Popular Entertainment

This Museum's popular entertainment collections hold some of the Smithsonian's most beloved artifacts. The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz reside here, along with the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, and props from popular television series such as M*A*S*H and All in the Family. But as in many of the Museum's collections, the best-known objects are a small part of the story.

The collection also encompasses many other artifacts of 19th- and 20th-century commercial theater, film, radio, and TV—some 50,000 sound recordings dating back to 1903; posters, publicity stills, and programs from films and performances; puppets; numerous items from World's Fairs from 1851 to 1992; and audiovisual materials on Groucho Marx, to name only a few.

This sheet music for the song "At an Ole Virginia Wedding" was written and composed by Maurice J. Steinberg. The music was originally published by T. B. Harms and Co.
Description
This sheet music for the song "At an Ole Virginia Wedding" was written and composed by Maurice J. Steinberg. The music was originally published by T. B. Harms and Co. of New York, New York in 1900 and as a Musical Supplement to the “Philadelphia Press on Sunday, September 9, 1900. The cover portrays an African American wedding ceremony. The colorful image depicts a bride and groom with stereotyped features. The background shows the guests dancing and talking while a band plays in the top right corner of the picture.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1900
distributor
Philadelphia Press
composer; lyricist
Maurice J. Steinberg & Co.
publisher
T. B. Harms & Co.
ID Number
1982.0440.21
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.21
Date made
1935
Associated Name
Gosden, Freeman
Correll, Charles
maker
Louis Marx and Company
ID Number
1989.0510.01
accession number
1989.0510
catalog number
1989.0510.01
This colored print depicts twenty-five black performers in an outdoor arena or racetrack. They are dressed in tight pants with horseshoe designs that suggest a jockey motif. Some performers hold crops and wear caps and riding jackets.
Description
This colored print depicts twenty-five black performers in an outdoor arena or racetrack. They are dressed in tight pants with horseshoe designs that suggest a jockey motif. Some performers hold crops and wear caps and riding jackets. The center figure is performing a gymnastic stunt.Below the illustration are the words “Haverly’s Theatre / 12 Nights and 6 Matinees, / Commencing Monday, Dec. 26.”
Entertainment entrepreneur J. H. (Jack) Haverly (1837-1901) was born Christopher Haverly near Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He launched his show business career in 1864 in Toledo, Ohio, where he purchased a variety theater. Inspired by entrepreneurs like P. T. Barnum, Haverly went on to manage other theaters, and he created minstrel and comic performance groups on the East Coast and in the Middle West. In the late 1870s he consolidated his troupes into a single company called the United Mastodon Minstrels which included forty performers, along with a brass band and drum corps. The group continued to grow and at one point had more than a hundred members. Around the same time, Haverly took control of a black performing group called Charles Callender's Original Georgia Minstrels, or Callender's Colored Minstrels, a group of performers which he renamed Haverly’s Colored Minstrels. He promoted their performances as authentic depictions of black life, even creating a mock plantation with costumed actors portraying slaves and overseers. Haverly’s troupes toured the United States, usually appearing at his own theaters in cities like New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Francisco. They also traveled to England and Scotland. Featuring lavish stage sets and extravagant special effectsinspired by P. T. Barnum, his performers in blackface makeup and exotic costumes inspired the creation of smaller minstrel shows during the late nineteenth century.
This chromolithograph was produced by the Strobridge Lithographing Company. The Strobridge firm was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio about 1847 by lithographer Elijah C. Middleton. Middleton was known as one of the pioneers of chromolithography in the United States. By 1854 lithographer W. R. Wallace and bookseller Hines Strobridge (1823-1909) had joined the firm as partners. After the Civil War, Strobridge acquired sole ownership of the company and renamed it after himself. Strobridge and Company was well known for circus, theater, and movie posters. After leaving Strobridge and Company, Elijah Middleton became known as a portrait publisher, producing prints of George and Martha Washington, Daniel Webster, and other American historical figures.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
publisher
Strobridge Lithographing Company
maker
Strobridge Lithographing Company
ID Number
DL.60.2481
catalog number
60.2481
accession number
228146
This sheet music is for the song, “Little Alabama Coon,” with words and music by Hattie Starr. It was published by Willie Woodward and Co. in New York, New York in 1893. The cover features an inset image of actress Miss Franke M.
Description

This sheet music is for the song, “Little Alabama Coon,” with words and music by Hattie Starr. It was published by Willie Woodward and Co. in New York, New York in 1893. The cover features an inset image of actress Miss Franke M. Raymond.

“Little Alabama Coon” was featured in David Henderson’s American Extravaganza production of Aladdin, Jr.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1893
publisher
Willis Woodward & Co.
ID Number
1988.0693.03
accession number
1988.0693
catalog number
1988.0693.03
This sheet music is for the song, “Roll Them Roly Boly Eyes,” with words and music by Eddie Leonard. It was published by Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co. in New York, New York in 1912.
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “Roll Them Roly Boly Eyes,” with words and music by Eddie Leonard. It was published by Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co. in New York, New York in 1912. There is an image of American vaudevillian Eddie Leonard (1870-1941) on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1912
publisher
Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co.
ID Number
1988.0538.14
accession number
1988.0538
catalog number
1988.0538.14
This sheet music is for the song “Deep River,” adapted from an 1870s African American Spiritual. It was published by Larrabee Publications in New York, New York, in 1964.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Deep River,” adapted from an 1870s African American Spiritual. It was published by Larrabee Publications in New York, New York, in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1964
publisher
Larrabee Publications
Larrabee Publications
ID Number
1983.0830.09
accession number
1983.0830
catalog number
1983.0830.09
Movie poster for She's Gotta Have It. Spike Lee directed this 1986 romantic comedy about a woman and her three lovers. Tracy Camilla Johns, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, and Spike Lee star in this film.Currently not on view
Description
Movie poster for She's Gotta Have It. Spike Lee directed this 1986 romantic comedy about a woman and her three lovers. Tracy Camilla Johns, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, and Spike Lee star in this film.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986
Associated Name
Lee, Spike
ID Number
1987.0128.04
accession number
1987.0128
catalog number
1987.0128.04
This sheet music is for the song “Mammy’s Little Coal Black Rose,” with lyrics by Raymond Egan and music by Richard A. Witting. It was published by Jerome H. Remick Company of New York and Detroit in 1916.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Mammy’s Little Coal Black Rose,” with lyrics by Raymond Egan and music by Richard A. Witting. It was published by Jerome H. Remick Company of New York and Detroit in 1916. There is an image of American singer, comedian, and actor Al Jolson (1886-1950) on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1916
depicted (sitter)
Jolson, Al
publisher
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
ID Number
1984.0458.14
accession number
1984.0458
catalog number
1984.0458.14
This sheet music is for the song, “Massa’s in de Cold Ground,” by Stephen C. Foster. It was published by Firth, Pond & Co. in New York, New York in 1853. Indicated on the cover, “As sung by Christy’s Minstrels.”Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “Massa’s in de Cold Ground,” by Stephen C. Foster. It was published by Firth, Pond & Co. in New York, New York in 1853. Indicated on the cover, “As sung by Christy’s Minstrels.”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1853
publisher
Firth, Pond & Co.
ID Number
1986.0513.02
accession number
1986.0513
catalog number
1986.0513.02
This sheet music is for the song “Underground Rail Car or Song of the Fugitive,” by George N. Allen. It was published by S. Brainard and Company in Cleveland, Ohio in 1854.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Underground Rail Car or Song of the Fugitive,” by George N. Allen. It was published by S. Brainard and Company in Cleveland, Ohio in 1854.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1854
composer
Allen, George N.
publisher
S. Brainard and Co.
ID Number
1986.0370.08
accession number
1986.0370
catalog number
1986.0370.08
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1987
Associated Name
Calloway, Cab
Waller, Fats
depicted (sitter)
Horne, Lena
ID Number
1987.0128.02
accession number
1987.0128
catalog number
1987.0128.02
Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane number 106 was published by DC Comics in November of 1970. The cover features art by Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson that depicts the white Lois Lane stepping into Superman’s Plastimold machine and stepping out as a black woman.
Description
Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane number 106 was published by DC Comics in November of 1970. The cover features art by Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson that depicts the white Lois Lane stepping into Superman’s Plastimold machine and stepping out as a black woman. The 36 page issue sold for 15 cents and features the Lois Lane story “I am Curious (Black)!” and the Rose and Thorn story “Where Do You Plant a Thorn?” The issue explored race relations in Metropolis as Lois transform into a black woman to write a story about “Little Africa.” Her new skin color changes society’s perception of her, and she realizes the struggle of everyday life as a minority.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970-11
author
Kanigher, Robert
artist
Roth, Werner
Colletta, Vince
publisher
National Periodical Publications, Inc.
maker
National Periodical Publications, Inc.
Action Comics
ID Number
1988.3095.23
catalog number
1988.3095.23
nonaccession number
1988.3095
This sheet music is for the song “Virginia Rose Bud” as part of a collection of “Ethiopian Melodies.” The music was published by E. Ferrett & Company of Philadelphia in the middle of the 19th century.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Virginia Rose Bud” as part of a collection of “Ethiopian Melodies.” The music was published by E. Ferrett & Company of Philadelphia in the middle of the 19th century. Ethiopian melodies were songs that were part of the culture surrounding the blackface performances in minstrel shows that were popular at this time.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1983.0227.07
accession number
1983.0227
catalog number
1983.0227.07
The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups.
Description
The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups. The California Raisins are often accompanied by a soundtrack of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” originally popularized by singer Marvin Gaye. The Raisins released numerous studio albums in the 1980s, starred in a cartoon series, and were nominated for an Emmy for their 1988 “Meet the Raisins” mockumentary. These figures were used in the Claymation advertisements from 1986 through 1991.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986 - 1991
user
California Raisins Advisory Board
producer
Will Vinton Productions
maker
Will Vinton Productions
ID Number
1991.3182.02
catalog number
1991.3182.02
nonaccession number
1991.3182
This electric-acoustic guitar was made for Sears around 1962 by companies like Danelectro and Harmony.
Description

