and makes a muscle. The crowd of marchers heads to left of the photograph and a news van is visible in the background.
    126.59 MB
    Topic
    Activism
    Feminism
    Gender
    Identity
    Local and regional
    Photography
    Politics (Practical)
    Social reform
    United States--History--2001-
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Leah L. Jones
    Object number
    2017.87.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Leah L. Jones
  • Image for Digital image of Carmen Perez, Linda Sarsour, and Tamika Mallory

    Digital image of Carmen Perez, Linda Sarsour, and Tamika Mallory

    A digital image of the leaders of the Women's March taken on Independence Avenue, off the main entrance of National Museum of the American Indian. From left to right: Carmen Perez, Linda Sarsour, and Tamika Mallory. The three stand in conversation in Washington, DC on the day of the march, January 21, 2017.
    Photograph by
    Jones, Leah L., American, born 1978
    Subject of
    Perez, Carmen, American
    Mallory, Tamika, American, born 1980
    Sarsour, Linda, American, born 1980
    Medium
    digital
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3456pixels × 5184pixels (3456 × 5184 cm)
    Type
    digital images
    digital media - born digital
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    January 21, 2017
    Description
    A digital image of the leaders of the Women's March taken on Independence Avenue, off the main entrance of National Museum of the American Indian. From left to right: Carmen Perez, Linda Sarsour, and Tamika Mallory. The three stand in conversation in Washington, DC on the day of the march, January 21, 2017.
    102.55 MB
    Topic
    Activism
    Feminism
    Gender
    Identity
    Local and regional
    Photography
    Politics (Practical)
    Social reform
    United States--History--2001-
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Leah L. Jones
    Object number
    2017.87.9
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Leah L. Jones
  • Image for Program for An Evening of Comedy with Jackie 'Moms' Mabley and Her Ladies

    Program for An Evening of Comedy with Jackie 'Moms' Mabley and Her Ladies

    Program for "An Evening of Comedy With Jackie Moms Mabley and Her Ladies," written by and starring Clarice Taylor. The performance was presented by the National Black Theatre, Inc. from April 17-May 25, 2003. At the top of the cover is a band in a gradient from black to white with black text. It reads [NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE, INC. / Dr....
    Created by
    National Black Theatre, American, founded 1968
    Subject of
    Taylor, Clarice, American, 1917 - 2011
    Mabley, Moms, American, 1897 - 1975
    Washington, Dinah, American, 1924 - 1963
    Holiday, Billie, American, 1915 - 1959
    Jackson, Mahalia, American, 1911 - 1972
    Rainey, Ma, American, 1886 - 1939
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (Closed): 8 1/2 × 5 1/2 × 1/16 in. (21.6 × 14 × 0.2 cm)
    H x W (Open): 8 1/2 × 12 in. (21.6 × 30.5 cm)
    Type
    programs
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Place used
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    2003
    Description
    Program for "An Evening of Comedy With Jackie Moms Mabley and Her Ladies," written by and starring Clarice Taylor. The performance was presented by the National Black Theatre, Inc. from April 17-May 25, 2003. At the top of the cover is a band in a gradient from black to white with black text. It reads [NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE, INC. / Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, Founder & CEO / Mabil Falson & Jackie Jeffries Associate Producers]. Below is a black and white photographic image of Clarice Taylor dressed for her role as Moms Mabley. Taylor is wearing a floppy hat, house dress, and large, unbuttoned shirt. Behind her is a brick wall with [MOMS] written in white. The "o" in Moms is a heart. Black text on the bottom half reads [AN EVENING OF COMEDY WITH / JACKIE MOMS MABLEY / AND HER LADIES / WRITTEN BY & STARRING / CLARICE TAYLOR / FEATURING / JOHN STANLEY / APRIL 17TH THROUGH MAY 25TH, 2003]. Other actresses portrayed Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Mahalia Jackson, and Ma Rainey in the show. The program includes cast biographies and information about the National Black Theatre.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Topic
    Actors
    Comedy
    Comedy (Theatre)
    Entertainers
    Singers (Musicians)
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of William and James Thomas and family in memory of Clarice Taylor
    Object number
    2013.188.37
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
  • Image for Katherine Johnson, Hampton, Virginia

