Items

• Family Outing
• Marriage certificate, [Washington C. Young to Amanda L. West]
  This marriage certificate for Washington Craig Young (January 2, 1860-November 2, 1931) and Amanda L. (West) Young (June 20, 1860-January 20, 1943) features two bust-length, carte-de-visite studio portrait photographs, gold touches, pictorial details, an ornate border, and text.
• A Souvenir of Germantown Issued during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation At Philadelphia, Pa., September, 1913
  The Souvenir is a historically significant photo booklet created and produced by J. Gordon Baugh Jr., a Black printer and civic leader based in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA.
• 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.
• Photograph. Christine Moore Howell and her sister, Bessie, in front of "Christine" Vanity Parlor
  This photograph is of sisters Christine Moore Howell and Bessie Moore in front of “Christine” Vanity Parlors in Princeton, New Jersey around the 1920s when the vanity parlor opened. They would have been around the ages of 22 and 23 respectively at this time.
• Adrian Stanford Black and Queer
  Adrian Stanford (d: 1981) - No online obituary or birth certificate about the poet exists. Internet records suggest that his writings were most prolific in the 1960s and 1970s (Julenetrippweaver, n.d.).
• Lancaster Productions International press release for Byard Lancaster
  This press release invites the public to gather in support of and celebrate the birthday of Mrs. Mattie Humphrey, also known as “Sister Majida,” at Morgan’s Jazz Club located at 17 East Price Street in Germantown, Philadelphia.
• Keep Us Flying poster
  Poster created by the U.S. Treasury Department during World War II to encourage war bond purchase.
• Correspondence for James E. Adams
  This letter was sent to the Meet The Composter/New Residencies group at 2112 Broadway, Suite 505 in New York City, NY by Artistic Manager and President of The Philadelphia Clef Club of the Performing Arts, Inc. James E. Adams on October 15, 1992.
• Correspondence for Bill Leslie
  Bill Leslie’s urgent letter to members of the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts provides a slight glimpse into the finances of the Clef Club at a specific period of time.
• American Federation of Musicians application
  This application for the American Federation of Musicians Local No. 274 was submitted by Byard Lancaster on March 5, 1966 and signed by secretary Frank T. Fairfax.
• Letter, Ronia Barmas to the greatest singer, April 17, 1951
  This letter was sent by Ronia Barnas presumably of Brooklyn, New York to Marian Anderson (February 27, 1897-April 8, 1993) on April 17th, 1951. The letter was written to complement Anderson on the remarkable beauty of her voice that reaches “never before reached heights” (p. 2). Signing the letter off as Anderson’s “admirer,” Barnas expresses her desire to hear her in person and say: “‘You Marian Anderson - are the greatest singer of them all.’”
• Letter, William J. Goggans to Miss Anderson, January 26, 1957
  A typed letter from then soldier, educator, and musician William James Goggans (1933-2003) to globally renowned contralto Marian Anderson Fisher (1897-1993). In his letter, Goggans expresses his admiration for Marian Anderson. He congratulates her for being selected as one of the 10 most admired women in the world and asks her to inform him if she plans to perform in the Washington, D.C. area in the near future.
• Letter, Helen Good to Marian Anderson, December 20, 1957
  This letter was sent by Helen Marie Good (March 15, 1939-) of Elkhart, Indiana to Marian Anderson (February 27, 1897-April 8, 1993) on April 17th, 1951. The letter was written by Good to introduce herself to Anderson, and to express her and her mother’s excitement to see her in concert at Goshen College in the summer of 1957.
• Letter, Charlie Hall Jr. to Marian Anderson, May 5, 1939
  A letter from Charlie Hall Jr., a 16-year-old African American farmer and 10th-grade student from Lawndale, North Carolina, to singer Marian Anderson, dated May 5, 1939. Written shortly after Anderson’s historic Easter concert at the Lincoln Memorial on April 9, 1939, the letter conveys Hall’s admiration for her artistry and resilience, as well as parallels to his own life. Weeks earlier, Charlie had heard Anderson’s voice and called it “beautiful”.
• Letter, Mary Emma Jones to Miss Anderson, 1945
  This letter was sent by Mary Emma Jones (1928-) of Trappe, Collegeville, Pennsylvania to Marian Anderson (February 27, 1897-April 8, 1993) in 1945, presumably towards the end of Mary’s junior year at Collegeville Trappe High School. The purpose of this letter is to request compelling information from Anderson so that her junior year term paper would be impressive, and make her parents proud (page 2). Jones repeatedly offers compliments, gratitude, and appreciation to Anderson. She notes that she has attended Anderson’s concerts in Philadelphia, which would be about an hour (roughly 32 miles) from Collegeville, PA.
• Letter, Barlana Bates to Miss Anderson
  This letter was sent by Barlana Bates (c. 1942) to Marian Anderson (February 27, 1897-April 8, 1993) sometime after December 30th, 1957. The letter appears to have been drawn on tracing paper. The front of the card is very colorful, with an illustration drawn with crayon of two people in parkas above an American flag, and below text that reads “A Salute to Alaska!”
• Cogdell, Mary Ann Elizabeth Stevens: Watercolor with poem by Cordelia Sanders on back
  The front page features a hand-painted watercolor bird on a tree, signed by Mary Ann Elizabeth Cogdell. The reverse side features a poem written in cursive about truth signed by Cordelia Sanders circa 1840.
• Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School charter and certificate of incorporation
  This charter and certificate of incorporation legitimized the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School in Philadelphia on April 10, 1896. The charter includes the hospital and school’s purpose, leadership, and articles and conditions. The Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School was a Black owned and operated institution existing to serve the Black community (National Library of Medicine, n.d.).
• First Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School, 1512 Lombard Street Philadelphia 1896
  Founded in 1895 by Dr. Nathan F. Mossell (1856 - 1946), the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School was the first Black owned and operated healthcare institution in the country (Barbara Bates 1992).
• Laura and Frank Brashsears, stereoscopic photo
  This glossy black and white photo reveals Laura and Frank Brashears with a caption: "under the shade of the old apple tree.” The photo was taken August 12, 1906 likely in or around Doylestown, PA.
• Dedication Service of Communion Drapes, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church
  This ceremony documented a church dedication service at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) on January 6, 1952. Located on Rittenhouse Street in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, the program celebrated the consecration of new communion drapes. The service blended liturgy with community devotion, invoked the Trinity and called all generations to gather in unity.
• Flyer for Vacation Bible School
  This is a flyer for a daily Vacation Bible School held in the Sunday School Auditorium at the Mother Bethel AME Church from July 20-31st, 1959.
• The A.M.E Minister's Wives Alliance of Philadelphia and Vicinity Fellowship Christmas Dinner
  This program is for The A.M.E. Ministers’ Wives Alliance of Philadelphia and Vicinity Fellowship Christmas Dinner held on Thursday, December 28, 1950 at 6:30pm. The event “To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born” was held at the Pyramid Club Dining Room at 1517 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia.
• "Pickle Your Easter Eggs"
  The front and back of a clipping pasted in a scrapbook from the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. The clipping contains a recipe for pickling dyed Easter eggs written by culinary journalist Clementine Paddleford. The back contains various advertisements.
• Transfer of Church Membership
  This “Notice of Enrollment” certification authorizes the transfer of membership of Sister Sarah Loapman from the Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church in Camden, NJ to the Bethel African Methodist Church in Philadelphia, PA on March 19, 1917.
• [Sammy Davis, Jr. on Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey]
  Entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr. (1925-1990) having fun with friends on Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Sammy Davis Jr. was an actor and musician famous for being a part of the famed "Rat Pack" in the 1950s and 1960s.
• [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.
• [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Chicken Bone Beach]
  Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Russell A. Roberts posed for a snapshot while relaxing on segregated 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.
• [African-American sunbathers stroll down Missouri Avenue]
  Five smiling and styling women take a coordinated step forward down Missouri Avenue around Chicken Bone Beach, New Jersey.
• [Group of people having cocktails on the beach]
  Chicken Bone Beach was the segregated section for African Americans on Atlantic City's beach area. Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African Americans were socially restricted to use the Missouri Avenue Beach Area. Since many vacationing Black families arrived with chicken-laden hampers, the strip became affectionately named “Chicken Bone Beach”.
• [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.
• [Woman wearing large straw hat poses on the beach]
  This photo features a smiling, glowing woman in a one-piece strapless bathing suit and a large straw hat posing in the sand in the sunshine at Chicken Bone Beach.
• [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.
• [Man and woman in a motorboat]
  Chicken Bone Beach was the segregated section for African Americans on Atlantic City's beach area. Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African Americans were socially restricted to use the Missouri Avenue Beach Area.
• Helen Curry (right) poses for a photograph.
  Helen Curry (right) poses for a photograph with a man and a woman on Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, NJ sometime in or around 1950.
• [Family at the Atlantic City Beach Patrol Station]
  Chicken Bone Beach was the segregated section for African Americans at the beach at Atlantic City, NJ. Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African Americans were socially restricted to use the Missouri Avenue Beach Area. Since many vacationing Black families arrived with chicken-laden hampers, the strip became affectionately named “Chicken Bone Beach."
• The Dra Mu Opera Company presents Carmen
  Program for a concert given by the Dra Mu Opera Company on November 3, 1947 at the Academy of Music.
• Dra Mu, Carmen (photograph)
  This is a photograph of the Dra-Mu Opera Company Orchestra at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia taken in 1947.
• Dra Mu Opera Company Presents Cavalleria and Il Tabarro
  The Dra-Mu Opera Company, "Dra-Mu", was a significant Black opera company in Philadelphia, active during the mid-20th century. Co-founded by Raymond L. Smith and Henri Elkan (Van Atta 1980), the company provided a platform for Black artists to perform operatic works at a time when opportunities in mainstream opera were limited due to racial discrimination.
• Harvest Musical Program
  A musical program sponsored by the Youth and Junior Divisions of The Philadelphia Branch National Association of Negro Musicians Inc.
• Joseph E. Hill Public School
  This is a photograph of an entrance to the Joseph E. Hill Public School, located in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA taken by the Germantown Courier Tuesday September 8th, 1950 at 8am. The size of the photo is 2x5 inches.
• The 100 Negroes Who Do Most To Build Philadelphia
  Color Magazine, February 1950. Ira James Kohath Wells (1898–1997), founder of Color magazine, was born in Tamo, Arkansas. He earned a business degree from Lincoln University in 1923, where he co-founded the Colored Student Movement and joined the Student Anti-Lynching delegation to President Warren Harding.
• How a Big Business Pays Off In Philadelphia
  The article “How a Big Business Pays Off In Philadelphia” about George Alfonso Price of Price Beauty Products company was featured on page 42 of Color magazine in February 1950.
• Letter to Mama, From Mary
  Mary, the letter writer, tells her mother she accidentally left a tooth in a glass in the medicine cabinet and asks her mother to keep it safe until someone can bring it to Mary. Mary describes returning late from a weekend visit due to a bus delay, noting that friends Dottie and Deasie enjoyed the trip.
• A Survey of Witherspoon YMCA of Princeton N.J. May and June 1930
  This 104-page report entitled “A Survey of Witherspoon Young Men’s Christian Association of Princeton, N.J.” was produced in May and June of 1930 by Director Joseph Van Vleck, Jr of Montclair, NJ.
• Letter, Addie MacLeod to the President, Officers, and members of the Friendship Club, January 3, 1951
  This letter was sent by Addie McLeod of 288 Spring Street Trenton, New Jersey to the President, Officers, and Members of the Friendship Club on January 3rd, 1959.
• "Nancy Greene, Emma Greene, 1904"
  This photograph is a tintype of Nancy Kate Greene (1875-1926) and her daughter Emma Epps (née Greene) (1902-February 27, 1989), likely taken in Princeton, New Jersey. Invented in the 1850s and produced into the 1900s, tintypes were photographs on thin iron metal that were often hand-colored and mostly used for portraits (Library of Congress, n.d.).
• Mrs. Christine Moore Howell presents Paul Robeson in a Program of Negro Spirituals for the Benefit of the Witherspoon Y.M.C.A. 1932 January 28.
  The January 1932 Paul Robeson concert program was hosted by the Witherspoon Y.M.C.A. It was Princeton’s all-Black YMCA branch that served as a social, recreational, educational, and civic hub for nearby Black neighborhoods through the 1930s. It occupied the building at (now) 102 Witherspoon Street and employed local Black leaders as directors. Additional information about the YMCA can be found in another BJ&R resource, A Survey of Witherspoon YMCA... which is linked below.
• 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.
• Christine Moore Howell and her sister, Bessie with two men in front of Christine Vanity Parlor.
  Christine Moore Howell (1899–1972) and her sister Bessie Moore (1897–1922) were prominent Princeton residents. They appear in an undated photograph with two unidentified men on the stoop of Howell's business, Christine Vanity Parlor, on Spring Street in Princeton borough. The building owned by their father, William Moore (b. 1867) who, according to the 1910 U.S. Census, owned a retail clothing business. Bessie, 25, a nurse , died of pneumonia in October 1922 at Douglas Hospital in Philadelphia. Just six months earlier, she had been granted a divorce from a brief six-month marriage to a Mr. Simerson that had taken place two years prior (Atlantic City Gazette-Review 1922).
• Citation. Thanks and Appreciation to Christine Howell
  This citation from the Legal Defense and Educational Fund sends “thanks and appreciation” to Christine Howell for her involvement with The Links, Incorporated USA.
• Questionnaire for the Magazine Ebony
  This questionnaire entitled “QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE MAGAZINE EBONY----November 6, 1948” is five pages long with responses to 38 questions. The responses are by Christine Moore Howell (March 19, 1898-December 13, 1972) of Princeton, New Jersey.
• Photograph of the cast and crew of David's Rock
  Likely taken during a pre-production rehearsal at a nearby church, as suggested by the rows of pews and hymnals in the foreground.
• David's Rock flyer
  Flyer for David's Rock musical
• David's Rock program
  This three-page program is for a rock opera called “David’s Rock” directed, written, and choreographed by Claude A. Boyd from 1983. The program provides a synopsis of the opera, includes a complete list of the characters, musicians, production staff, special thanks, and list of future performances.
• Letter from Anita Cornwell to Audre Lorde
  An impassioned letter between women who had a deep friendship. Audre Lorde (1934 - 1992) was an American poet, novelist, memoirist, essayist (Poetry Foundation 2025). She received a master’s degree in Library Science and worked as a young adult librarian and school librarian in the 1960’s (Cerro Cosco Community College 2025). Lorde also published poetry influenced by her reactions to racism, sexism, and homophobia. She married and had two children. Her first major book of poetry, Coal, was published in 1976. Lorde continued to publish until her death from liver cancer in 1992.
• Chronicles I, Prose Poems by Anita Cornwell
  Anita Cornwell (1923 - 2023). Ms Cornwell’s “Chronicles 1, Prose Poems in 1986” is captured in digital form. The document opens with a dedication to Cornwell’s mother and a short biography highlighting her career as a writer and playwright, followed by the table of contents that lists five poems. They are: 1. First Love and Other Traumas 2. Second Coming 3. Sordid Mansions 4. In Praise of the Foremothers 5. Remembrance of Sister-Love
• Memorial collage of Jaci Adams photographs / typed biography of Jaci Adams
  This memorial collage of Jaci DuBoise Adams features eight overlapping color photographs– two of Adams alone smiling, and the remaining of Adams smiling in small groups of people. On the back of the frame is a biography of Adams’ life, highlighting her resilience, many accomplishments, and relentless leadership and advocacy for the Philadelphia trans community and HIV/AIDS issues.
