The Smithsonian Institution is preparing to install its 19th museum in 2015 — the National Museum of African American History & Culture. BlackEnterprise.com got a sneak peek at some of the artifacts that will be in the museum, and we’ve selected the 10 we find most fascinating to share with you.
Muhammad Ali’s Headgear, circa 1960s
In the 1960s, when he still went by the name Cassius Clay and was just beginning to understand his strength as a fighter, Muhammad Ali practiced at the 5th Street Gym in Louisville, Kentucky. This was one of his first pieces of headgear. Ali was first encouraged to get into boxing by a Louisville cop, who after seeing Ali frustrated over his bicycle getting stolen, suggested the young boy learn how to fight back.
Bill of sale for young slave girl, 1835
The tattered paper is a bill of sale for 16-year-old Polly, for $600. The sale was between Martin Bridgeman and Wm H. Mood, both of whom lived in Jackson County, Arkansas. The bill describes the girl as being of “yellow complexion and black eyes.” Experts say by the time the Civil War began, a girl of Polly’s age would have sold for $1,500.
Chuck Berry’s Cadillac, circa 1973
This auto beauty was just one of many in “The Father of Rock ‘n Roll”’s collection of Cadillacs. The car was featured in the documentary “Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n Roll.” Berry gifted the car to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Harriet Tubman’s Hymn Book, circa 1876
This artifact has a special place in the heart of its donor, Charles Blockson. Blockson’s own ancestors escaped slavery with Tubman’s assistance, and today he owns hundreds of similar artifacts, but gave this one to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Rosa Parks’ Dress, circa 1955
Parks was in the process of making this dress when she was arrested for famously refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus. Parks was a professional seamstress and this particular dress is made of rayon, in a georgette print. The dress will be part of the Black Fashion Museum Collection, which will be in the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Tuskegee Airplane, Boeing-Stearman PT-13D Kaydet, circa 1944
This is one of the training planes used by black fighter pilots during World War II at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. It was powered by a radial engine. The instructor would sit in the back seat and the student in the front.
Nat Turner’s Bible, 1830s
Nat Turner was the leader of a slave rebellion that saw the most deaths in any one slave uprising before the U.S. Civil War. An estimated 55 to 65 people were killed. The rebellion was put down within a few days, but Turner survived in hiding for more than two months. This bible was donated by a Virginia Beach family. Turner was a very religious man and claimed he saw visions that led to his revolt.
Michael Jackson’s Fedora, circa 1992
In 1984, Jackson set a record for the most Grammy Awards won for one album, going home with eight awards for his hit album “Thriller.” This was the fedora he wore during the Victory Tour that same year.
Middle Passage Shackles (Wrought Iron), pre-1863
These and similar shackles were used to hold slaves in bondage during their voyages from Africa to the Americas.
Louis Armstrong’s Selmer Trumpet
One of the leaders and perhaps inventors of swing, Armstrong still influences jazz music today. The trumpet was a gift to him from King George V in 1933.