    Katherine Johnson, Hampton, Virginia

    An archival pigment portrait print of Katherine Johnson, seated with her hands on her hips. Johnson wears a black suit, red top, and a patterned black and gold scarf. Accessories include glasses, earrings, and a beaded necklace. In the background is a beach and the ocean under an overcast sky. There are no inscriptions on the front or back.
    Photograph by
    Leibovitz, Annie, American, born 1949
    Subject of
    Katherine Johnson, American, 1918 - 2020
    Medium
    pigment on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W (Image): 14 5/8 × 14 3/8 in. (37.1 × 36.5 cm)
    H x W (Sheet): 16 × 16 in. (40.6 × 40.6 cm)
    Type
    pigment prints
    portraits
    digital prints
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    Hampton, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    2016
    Description
    An archival pigment portrait print of Katherine Johnson, seated with her hands on her hips. Johnson wears a black suit, red top, and a patterned black and gold scarf. Accessories include glasses, earrings, and a beaded necklace. In the background is a beach and the ocean under an overcast sky. There are no inscriptions on the front or back.
    Topic
    Photography
    Science
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Annie Leibovitz
    Object number
    2016.162
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Annie Leibovitz
  • Image for Charlene Hodges Byrd collection

    Charlene Hodges Byrd collection

    43 Linear feet (35 document boxes and 39 oversize boxes)
    smithsonian online virtual archive
    Record
    Creator
    Byrd, Charlene Hodges, 1929-2009
    name
    Shimm, Erminie F. (Erminie Florence), 1867-1936
    Thomas, Elizabeth N. (Elizabeth Nelson), d. 1932
    Cummings, Ida R. (Ida Rebecca), 1868-1958
    Morgan State College
    Hodges, Joyce Ethel Cummings, 1903-1971
    Grimke, Francis J. (Francis James), 1850-1937
    Bearden, Romare, 1911-1988
    Washington, Booker T., 1856-1915
    Douglass, Frederick, 1817?-1895
    Shimm, Sarah A., 1843-1885
    object type
    Archival materials
    place
    Washington (D.C.)
    inclusive dates
    circa 1750-2009
    bulk dates
    bulk 1880-1960
    Physical description
    43 Linear feet (35 document boxes and 39 oversize boxes)
    Abstract
    The Charlene Hodges Byrd collection measures 43 linear feet, and dates from circa 1750-2009, with the bulk of the material dating from 1880-1960. The collection documents the personal life and professional career of Charlene Hodges Byrd, an African American teacher from Washington, D.C., along with material for several related families from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Family members prominently represented include Sarah A. Shimm, teacher and essayist under the name Faith Lichen; her daughters Erminie F. Shimm and Grace E. Shimm Cummings, both teachers; and Byrd's mother, Joyce Ethel Cummings Hodges, also a teacher. Correspondence and writings chiefly discuss family life, religion, race, education, and the relationship with Frederick Douglass and his family. The collection is arranged in 10 series: Biographical Material, Correspondence, Writings, Subject Files, Financial and Legal Records, Printed Material, Volumes, Memorabilia, Textiles, and Photographs.
    Preferred Citation
    Charlene Hodges Byrd collection, circa 1750-2009. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
    Scope and Contents
    Series 1. Papers related to biographical and family histories of the Byrd, Cummings, Davage, Dews, Hodges, Shimm, Spruill, and Thomas families. Material includes family trees; school diplomas and certificates; programs; awards; marriage and divorce papers; funeral documents; and obituaries.
    Series 2: Chiefly letters from family and friends regarding family news, financial matters, school, work, neighborhood affairs, church events, travel and the weather. The majority of the letters are addressed to Charlene Hodges Byrd, Grace E. Shimm Cummings, Ida R. Cummings, Elizabeth Dews Hodges, Joyce Ethel Cummings Hodges, Erminie F. Shimm, Sarah A. Shimm, and Elizabeth N. Thomas. Other correspondence includes letters from Booker T. Washington, Bessye Beardon, Charlotte Davage, Amelia Douglass, and Harrell S. Spruill. There are also a number of greeting cards, postcards, and empty envelopes.
    Series 3. Writings include essays, speeches, papers written for school, teacher's notebooks, and a diary of Erminie F. Shimm, 1903. Topics include education, Frederick Douglass, religion, race, Africa, and the temperance movement.
    Series 4. Subject files on Charlene Hodges Byrd's involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Book Lovers of Charleston, West Virginia, a women's book club organized in 1923; Church Women United radio program; and The Links, Inc., a volunteer service organization. The papers on Liberia relate to missionary work, and were probably gathered by Erminie F. Shimm; and the Shimm-Thomas Collection are papers related to the deposit and later return of family items housed as a collection at Morgan State College.
