Items

• A Souvenir of Germantown Issued during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation At Philadelphia, Pa., September, 1913
  The Souvenir is rare and a historically significant photo booklet created and produced by J. Gordon Baugh Jr., a Black printer and civic leader based in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA. It was published in 1913 to coincide with
• Letter, Rebecca Johnson to Miss Anderson, May 19, 1945
  This letter was sent by Miss Rebecca Mary Johnson (July 10, 1905-October 4, 1991) to Miss Marian Anderson (February 27, 1897-April 8, 1993) on May 19, 1945. This letter was sent to share details about “a project for… intercultural advancement” that will feature famous Black Americans, like Marian Anderson (p. 1). Johnson asks Anderson questions about herself to be used in the exhibit for the benefit of the Springfield, Massachusetts community and youth.
• [Dinner at the Myers home in Levittown]
  This item is a black and white glossy photograph of William and Daisy Myers having dinner in their Levittown home. The couple are dressed in casual attire as William sits at the table while Daisy pours him coffee. When Levittown was first created the housing agreements included racist policies barring people of color from living in the community. The Myers became the first Black family to move into the 15,000 home all-White Levittown community in Bristol Township. They moved out of the integrated housing community of Bloomsdale to 43 Deepgreen Lane in Levittown, PA in August 1957.
• [Joe Louis on Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey]
  A black and white photograph taken by John W. Mosley (1907-1969). The photo features heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis (1914-1981) who sits in the center socializing with eight people on Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey. From 1937 to 1949, Joe Louis reigned as the heavyweight boxing champion of the world. He defended his title 25 times and was beaten only three times (Martha Louis 1991).
• Gloria Phillis, Butch Williams, and Cheryl Steele on Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey
  A black and white photograph taken by John W. Mosley. The image features five young Black people at the famous Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
• [Two women walking on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ]
  A black and white photograph taken by John W. Mosley. The image features two stylish Black women walking the boardwalk near Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The pair smile while sporting cat-eyed frame sunglasses. The Warren Theater–formerly the Warner Theater and currently The Hook–sits in the background.
• [People playing cards on the beach]
  A black and white photograph taken by John W. Mosley (1907-1969). The photo features four unidentified Black people playing cards at Chicken Bone Beach. In the background, beach goers socialize in beach chairs.
• [African-American women pose carrying beach supplies in Atlantic City.]
  A black and white photograph taken by John W. Mosley. The image features three stylish, unidentified Black women posing on the steps of the boardwalk near Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Belongings in hand, two of the women smile directly towards the camera, while the other smiles while looking to the side.
• Paul Robeson with Christine Moore Howell and a child.
  Paul Robeson with Christine Moore Howell and a child, in front of William Moore’s furniture store on Spring Street.
• Council of the City of Philadelphia, Resolution Honoring the Rich Life and Loving Memory of Jaci Adams
  **Honoring Jaci Adams: A Legacy of Advocacy and Leadership** Jaci Adams (1956 - 2014) was a remarkable transwoman whose life embodied resilience and the "American Dream." Born in Beckley, WV., and raised in North Philadelphia, Adams overcame a history of abuse, addiction, and incarceration to become a fierce advocate for social justice, particularly for the trans community (Staff 2014).
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The House of Representatives, Condolence Resolution
  Condolence resolution in honor of Jaci Adams (1956 - 2014). The law enforcement officer was a remarkable transwoman whose life embodied resilience and the "American Dream." Born in Beckley, WV., and raised in North Philadelphia, Adams overcame a history of abuse, addiction, and incarceration to become a fierce advocate for social justice, particularly for the trans community (Staff 2014).
• Standing Victrola
  Originally belonged to the Smith brothers (Alfonso, Clarence, Raymond, and Leon), who were born in Neshanic Station to Joseph Smith Jr. and Cora Smith of Pennington. The brothers pooled their money to purchase the Victrola for their family's enjoyment.
• Georgine E. Upshur [Willis], 1943 University of Pennsylvania Graduation
  This photograph features Mrs. Georgine "Gene" Elizabeth (née Upshur) Willis posing for her graduation from the University of Pennsylvania in 1943.
• Mrs. Gene Upshur Willis news clippings
  This collection of news clippings are about Upshur family achievements, including: Georgine Upshur and a Y.W.C.A. baby contest, her Philadelphia High School for Girls graduation and coming out parties, and passing of the state mortician’s exam circa 1949.