Created by
Unidentified
Subject of
Williams, Matthew, 1908 -1931
Owned by
Henderson, Paul, American, 1899 - 1988
Date
December 1931
Medium
rope and oil with lead on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 12 x 9 in. (30.5 x 22.9 cm)
Description
A section of rope (a) tethered to a handwritten note that is in two pieces (bc).The note, written by Paul Henderson, is composed of graphite on tan paper, in a faint hand at the top is [Lyncher's Rope]. The main text of the note starts [Rope "souvenir" which was used by Salisbury, Md. mob to hang Matthew Williams, 23-year-old citizen]. Secured to the bottom of the note with two pieces of twine, the rope has been soaked in oil and appears brown in color. The note has been folded in multiple places and worn at the folds. It has been repaired with tape at the top fold and the bottom portion, holds the rope, has come completely detached.
Place depicted
Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Memorabilia and Ephemera
Tools and Equipment-Weapons and ammunition
Type
ropework
Topic
Hate crimes
Local and regional
Lynching
Race discrimination
U.S. History, 1919-1933
Violence
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Estate of Paul S. Henderson
Object number
2013.50abc
Restrictions & Rights
Public Domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5529d26bb-47ff-4e7f-a6e7-7f021505b888

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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