    Series 5. The financial and legal records include invoices and receipts, bank books, real estate tax assessments, deeds, and wills. There is also material related to the estate of Erminie F. Shimm.
    Series 6. Printed materials includes books, pamphlets, newspapers, newsletters, clippings, invitations and programs. The books and pamphlets are chiefly school yearbooks and newspapers and other texts related to religion, politics, music, and poetry. Also included is a copy of Frederick Douglass's autobiography and a printed copy of his speech "The Race Problem." The clippings include obituaries, articles about Charlene Hodges Byrd and her husband Charles R. Byrd, essays by Sarah A. Shimm under the name Faith Lichen, and articles on the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. The invitations and programs are primarily for school graduations, weddings, social events, and funerals. Other printed material includes newsletters; business cards; calling cards; postage stamps, chiefly from Liberia; and blank postcards. The binder on Frederick Douglass was prepared by Byrd and her goddaughter for the West Virginia School Studies Fair, and includes copies of Byrd family artifacts.
    Series 7. Autograph books, guest books, and scrapbooks. The autograph book of Grace E. Shimm Cummings includes autographs from Amelia Douglass, Lewis B. Douglass, Charles R. Douglass, W. H. Clair, and Francis J. Grimke. The scrapbook of Grace E. Shimm Cummings and Erminie F. Shimm consists primarily of clippings, and was assembled from an old teacher's book with a student registration and punishment pages still intact at the back.
    Series 8. Miscellaneous items in the collection including artwork, a coin purse, a piece of handwoven cloth belonging to Catherine Nelson's great grandmother, and leather hair curlers.
    Series 9: The textiles are chiefly christening gowns, children's garments, and an apron. Several garments belonged to Joyce Ethel Cummings Hodges, Charlene Hodges Byrd, and Elizabeth N. Thomas. There is also a doll that belonged to Amelia Douglass's niece, Kitty Cromwell.
    Series 10. Photographs include pictures of Charlene Hodges Byrd, Joyce Ethel Hodges Cummings, Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Dews Hodges, Charles Gilmor Cummings, Grace E. Shimm Cummings, Erminie F. Shimm, and other friends and relatives of the Byrd, Hodges, Cummings, Douglass, and Shimm families. Subjects are primarily portraits and candids, along with some wedding, baby, and school pictures. While some of the photographs are annotated, many of the individuals are unidentified. Included are vintage photographs, cabinet cards, cartes-de-visites, tintypes, daguerreotypes, and negatives.
    Biographical / Historical
    The Shimm, Thomas, Cummings, Hodges, Davage, and related African American families chiefly lived in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Numerous family members worked as teachers, barbers, or in the service industry. They were active in local churches and service organizations, and had established friendships with local church leaders as well as with Frederick Douglass and his family.
    The Shimm and Thomas families were located in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. The Thomas family can be traced back to Philip Nelson, who owned property in Leesburg, Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Family genealogical papers list Nelson as a descendent of British Admiral Horatio Nelson. This lineage, however, is not supported in publically available family histories of Horatio Nelson. Philip Nelson and his wife Araminta had five children: Catherine (b. 1805?), William, Levi (b. 1820?), Henrietta, and Grayson.
    Catherine Nelson married Elias E. Thomas (b. 1816?) of Virginia in 1840. They wed in Philadelphia and had five children: Levi Nelson (b. 1841), Sarah (1843-1885), Edward (b. 1844), Elizabeth (1848-1932), and Charles (b. 1851).
    Sarah Thomas married William Y. Shimm (b. 1841), a barber in Reading, Pennsylvania, on July 26, 1863. They had 2 daughters, Erminie (1867-1936) and Grace (1865-1910). The Shimms lived in Pennsylvania and Ohio, but had moved to Washington, D.C., around 1871. Sarah was a teacher and a writer who published under the name "Faith Lichen." Her writings, primarily essays and commentaries about race and politics, were printed in several newspapers including The National Republican, The Celtic Weekly, The People's Advocate, and The Sunday Morning Gazette.
    Sarah's sister Elizabeth was also a teacher in Maryland. Her brother Charles was a lawyer in Washington, D.C., and a graduate of the first class at Howard University's law school.
    Erminie and Grace Shimm became teachers in the Washington, D.C., public school system. Erminie was active in her church and supportive of missionary work in Liberia. Grace married Charles Gilmor Cummings, a pastor in Alexandria, Virginia, on July 9, 1902. They had one daughter, Joyce Ethel (1903-1971), and second child in 1905 who died in infancy. Grace died in 1910 of heart failure. After her death, Grace's sister Erminie and Charles's family helped raise Joyce Ethel in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland.
    Joyce Ethel Cummings Hodges graduated from Morgan College in 1924, and received her master's degree from Howard University in 1931. She taught at Douglass High School in Baltimore from 1924-1964. Joyce Ethel married Charles E. Hodges (1900--975) in 1927 and they divorced in 1953. The couple had one daughter, Charlene (1929-2009).
    Charlene Hodges Byrd grew up in Washington, D.C., but attended the Northfield School for Girls in East Northfield, Massachusetts, for high school, graduating in 1946. She received her bachelor's degree from Connecticut College in 1950, and her master's degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago in 1951. She married Charles R. Byrd (1919-2004) in 1952. They had one son in 1954, but he died four days after birth. Byrd soon began a career as a teacher and education administrator, eventually working for Kanawha County Schools in Charleston, West Virginia. She was also active in her local community as a member of the Book Lovers of Charleston, West Virginia; Church Women United; and The Links, Inc.
    Charles E. Hodges was born Bridgewater, Virginia, where his father was a minister. He graduated from Morgan College in 1923 and received his master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1943. He was a teacher and served as principal of the North Street School in Hagerstown, Maryland. After he and Joyce Ethel divorced in 1953, he married Elizabeth Dews (1913-1999) in 1955.
    Elizabeth Dews Hodges, born Elizabeth Virginia Waumbeeka, was adopted by James Edward (1889-1954) and Sarah Virginia Dews (1888?-1964) in Washington, D.C., in 1920. She graduated from Miner Teachers College in 1939, and worked as a teacher in Annapolis, Maryland, at Wiley H. Bates High School for 34 years. She was awarded a medal for her work there by the Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge in 1959. Elizabeth was active in local organizations in Maryland and Washington, D.C., including the SE/NE Friends of the Capitol View Branch Library; Eastern Star Chapter 4; Mount Ephraim Baptist Church; National Museum of Women in the Arts; National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples; and the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind.
    The Davage family is descended from Sidney Hall (b. 1818?) and Charles Davage (b. 1815?). Sidney was a former slave at the Perry Hall mansion in Baltimore, and was manumitted by 1840. She married Charles, a coachman, on April 12, 1842. They had five children: Eliza Jane (1843-1913), Sophia (b. 1847), Charlotte (b. 1849), Charles (b. 1854), and Hester (b. 1845). Their daughter Eliza Jane married Henry Cummings (b. 1830?). They had seven children: Harry Sythe (1866-1917), Charles Gilmor (1870-1924), William (b. 1882), Ida R. (1868-1958), Estelle (1874-1944), Carroll (b. 1875), Francis (b. 1872), and Aaron (1864?-1932).
    Harry Sythe Cummings, a lawyer in Baltimore, became the city's first African American City Council member. He was first elected in 1890 and served intermittently until his death in 1917, often working on issues related to education. Cummings also delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention in 1904 seconding the presidential nomination of Theodore Roosevelt. He married Blanche Conklin in 1899, and they had three children: Harry S. Jr. (b. 1905), Lucille (d. 1906), and Louise.
    Charles Gilmor Cummings graduated from Drew Theological Seminary in 1898, and was a pastor in Alexandria, Virginia and elsewhere. After the death of his wife Grace in 1910, he married Rosa Catherine Bearden, grandmother of artist Romare Bearden, in 1912.
    Ida R. Cummings graduated from Morgan College in 1922, and was the first African American kindergarten teacher in Baltimore. She was also active in local organizations, and was president of the Colored Fresh Air and Empty Stocking Circle; chairman of the Woman's Section Council of Defense in Baltimore during the World War, 1914-1918; and president of the Woman's Campaign Bureau of the Colored Republican Voters' League of Maryland.
    Conditions Governing Access
    Access to collection requires appointment.
    topic
    African Americans -- Maryland
    African Americans -- Photographs
    African American families
    African Americans -- Pennsylvania
    African American newspapers
    African American -- Social life and customs
    African American women journalists
    African Americans -- Education
    African American churches
    African American educators
    African Americans -- Washington (D.C.)
  • Image for Pinback button for the Women's Bail Fund

