"Through the African American Lens: Selections from the Permanent Collection"

A new exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture showcases the trailblazers, innovators, visionaries and history makers who helped to shape this great nation. The exhibition will open May 8 in the NMAAHC Gallery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of American History

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Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Through the African American Lens

Tennis racket used by Althea Gibson

Manufactured by: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

Owned by: Althea Gibson

wood, rubber, synthetic fiber
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Through the African American Lens

Servants at a Pump, ca. 1840, Nicolino Calyo

oil paint on canvas

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Through the African American Lens

Hunted Slaves, 1862

oil paint on canvas

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Through the African American Lens

Red suit owned by James Brown, 1970-1989

synthetic fiber

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Through the African American Lens

Hammond B-3 organ owned by James Brown, 1968

vinyl, wood, metal

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Through the African American Lens

Uniform cap used by a Pullman porter, 1920-1969

cloth, plastic, metal

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Collection Highlights: Hope School Desk

Desk from the Hope School

Manufactured by: A. H. Andrews & Co.,1925-1954
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Through the African American Lens

French World War I Victory medal received by Lawrence McVey, after 1918

bronze, ribbon

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gina R. McVey, granddaughter
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Through the African American Lens

George Thompson Garrison’s military books, ca. 1860
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gifts of the Garrison Family in memory of George Thompson Garrison
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Through the African American Lens

Dress designed by Ann Lowe, 1966-1967

Silk, tulle, linen, metal

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane