Nmaahc Collection

Uniform cap worn by Pullman Porter Philip Henry Logan, 1966. Creator: Unknown
A black cap with metallic braid trim and a label reading PULLMAN PORTER in black. Being a Pullman porter was one of the jobs that helped build the black middle class in America

Washington DC, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
2030-306306-01

Bootsy Collins style star-shaped mirrored lens sunglasses, 1993-2013. Creator: elope, inc
A pair of sunglasses with five-pointed star-shaped mirrored lenses lisensed by Bootsy Collins. The bridge is made of a gold colored metal and has two (2) clear rubber nosepads attached to it

Drum major baton, early 20th century. Creator: Unknown
Drum major baton with a wooden body and a white metal tip and bulb. The wooden body is stained a dark brown and has two holes

Ticket to a boxing match between Floyd Patterson and Ingemar Johansson, June 25, 1959
The World Heavyweight Championship boxing match between African-American Floyd Patterson (1935-2006) and Swede Ingemar Johansson (1932-2009) was held at the Yankee Stadium in New York City

George Scott Winslow, 1866. Creator: Edmonia Lewis
Edmonia Lewis is one of the most important American sculptors of the 19th century. The free-born child of an African American man and a Chippewa woman, Lewis was also known by her tribal name

Radical Members of the South Carolina Legislature, 1868. Creator: Unknown
A carte-de-visite of sixty-four (64) so-called " Radical" members of the reconstructed South Carolina legislature after the Civil War

Carte-de-visite of Lt. Governor Oscar J. Dunn, 1868-1871. Creator: Unknown
An albumen print carte-de-visite portrait of African-American politician, musician and businessman Oscar J. Dunn. He is photographed standing with his right foot slightly forward than his left

Photograph of Kappa Alpha Psi members, 1937-1938. Creator: Dexheimer-Carlon Studios
Members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity in front of the Alpha Chapter house during the North Central Province regional meeting

Training robe worn by Muhammad Ali at the 5th Street Gym, 1964
White terry cloth Everlast robe worn by Muhammad Ali at the 5th Street Gym, a boxing gym in Miami Beach, Florida. Ali became World Heavyweight Boxing Champion the same year

Army belt flashlight, 1917. Creator: Beacon Electric Works
Flashlight with a metal body, glass lens, and leather strap, to attach the light to a belt. The front of the flashlight has a circular glass bulb

Bully beef can opener, 1914-1918. Creator: Unknown
Bully beef or corned beef is meat made from minced salt-cured brisket of beef in gelatin. The word bully possibly comes from the French " bouilli" (boiled)

US Army green service uniform worn by Colin L. Powell, 1989-1993
A US Army green service uniform worn by Colin L. Powell as General and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell, (born 1937), was the first African-American Secretary of State

Photograph of a man sitting down with a woman standing next to him, 1880s - 1900
A black-and-white cabinet card photograph of an African-American man and woman. The man is sitting in a chair on the left side of the photograph

Washington, D.C. National Museum of African American History and Culture
2030-305659-01

Dress worn by Isabel Sanford as Louise Jefferson on The Jeffersons, 1979
This dress was worn by African-American actor Isabel Sanford (1917-2004) as the character Louise Jefferson on the television show " The Jeffersons." The maxi dress is made of a synthetic

Leaflet for Club de Memo, ca. 1944. Creators: Unknown, R. C. Lombardi
A light blue paper leaflet for Club de Memo in Los Angeles, California. The leaflet features the clubs name, address and a woman holding bubbles standing in a glass. The back of the leaflet is blank

Hat from Fruit of Islam uniform, 1950-1959. Creator: Unknown
The Fruit of Islam (FOI) is the security and disciplinary wing of the Nation of Islam, an African American movement and organisation, founded in 1930

Cap from Fruit of Islam uniform, ca. 1960. Creator: Unknown
Navy blue cap with black patent leather bill; Nation of Islam crescent moon and star present at front center. The Fruit of Islam (FOI) is the security and disciplinary wing of the Nation of Islam