    Pinback button for the Women's Bail Fund

    A red-orange and black pinback button for the Women's Bail Fund. Black text around the button reads [All Prisoners Are Political Prisoners / Women's Bail Fund]. At center there is a depiction of a woman behind bars, the depiction is surrounded by the women's symbol. On the exterior edge, there is an illegible manufacturer's mark. The back of the button has a metal pin with a clasp.
    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Women's Bail Fund, American, founded 1970
    Medium
    ink on paper with metal and plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 1 1/4 × 1 1/4 × 3/16 in. (3.2 × 3.2 × 0.5 cm)
    Type
    buttons (information artifacts)
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera
    Exhibition
    A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 1, C1 053
    Place used
    United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1970s
    Description
    A red-orange and black pinback button for the Women's Bail Fund. Black text around the button reads [All Prisoners Are Political Prisoners / Women's Bail Fund]. At center there is a depiction of a woman behind bars, the depiction is surrounded by the women's symbol. On the exterior edge, there is an illegible manufacturer's mark. The back of the button has a metal pin with a clasp.
    Topic
    Activism
    Civil rights
    Politics (Practical)
    Prisons
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of T. Rasul Murray
    Object number
    2013.68.22
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
  • Image for Straw hat owned by Rosa Parks

    Straw hat owned by Rosa Parks

    A straw hat with a chiffon band (2018.31.4.2a) and pin (2018.31.4.2b) owned by Rosa Parks. The straw hat is light in color and has a brim that is longer in the front than in the back. The edge of the brim is fairly thick. Around the base of the hat is a cream colored chiffon band. The chiffon band is pinned with a Women In Community Service (WICS) metal pin that is gold in color....
    Manufactured by
    Michelle
    Owned by
    Rosa Parks, American, 1913 - 2005
    Subject of
    Women In Community Service, founded 1967
    Medium
    2018.31.4.2a: straw and chiffon
    2018.31.4.2b: metal
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (Hat (2018.31.4.2a)): 4 1/2 × 12 1/4 × 10 in. (11.4 × 31.1 × 25.4 cm)
    L x W (Pin (2018.31.4.2b)): 3 × 1/2 in. (7.6 × 1.3 cm)
    Type
    hats
    Classification
    Clothing-Historical
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053
    Place used
    Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1960s-1980s
    Description
    A straw hat with a chiffon band (2018.31.4.2a) and pin (2018.31.4.2b) owned by Rosa Parks. The straw hat is light in color and has a brim that is longer in the front than in the back. The edge of the brim is fairly thick. Around the base of the hat is a cream colored chiffon band. The chiffon band is pinned with a Women In Community Service (WICS) metal pin that is gold in color. The pin is long and thin. The top of the pin has [Women In Community Service] arced over a circle with a tear drop shape at center. [WICS] is below the circle. The interior of the hat has white and red manufacturer's label reading [Michelle].
    Topic
    Activism
    Associations and institutions
    Civil rights
    Clothing and dress
    Social reform
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the Library of Congress
    Object number
    2018.31.4.2ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • Uphold Your Men