This electric-acoustic guitar was made for Sears around 1962 by companies like Danelectro and Harmony. Silvertone guitars were popular because of their solid construction and inexpensive pricing.

This guitar was owned and played by Jesse Fuller (1896-1976), a one-man-band folk and blues singer from the San Francisco Bay area who accompanied his guitar-playing with singing, harmonica, percussion, and a foot-operated bass instrument called a fotdella. Fuller played guitar as a child but didn’t become a professional musician until the early 1950s. As a songwriter, Fuller is best known for his songs, “San Francisco Bay Blues” and “Beat It on Down the Line.”

Jesse Fuller purchased this Silvertone guitar in 1962, from a Detroit Sears, after his original Maurer guitar was stolen and he needed another guitar to be able to make his playing engagement that evening.

date made
ca 1962
user
Fuller, Jesse
ID Number
1994.0053.01
accession number
1994.0053
catalog number
1994.0053.01
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965-02-22
graphic artist
News Syndicate Co., Inc.
ID Number
2012.3028.01
accession number
2012.3028
Green Lantern No. 185, written by Len Wein, with art by Dave Gibbons, presents the origin story of Lantern Corps member John Stewart. Stewart, first introduced in 1971/1972, was one of DC Comics' first black superheroes.The character of The Green Lantern first appeared in 1940.
Description
Green Lantern No. 185, written by Len Wein, with art by Dave Gibbons, presents the origin story of Lantern Corps member John Stewart. Stewart, first introduced in 1971/1972, was one of DC Comics' first black superheroes.
The character of The Green Lantern first appeared in 1940. Over the years, the name has referred to a variety of people: members of the interplanetary police force The Green Lantern Corps. Corps members possess powerful rings that enable incredible abilities.
Stewart was the third human Green Lantern published by DC, and first African American.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1985-02
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2018.0171.19
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.19
This issue of Invincible Iron Man features the superhero character Ironheart.
Description
This issue of Invincible Iron Man features the superhero character Ironheart. Created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato, Ironheart is an African American Chicagoan named Riri Williams who invents a mechanized suit of armor like that of Marvel Comic's character Iron Man's.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2017-01
maker
Marvel Comics
ID Number
2018.0171.06
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.06
The character Icon, created by writer Dwayne McDuffie and artist M.D. Bright, was first introduced in this 1993 comic book.
Description
The character Icon, created by writer Dwayne McDuffie and artist M.D. Bright, was first introduced in this 1993 comic book. Published and distributed by DC Comics, the title was developed by Milestone Media, an organization initiated by McDuffie and other African American creators to better represent people of color in comic books. The superhero later became incorporated in the DC Universe.
Icon, an alien named Arnus, poses as Augustus Freeman IV, a corporate lawyer. Possessing such powers as incredible strength, advanced intelligence and the ability to fly, Icon is aided by Rocket, a teenage woman empowered by his alien technology.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1993-05
Associated Name
D. C. Comics, Inc.
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2018.0171.03
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.03
This comic book, written by Archie Goodwin with pencil by William Graham Jr., features the superhero Luke Cage battling the Phantom of 42nd Street. on it's cover.
Description
This comic book, written by Archie Goodwin with pencil by William Graham Jr., features the superhero Luke Cage battling the Phantom of 42nd Street. on it's cover. Cage, an early African American superhero, was introduced in the first issue of the series (1973.) The book's title would chang to Luke Cage, Power Man and later, to Power Man and Iron Fist.
Inspired by the then popular blaxploitation film genre, Marvel Comics' editor Roy Thomas, writer Archie Goodwin and others created Luke Cage, an African American superhero also known as Power Man. Coming from Harlem, New York City, Cage attained super strength and near invulnerability after undergoing a scientific experiment. As a hero for hire, he offered his services to those in need for a price.
Cage has gone on to headline numerous Marvel titles, as well as being part of organizations such as The Avengers, The Defenders and The Thunderbolts.
The character has headlined his own television series, and has been represented in numerous animated programs, video games, and merchandise.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972-12
ID Number
2018.0171.10
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.10
The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups.
Description
The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups. The California Raisins are often accompanied by a soundtrack of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” originally popularized by singer Marvin Gaye. The Raisins released numerous studio albums in the 1980s, starred in a cartoon series, and were nominated for an Emmy for their 1988 “Meet the Raisins” mockumentary. These figures were used in the Claymation advertisements from 1986 through 1991.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986 - 1991
user
California Raisins Advisory Board
producer
Will Vinton Productions
maker
Will Vinton Productions
ID Number
1991.3182.03
catalog number
1991.3182.03
nonaccession number
1991.3182
The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups.
Description
The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups. The California Raisins are often accompanied by a soundtrack of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” originally popularized by singer Marvin Gaye. The Raisins released numerous studio albums in the 1980s, starred in a cartoon series, and were nominated for an Emmy for their 1988 “Meet the Raisins” mockumentary. These figures were used in the Claymation advertisements from 1986 through 1991.
date made
1986 - 1991
user
California Raisins Advisory Board
producer
Will Vinton Productions
maker
Will Vinton Productions
ID Number
1991.3182.04
catalog number
1991.3182.04
nonaccession number
1991.3182
This sheet music for the song "At a Georgia Camp Meeting," was written and composed by Kerry Mills and published by F.A. Mills in New York, New York in 1897.
Description
This sheet music for the song "At a Georgia Camp Meeting," was written and composed by Kerry Mills and published by F.A. Mills in New York, New York in 1897. The cover proclaims the song “a characteristic march which can be used effectively as a two-step, polka, or cake walk,” and shows images of blacks having a dignified party. The cake walk was often the last song at a dance and the best dancing couple was awarded a cake (the origin of the phrase “taking the cake”).
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1897
composer
Mills, Kerry
user
Woodside, Lura
publisher
F. A. Mills
ID Number
1979.1154.18
accession number
1979.1154
catalog number
1979.1154.18
These mallets were made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, late 1950s. They are carved wooden sticks, with small cylindrical heads covered in cross-woven reed soaked in glue or resin.Accessioned with steel drum (Cat. #2002.0389.04).
Description (Brief)

These mallets were made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, late 1950s. They are carved wooden sticks, with small cylindrical heads covered in cross-woven reed soaked in glue or resin.

Accessioned with steel drum (Cat. #2002.0389.04). Used by Jeni LeGon in the traveling show with her dance troupe, "Jazz Caribe," 1959-1969.

Jeni LeGon (born Jennie Ligon, 1916– 2012), also credited as Jeni Le Gon, was an American dancer, dance instructor, and actress. She was one of the first African-American women to establish a solo career in tap dance. In 1999, the National Film Board of Canada released a documentary film about her life, Jeni Le Gon: Living in a Great Big Way, directed by Grant Greshuk and produced by Selwyn Jacob.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 1950s
user
LeGon, Jeni
ID Number
2002.0389.04
catalog number
2002.0389.04
accession number
2002.0389

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