• 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).
• Tribute to Jaci Duboise Adams
  This tribute was written by City of Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter on March 21, 2014 to honor the life and legacy of Jaci DuBoise Adams, a leader, advocate, and educator in the Philadelphia LGBT community.
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The House of Representatives, Condolence Resolution
  Condolence resolution in honor of Jaci Adams (1956 - 2014). Jaci DuBoise Adams (1958-February 15, 2014) was born in Beckley, West Virginia and moved to Philadelphia in her youth with her family (AIDS Law Project 2014). Unfortunately Adams experienced such abuse that she “fled the house in search of safety” at age nine (AIDS Law Project 2014). Adams was “soon consumed by a life of prostitution, drug abuse and crime while searching for an identity” (AIDS Law Project 2014). She landed in prison, and earned her GED (AIDS Law Project 2014). In 2002 after the unsolved murder of Nizah Morris, a 47 year old transgender entertainer that was found brutally beaten at 15th and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia, Adams shared that she had “an ‘a-ha’ moment and decided that instead of being angry, maybe a career criminal like [her] could use that familiarity with the cops to slither in and become part of the solution” (Morrison 2014). Known to be genuine, accomplished yet immensely humble, to speak and teach from her vast life experience, and incredibly kind, Adams was held in high regard by many– from city officials such as Michael Nutter, to long-time friends, to folks she just met and was lending support to (AIDS Law Project 2014).
• Gospel Songs and Spiritual Poetic Poem Book
  The book “Gospel Songs and Spiritual Poetic Poem Book” by Rev. J. F. Hamlette has four parts and is 56 pages. It has handwritten inscriptions of Ada and George Hightower's names on cover and inside, who were members of the First Colored Church in Hopewell, NJ and were among the first African Americans to live on Columbia Avenue in Hopewell.
• Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday School
  This photograph of the Bethel African Methodist Episopal Church Sunday School of Pennington, NJ features nineteen children, some siblings. All of the children in the photograph have been identified by Patricia (née True) Payne (see reverse).
• Earl's All Girl Chorus
  Earl Hubbard’s All‑Girl Chorus was a community-based chorus directed by William Earl Hubbard. The Chorus was noted as singing at a Historical Pageant celebrating Pennington, NJ (Pennington Sesquibicentennial 250th Booklet, 1958).
• Song Lyrics, Handwritten
  Song lyrics noted by Jean Smith, a member of Earl's All-Girl Chorus, a Pennington singing group directed by William Earl Hubbard. The lyrics show the repertoire for the chorus and include both religious and gospel songs. 94 sheets of loose paper with handwritten song lyrics, mid-20th century.
• Moses Truehart and Eliza Truehart - charcoal drawing, framed (replaced tintype of Corinda) - 2' x 3'
  This charcoal drawing is of Moses Truehart and Eliza Truehart, a married couple with deep roots in the Sourland Mountain region of New Jersey.
• Handwritten Stoutsburg Cemetery Ledger
  This handwritten ledger was kept by Herbert Albert Hubbard (June 7, 1875-July 11, 1948), Beverly Mills's (co-founder of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum) great-grandfather, at the Stoutsburg Cemetery. It includes minutes from Stoutsburg Cemetery Association meetings, including hymns sung and fundraising efforts, from 1912 through the 1920s.
• 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.
• Organ at Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
  Pump organ, pre-1917. Made by the Cornish Company in Washington, NJ, which ceased organ production around 1922. The organ was played at the First Baptist Church in Pennington..