    This colorful silk screen print depicts a female figure wearing a long red dress in the center of the image. She wears a blue ankh necklace, an Afro hairstyle, and has a spiral symbol on her forehead. She stands with her arms crossed, against a red and orange background with graphic shapes and letters in bright yellow, blue, and green with black accents....
    Created by
    Lawrence, Carolyn Mims, American, born 1940
    Subject of
    AfriCOBRA, founded 1968
    Signed by
    Lawrence, Carolyn Mims, American, born 1940
    Williams, Gerald, American, born 1941
    Jones-Henderson, Napoleon, American, born 1943
    Jarrell, Jae, American, born 1935
    Mallory, Howard R. Jr., American, 1930 - 2012
    Jones-Hogu, Barbara, American, 1938 - 2017
    Medium
    printing ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 30 × 24 in. (76.2 × 61 cm)
    Type
    screen prints
    Classification
    Visual Arts
    Place made
    Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Description
    This colorful silk screen print depicts a female figure wearing a long red dress in the center of the image. She wears a blue ankh necklace, an Afro hairstyle, and has a spiral symbol on her forehead. She stands with her arms crossed, against a red and orange background with graphic shapes and letters in bright yellow, blue, and green with black accents. The letters spell out [UPHOLD YOUR MEN] across the top and [UNIFY YOUR FAMILIES] across the bottom. The artist's signature is in blue in the bottom right corner of the image. The print is also signed along the bottom margin in pencil by the artist and several AfriCOBRA members: Gerald Williams, Napoleon Henderson, Jae Jarrell, Howard R. Mallory, Jr. and Barbara Jones-Hogu.
    Topic
    Art
    Families
    Gender
    Men
    Resistance
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2014.130.4
  • Image for Digtal image of a marcher at the Women's March

    Digtal image of a marcher at the Women's March

    A digital image of marchers from the Women's March in Washington, DC on January 21, 2017. The image shows marchers on the National Mall, near Jefferson Dr. SW across from US Department of Agriculture building. At center, an unidentified woman holds a black and pink poster....
    Photograph by
    Jones, Leah L., American, born 1978
    Subject of
    Unidentified Woman or Women
    Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968
    Women's March, American, founded 2017
    Medium
    digital
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3840pixels × 5760pixels (3840 × 5760 cm)
    Type
    digital images
    digital media - born digital
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    January 21, 2017
    Description
    A digital image of marchers from the Women's March in Washington, DC on January 21, 2017. The image shows marchers on the National Mall, near Jefferson Dr. SW across from US Department of Agriculture building. At center, an unidentified woman holds a black and pink poster. The poster has a MLK quote that reads: [Nothing In All The World / Is More / Dangerous Than / Sincere Ignorance And / Conscientious Stupidity / MLK 1963]. Other marchers are around the woman at center, many of who hold posters of their own.
    126.59 MB
    Topic
    Activism
    Feminism
    Gender
    Identity
    Local and regional
    Photography
    Politics (Practical)
    Social reform
    United States--History--2001-
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Leah L. Jones
    Object number
    2017.87.4
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Leah L. Jones

  • Jeannine Smith Clark Oral History Interview

    An oral history interview of Smithsonian volunteer and Regent Jeannine Smith Clark, conducted on August 7, 2018 by Kelly Elaine Navies. The interview consists of one digital MOV video file captured on Canon 300, with a duration of 1:25:08. The file is 7.4 GB.
    Created by
    National Museum of African American History and Culture, American, founded 2003
    Interview of
    Clark, Jeannine Smith, American, 1928 - 2018
    Interviewed by
    Navies, Kelly Elaine, American
    Recorded by
    Moir, Kim, American
    Subject of
    Smithsonian Institution, American, founded 1846
    Poor People's Campaign, American, 1967 - 1968
    Dunbar High School, American, founded 1870
    Howard University, American, founded 1867
    Anacostia Community Museum, American, founded 1967
    National Museum of Natural History, American, founded 1910
    Kinard, John, American, 1936 - 1989
    Brown, Claudine K., American, 1949 - 2016
    Asbury United Methodist Church, American, founded 1836
    Medium
    digital
    Dimensions
    Duration: 85 minutes (5100 seconds)
    Type
    oral histories
    digital media - born digital
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Place depicted
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Germany, Europe
    Date
    2018
    Description
    An oral history interview of Smithsonian volunteer and Regent Jeannine Smith Clark, conducted on August 7, 2018 by Kelly Elaine Navies. The interview consists of one digital MOV video file captured on Canon 300, with a duration of 1:25:08. The file is 7.4 GB.
    In this interview, Ms. Clark discusses her life and work in Washington, DC, as well as her storied family history. The first part of the interview covers her early family life and education in Washington, DC. Her family has been in Washington, DC at least since the early 19th century. Her parents were the activist and business couple John Archibald and Lorena Jackson Smith. Clark attended DC’s historically prestigious Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, and later Howard University, where she met her husband, Charles Howell Clark, MD. She describes their meeting in this interview.
    The second half of the of the interview covers her various roles at the Smithsonian from being one of the very first African American docents when she started in 1968 in the midst of the Poor People’s Campaign, to being the first African American woman appointed to the Board of Regents. She also discusses being the Chair of the Women’s Committee and a founding member of the Cultural Education Committee. Towards the end of the interview, Ms. Clark reflects on the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Finally, Ms. Clark was in failing health during the interview and knew that she would be leaving this life soon. She passed away one day before her 90 birthday on October 4, 2018.
    Topic
    Activism
    Africa
    Education
    Families
    HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
    Local and regional
    Museums
    Women
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2018.109
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
  • Image for Ghana Women Dancing

    Ghana Women Dancing

    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....
    Created by
    Biggers, John, American, 1924 - 2001
    Medium
    oil on canvas
    Dimensions
    Frame: 43 1/4 x 37 3/16 x 2 in. (109.9 x 94.5 x 5.1 cm)
    H x W (Canvas): 36 1/4 x 30 1/8 in. (92.1 x 76.5 cm)
    Type
    oil paintings
    Classification
    Visual Arts
    Exhibition
    Visual Art and the American Experience
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 052
    Place made
    Houston, Harris County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1968
    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.
    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.
  • Image for Walking

    Walking

    Walking recalls the bus boycotts in the 1950s and anticipated the civil rights marches of the 1960s. The work not only depicts the spirit and conviction of the civil rights protests, it also references the significant role of women and youth in the movement.
    Created by
    Alston, Charles Henry, American, 1907 - 1977
    Medium
    oil paint and gesso on canvas
    Dimensions
    H x W: 48 3/8 x 64 3/4 x 1 1/4 in. (122.9 x 164.5 x 3.2 cm)
    Type
    oil paintings
    Classification
    Visual Arts
    Exhibition
    Visual Art and the American Experience
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 052
    Place depicted
    Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1958
    Caption
    Walking recalls the bus boycotts in the 1950s and anticipated the civil rights marches of the 1960s. The work not only depicts the spirit and conviction of the civil rights protests, it also references the significant role of women and youth in the movement.
    Description
    This colorful, modernist painting depicts women and a young girl walking in front of a long line of others. The figures move out of a shadowy background on the left, towards the light, emanating from the upper right corner. The line appears to be moving forwards, out of the picture plane. The women leading the line step forward strongly to the viewer's right; their leg movements are delineated by the columns of strongly contrasting light and shadow of their long skirts. The leading woman's face is upturned towards the light. Next to and slightly behind her a second female figure, with forward facing gaze, has her right arm around a much smaller female figure. This child figure moves with the line but turns her head to face the viewer, hands folded at the waist. Directly behind them is another female figure carrying a swathed infant. There are several isolated individuals outside the orderly grouping of the line. The line is the focus of their gaze; the nearest individual turns her back on the viewer as she focuses on the line.
    Topic
    Activism
    Art
    Children
    Civil rights
    Resistance
    United States--History--1953-1961
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Sydney Smith Gordon
    Object number
    2007.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Charles Alston Estate
  • Image for The Argument