Ticket for boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, 1965. Creator: Unknown
The fight, known as " Ali vs. Liston II" (the pair boxed previously in 1964 in Miami Beach, Florida), was Alis first after changing his name from Cassius Clay

Type AN 5835-1 dead reckoning computer owned by Fenton B. Sands, 1944-1948. Creator: J. B
Flight computer belonging to Tuskegee Airman Dr. Fenton B. Sands, an African-American First Lieutenant Navigator-Bombardier with the 617th Bombardment Squadron of the 477th Composite Group during

First aid kit, 1943-1945. Creator: Davis Emergency Equipment Co. Inc
A U.S. Army-issued first aid kit from World War II labeled [For Gas Casualties Only]. The green painted metal box has four latches on each side so, that when open

Votive candle stand with base from Saint Augustine Catholic Church, 20th century
A votive candle stand with ninety-nine candle holders. The holders all feature four stylized leaves. The top of the stand has five rows of with twenty holders each

Tin for Madame C. J. Walkers Hair and Scalp Preparation, 1940s - 1960s. Creator: Madam C
The Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, best known for its African-American cosmetics and hair care products, was founded in 1910 by Madam C. J. Walker

Bootsy Collins Space Bass guitar owned by Bootsy Collins, July 2002
A limited edition, Bootsy Collins Space Bass from Washburn Guitars (TR2013-140.1.1) owned by Bootsy Collins. This is a four-stringed electric bass guitar with an asymmetrical star shaped body modeled

Combat boots worn by Andre M. Jones during the Iraq War, 2003
Pair of tan desert combat boots manufactured by Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Co. Boots are 390 DES Hot Weather Combat Boot. Boots have tan shoe laces, with tan rubber sole. Leather and nylon body

Pinback button featuring "I Believe Anita Hill", 1991. Creator: Unknown
A round pink pin-back button with black lettering that reads: [I Believe / Anita Hill]. African-American lawyer and academic Anita Hill became a national figure in 1991 when she accused U.S

Pan African flag used at the Million Man March 20th Anniversary, 2015. Creator: Unknown
The Million Man March - a large gathering of African-American men in Washington, D.C. took place on 16 October 1995. It was called by Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam

Black dress worn by Oprah Winfrey as Sofia in The Color Purple, 1985. Creator: Unknown
Black dress worn by Oprah Winfrey as Sofia in The Color Purple, 1985. The short-sleeved shift dress is made from a single piece of black rayon-cotton blend satin that is folded in half at

Police Gazette Championship Belt and presentation case awarded to Ezzard Charles, 1948
Ezzard Mack Charles (1921-1975), known as the Cincinnati Cobra, was an African-American professional boxer and World Heavyweight Champion

Family temperance pledge for Luther Miller Pulce and Irene Jenkins, October 30, 1902
Temperance pledge for Luther Miller Pulce and Irene Jenkins of Centerville, Tennessee. A temperance or abstinence pledge is a commitment to practice abstinence, usually from alcohol

Wood hair comb from Ghana, 1950s. Creator: Unknown
It had been assumed that the afro comb was invented in the 1970s when the afro hairstyle became popular in the West, along with the Black is beautiful movement

Photograph album page with three photographs of women in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1920s
A collection of three black-and-white photographs of Tulsa women mounted on black construction paper.; 2013.79.20a: Black-and-white photograph of a woman wearing a dark dress with a white bodice

Dress worn by Celia Cruz, 1970s. Creator: JoseEnrique Arteaga
Metallic floor-length dress, worn by Cuban American singer Celia Cruz (1925-2003). Red, gold, and blue sequin dress designed with horizontal, varied stripes and large open sleeves

Photograph album page with three photographs, before 1921. Creator: Unknown
On one side of the paper there are two photographs showing people on a bridge, and people standing next to a building. On the other side of the paper is a photograph of a street view

Newspaper insert for Jesse Jackson 1984 presidential campaign, 1984. Creator: Unknown
Four-page newspaper insert outlining Jesse Jacksons 1984 Presidential platform and campaign pledges. African-American political activist, Baptist minister, and politician Rev

Photograph of people standing in a line on a street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ca. 1920
A black-and-white photograph that depicts a large group of people standing in a line on a street with one car in the center of the photograph

Letter from Vice President Al Gore and his wife Tipper Gore to Carl Lewis, December 16
African-American track and field athlete Carl Lewis (born 1961) won nine Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, and 10 World Championships medals, including eight gold

Masonic apron from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, late 18th century
African-American abolitionist Prince Hall (c. 1735-1807) founded Prince Hall Freemasonry and was a leader in the free black community in Boston

Ticket to a championship boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks, September 15
The World Heavyweight Championship boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks was held at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana

Letter from US Representative Tom DeLay to Carl Lewis, August 27, 1996. Creator: Unknown
African-American track and field athlete Carl Lewis (born 1961) won nine Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, and 10 World Championships medals, including eight gold

Pinback button for the 1963 March on Washington, 1963. Creator: Unknown
The purpose of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was to advocate for the civil and economic rights of African Americans. A white pin-back button with black text

Pinback button for Jesse Jacksons 1988 presidential campaign, 1988
African-American political activist, Baptist minister, and politician Rev. Jesse Jackson (born 1941) was a candidate for the US Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988

Vietnam tour jacket with Black Power embroidery, 1971-1972. Creator: Saha Union Group
Black jacket probably worn by an African-American soldier during the Vietnam war. The back features discolored white embroidery

Pinback button stating "Do the Right Thing!", 1994. Creator: Pleasant Company
Do the Right Thing was a 1989 comedy-drama written and directed by African-American filmmaker and producer Spike Lee. Round pin-back button featuring black type set against a pink background

Letter from US Representative Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr. to Carl Lewis, August 14, 1996
African-American track and field athlete Carl Lewis (born 1961) won nine Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, and 10 World Championships medals, including eight gold

Pinback button of Farrakhan quote, after 1985. Creator: Unknown
African-American religious leader and political activist Louis Farrakhan was appointed National Representative of the Nation of Islam by former NOI leader Elijah Muhammad

Certificate of endowment for the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, October 15, 1908
Certificate of endowment made out to Edgar Leroy Boyd by the Mutual Endowment Association of the District Grand Lodge of Ohio of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows

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"Exploring the Rich Tapestry of History at NMAAHC" Step into the past with "Waiting for the Hour, 1863, " a captivating artwork whose creators remain unknown but whose impact is undeniable. This piece transports us to a pivotal moment in history, inviting contemplation and reflection. Intrigue meets style with the iconic "Bootsy Collins style star-shaped mirrored lens sunglasses. " Created by elope, inc between 1993-2013, these shades embody funkadelic fashion while reflecting an era of self-expression and individuality. Feel the rhythm resonate through time as you encounter the "Drum major baton" from the early 20th century. Crafted by an anonymous creator, this instrument symbolizes leadership and unity within marching bands, reminding us of music's power to bring people together. Uncover stories of resilience and service with Pullman Porter Philip Henry Logan's "Uniform cap" from 1966. Though its creator remains unknown, this cap represents countless unsung heroes who dedicated their lives to providing exceptional service on America's railways. Relive boxing history through a glimpse into Floyd Patterson versus Ingemar Johansson's match on June 25th, 1959. The ticket serves as a tangible connection to an electrifying sporting event that captivated audiences worldwide. Marvel at Edmonia Lewis' masterpiece "George Scott Winslow, " sculpted in 1866. This creation showcases Lewis' extraordinary talent and celebrates African American achievements during a time when recognition was scarce but well-deserved. Witness political courage embodied in "Radical Members of the South Carolina Legislature" photograph from 1868. Created by an unknown artist, it immortalizes those who fought tirelessly for equality during Reconstruction—a testament to perseverance against adversity. Discover Lt. Governor Oscar J. Dunn through his enigmatic carte-de-visite from 1868-1871—an image that encapsulates his influential role in shaping history.