• Group of 1930's - 1940's Church Hats
  Church hats that would have been worn by the ladies of Mt. Zion AME Church in the late 20th century.
• Toy Violin and Case
  Handmade child's violin and instrument case, late-20th century. Built by William Earl Hubbard (1908-2002), a self-taught violinist and music teacher, for his niece Danielle Thompson.
• Paper and rattan church hand fans, 6 fans, 11 sides (Front View)
  A sampling of paper and rattan hand fans, mid-20th century. The fans have religious imagery on the front and advertisements for funeral home services on the reverse. Church fans used at Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.
• Billy Truehart milkbox
  "Billy Truehart's milk box," early 20th century. Handmade wooden box with metal letters on three sliding lids and nail heads within each compartment. Made by William "Billy" Truehart, grandson of Friday Truehart, while working as a handyman for the Blackwell family in Trenton, NJ.
• “Meet the Hinksons.”
  “Meet the Hinksons of Philadelphia, Penna.” is a six-page magazine article published in the Ladies’ Home Journal series “How America Lives” in August 1942. The article highlights the everyday life of the Hinkson family, including education, careers, fashion, travel, and home, and the impact of various wars on their lives.
• Program for recital at Ethical Society Auditorium.
  Lockhart's program for recital at Ethical Society Auditorium
• Letter. Paul B. Moses to Violette de Mazia
  This correspondence from Paul Moses to Violette de Mazia on January 21, 1951 details an acceptance from Moses to begin teaching art appreciation for Lincoln University students at the Barnes Foundation.
• Photograph. Paul B. Moses with his painting Ice House
  Paul B. Moses (1929 - 1966) was born in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, attended Lower Merion High School and became one of the first Black undergraduates at Haverford College. Despite facing racism and isolation, he excelled in languages and art, studying abroad in France with the support of Albert C. Barnes, MD. After serving in the U.S. Army, he taught at institutions including the Barnes Foundation, Lincoln University, and at the American Overseas School in Rome before earning a Masters and pursuing a doctorate in art history at Harvard, where his dissertation specialized in Degas’s etchings (Moses and Scharff 2023).
• Postcard. Paul B. Moses to Violette de Mazia
  About 1950, Paul Moses wrote to Violette de Mazia from Europe, joking he once paid for lodging in Venice with a 33⅓ record. Traveling with Philadelphia friends through Capri, Florence, and Venice, he calls Capri the most beautiful place he has seen and looks forward to studying the French Primitives in France with renewed excitement.
• [African American basketball team]
  This photograph is a group portrait depicting members of an African American basketball team with their coach, likely in Philadelphia, taken in or around 1920.
• Base-ball-to-day Philadelphia Giants the fastest colored team in base ball vs Dixfield A.A.
  A handbill for a baseball game between the Philadelphia Giants and the Dixfield A.A. Formed in 1902, the Philadelphia Giants were a powerhouse independent Black team until disbanding in 1911, a move forced by player defections (Brack, 2025).
• Georgine E. Upshur Willis and Marie Christmas Harris in Atlantic City
  Photograph of Georgine E. Upshur Willis and Marie Christmas Harris in Atlantic City, NJ. Since the beaches at Atlantic City were segregated at this time, we assume that Willis and Harris were at Chicken Bone Beach. Chicken Bone Beach was the segregated section for African Americans on Atlantic City's beach area. Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African Americans were socially restricted to use the Missouri Avenue Beach Area. Since many vacationing Black families arrived with chicken-laden hampers, the strip became affectionately named "Chicken Bone Beach."
• William Upshur on phone at desk
  A black and white photograph taken by John W. Mosley (1907-1969) featuring William “Bill” Arthur Upshur Jr. (1894-1963) on the phone at his office desk. His business card for his funeral home is stapled to the photo. Another photo flipped right side down sits above. It has handwritten inscriptions.
• 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.
• Georgine Upshur Willis, William Willis, and Agnes Saunders Chew Upshur in formal attire during Christmas holiday
  A black and white photograph featuring Georgine Upshur Willis, her husband William Willis, and her mother Agnes Saunders Chew Upshur in formal attire during the Christmas holiday.
• Gene's [Georgine E. Upshur [Willis]] Coming Out Party
  This photograph features Georgine “Gene” Elizabeth Upshur Willis and 15 other graduates of Philadelphia High School for Girls in June 1939. They are smiling and dressed up.
• Letter addressed to “Sir or Madam” from the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Welfare, Bureau of Recreation about reporting to Funfield Recreation Center “to demonstrate your life saving and swimming ability and training,” June 18, 1942
  Since this letter came from the collections of Georgine Upshur Willis, we assume that she received the letter from the Department of Public Welfare, Bureau of Recreation letter in 1942, asking Willis to try out to be a lifeguard at the Funfield Recreation Center. The Funfield Recreation Center was located at 22nd and Sedgley Street. The center, which was built in 1916, was designed by the architect Philip H. Johnson (1868-1933), who served as the architect for the Philadelphia City Department of Public Health.
• 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.
• Passport photograph of Agnes Upshur and Georgine Upshur
  An insert from Agnes C. Upshur’s day journal “My Trip Abroad.” The insert features her passport with a passport photograph of her and her young daughter Georgine Elizabeth Upshur.
• Letter to Georgine Upshur informing her of her nomination for membership in the University of Pennsylvania Delta Chapter of the National Social Science Honor Society – Pi Gamma Mu, October 23, 1942
  This letter was sent to Miss Georgine “Gene” Elizabeth Upshur on October 23, 1942 from Pi Gamma Mu, the National Social Science Honor Society’s Delta Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania notifying her of her nomination for membership. The daughter of a prominent, affluent Philadelphia African American family, Gene became an undertaker like her father (The Library Company of Philadelphia 2025).
• National Honor Society news clippings
  A 1938 news clipping about Georgine E. Upshur being nominated and elected to the honor society at the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Upshur was the second colored girl in the school's history to be nominated.
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Instruction Bureau of Professional Licensing Pre-Professional Qualifying Certificate
  This certificate from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Instruction’s Bureau of Professional Licensing Pre-Professional Qualifying Certificate was granted to Georgine E. Upshur for completion of a four-year secondary school course in 1941. This was a modified certificate given to Black educators.
• The Philadelphia High School for Girls commencement announcement
  The 157th Graduating Class: June 16, 1939. The Girls Normal School, aka, Philadelphia High School for Girls was established in 1848 as the first publicly supported high school for girls in Pennsylvania (The Alumnae Association of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, 2025).
• Invitation to the graduation of the University of Pennsylvania classes of 1943
  This invitation card is part of a collection that also includes “Diary of the Women of the Class of 1943, University of Pennsylvania, The 1943 Almanack” containing inserts of correspondence, documents, and programs related to Georgine E. Upshur’s college education at University of Pennsylvania (Georgine E. Upshur Willis Collection n.d.). Georgine Elizabeth Upshur-Willis (September 3, 1921-December 30, 1998) was born to William Arthur Upshur Jr. (January 8, 1984-May 5, 1963) and Agnes (née Chew) Upshur (1896-June 28, 1984). The Upshurs were a prominent, affluent African-American family with connections in Philadelphia politics, community, education, and culture. Georgine Upshur became a licensed mortician and planned to join her father as partner in his business. Her father ran a funeral home (“The William A. Upshur Funeral Home” at 21st and Christian Street) in addition to being a recording secretary for the Republican City Committee, republican leader of the 30th ward, a member of the NAACP and Urban League, and an active alumni member of the University of Pennsylvania (The Philadelphia Inquirer 1963). Georgine married Dr. William Shedrick Willis Jr. (July 11, 1921-August 8, 1983) in 1949 (The Library Company of Philadelphia 2025).