    The Argument

    This oil painting depicts a street scene with a group of men arguing. In the painting's foreground are five men standing in a rough circle. Two men have their backs to the viewer, one tall thin figure wearing a grey suit and fedora. He carries a cigarette in his left hand, held behind his back. The second man is short, fat, and wears a light colored shirt and dark blue pants....
    Created by
    Motley, Archibald John Jr., American, 1891 - 1981
    Owned by
    Barnett-Aden Gallery, American, 1943 - 1969
    Medium
    oil on canvas
    Dimensions
    H x W: 40 × 30 in. (101.6 × 76.2 cm)
    Type
    paintings
    Classification
    Visual Arts
    Exhibition
    Visual Art and the American Experience
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 052
    Place depicted
    Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1940
    Description
    This oil painting depicts a street scene with a group of men arguing. In the painting's foreground are five men standing in a rough circle. Two men have their backs to the viewer, one tall thin figure wearing a grey suit and fedora. He carries a cigarette in his left hand, held behind his back. The second man is short, fat, and wears a light colored shirt and dark blue pants. He is balding and has his hands on his hips. He faces three taller men. The tallest wears a brown bowler hat over one eye and red tie with a dark blue suit. He stands with his legs spread and has a cigarette in his open mouth. Next to him is a man in a light colored suit with a flat blue cap. He holds a smoking cigarette in front of his face with his right hand. The third man wears a dark blue suit and flat cap. He leans against the wall behind him and gestures with his right hand. Slightly in front of him is an overflowing can of garbage. Slightly behind the group of men to the left is another man with his head tilted upwards, drinking from a flask. Above the men is an open window in the brick building behind them. A woman in a green sleeveless dress sits at the window, right hand on the sill, left hand touching her hair. Her head is turned downwards towards the men. Beyond the brick building is a small green yard with a laundry line. A woman in a red dress and white apron is hanging white sheets on the line. She looks over her shoulder at the group of men. Beyond the laundry line is a small house with a porch. A man in a white shirt and dark pants stands on the porch, leaning forward on the railings. It is signed and dated by the artist.
    Topic
    Art
    Communities
    Men
    Urban life
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Robert L. Johnson
    Object number
    2015.2.5
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Valerie Gerrard Browne. Permission required for use.
  • Image for Plywood panel from a mural at Resurrection City

    Plywood panel from a mural at Resurrection City

    Second (2) of twelve (12) painted plywood panels from the Resurrection City mural that was created and displayed in the encampment on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 1968....
    Created by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Poor People's Campaign, American, 1967 - 1968
    Medium
    oil paint and ink on plywood
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 48 x 96 x 1/2 in. (121.9 x 243.8 x 1.3 cm)
    Type
    mural paintings
    Classification
    Visual Arts
    Exhibition
    A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 1, C1 053
    Place used
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1968
    Description
    Second (2) of twelve (12) painted plywood panels from the Resurrection City mural that was created and displayed in the encampment on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 1968. Depicted on this panel is the continuation of the phrase "HUNGER'S WALL" from the panel to the left, along with other text in red, black and yellow paint, including "AMERICA - BREAK DOWN YOUR WALL", "Cosmic Brotherhood (High Frequency)", "Peace Brother", "MESTIZO", "LATINOS UNIDOS PARA SIEMPRE", and " Blackness for Blacks." This segment is from the upper row of panels, second from the left.
    Topic
    Activism
    Art
    Black power
    Freedom
    Justice
    Local and regional
    Men
    Poverty
    Race relations
    Resistance
    United States--History--1961-1969
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Vincent DeForest
    Object number
    2012.110.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
  • Image for Group portrait of women in red and white dresses

    Group portrait of women in red and white dresses

    A color photograph of a group of women. There are two rows. The first row has four women in the middle sitting on chairs and three women on the left kneeling and two on the right kneeling. The second row has 15 women standing. They are in front of a wood paneled wall. The women are wearing alternating white and pink dresses....
    Created by
    Rev. Anderson, Henry Clay, American, 1911 - 1998
    Subject of
    Unidentified Woman or Women
    Medium
    dye and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
    Type
    chromogenic color prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place made
    Greenville, Washington County, Mississippi, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1960 - 1970s
    Description
    A color photograph of a group of women. There are two rows. The first row has four women in the middle sitting on chairs and three women on the left kneeling and two on the right kneeling. The second row has 15 women standing. They are in front of a wood paneled wall. The women are wearing alternating white and pink dresses. The middle seated woman is holding a bouquet of flowers with a ribbon.
    Topic
    Fashion
    Photography
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles Schwartz and Shawn Wilson
    Object number
    2012.137.25.21
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture