Sports & Leisure

The nation's passion for sports is obvious every day—at NASCAR races, kiddie soccer matches, and countless other contests. From a handball used by Abraham Lincoln to Chris Evert's tennis racket to a baseball signed by Jackie Robinson, the roughly 6.000 objects in the Museum's sports collections bear witness to the vital place of sports in the nation's history. Paper sports objects in the collections, such as souvenir programs and baseball cards, number in the hundreds of thousands.

Leisure collections encompass a different range of objects, including camping vehicles and gear, video games, playing cards, sportswear, exercise equipment, and Currier and Ives prints of fishing, hunting, and horseracing. Some 4,000 toys dating from the colonial period to the present are a special strength of the collections.

This waterline model represents the ms Zuiderdam, a cruise ship owned and operated by Holland America Line. The Zuiderdam was built in Marghera, Italy, by Fincantieri, a firm specializing in modern cruise ships, and began service in 2002.
Description
This waterline model represents the ms Zuiderdam, a cruise ship owned and operated by Holland America Line. The Zuiderdam was built in Marghera, Italy, by Fincantieri, a firm specializing in modern cruise ships, and began service in 2002. The ship is the first in Holland America’s Vista-class series, the company’s new line of vessels featuring diesel-electric power plants for energy savings and an Azipod propulsion system for greater maneuverability. All Vista-class vessels are 81,769 gross tons and carry 1,848 passengers with a crew of 800. The Zuiderdam’s home port is Rotterdam.
Holland America Line designs its ships and markets its cruises for what the industry considers the premium markets. The Zuiderdam features Venetian-themed artwork and offers a variety of suites, staterooms, restaurants, lounges, and cafes, as well as recreational facilities including a theater, a golf simulator room, a casino, and a spa. Like other large cruise ship companies, Holland America caters largely to American customers. It runs vessels in all of the major cruise markets, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
date made
2000
owned and operated
Holland America Line
firm who built the ship
Fincantieri
ID Number
2007.0172.01
catalog number
2007.0172.01
accession number
2007.0172
This Mega SpinFaktor yo-yo was used in April of 2001 by Rick Wyatt to set a world "sleep" record of 13 minutes 5 seconds. The yo-yo, made expressly for Wyatt's record attempt, has ceramic ball bearings, a weighted ring, and an adjustable gap.
Description (Brief)
This Mega SpinFaktor yo-yo was used in April of 2001 by Rick Wyatt to set a world "sleep" record of 13 minutes 5 seconds. The yo-yo, made expressly for Wyatt's record attempt, has ceramic ball bearings, a weighted ring, and an adjustable gap. The goal of a sleeping trick is to keep the yo-yo spinning at the end of its line for an extended period of time.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
2001
user
Wyatt, Rick
maker
YoYo Jam
ID Number
2003.0195.01
accession number
2003.0195
Old North State Award presented to Leonard W. Miller. This was presented to Leonard W. Miller in concert with the Association for Diversity in Motorsports (AFDIM) induction of Miller into their Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC on October 11, 2005.
Description (Brief)
Old North State Award presented to Leonard W. Miller. This was presented to Leonard W. Miller in concert with the Association for Diversity in Motorsports (AFDIM) induction of Miller into their Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC on October 11, 2005. A North Carolina State representative presented this award to Miller for his development of the Miller Racing Group (MRG) as a channel for African American NASCAR drivers. North Carolina also acknowledged Miller's fortitude in garnering General Motors, Dr. Pepper, Sunoco and Lincoln Electric and Wittnauer Watches as sponsors to sustain this pioneering African American NASCAR endeavor based in Concord, North Carolina, the heart of America's stock car racing industry.
Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.12
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.12
Women's Flat Track Derby Association Championship Texas Shootout Official Event program, September 29 & 30, 2007. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name.
Description (Brief)
Women's Flat Track Derby Association Championship Texas Shootout Official Event program, September 29 & 30, 2007. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2007
ID Number
2016.3108.02.2
nonaccession number
2016.3108
catalog number
2016.3108.02.2
European Special Olympics medal with a yellow and blue ribbon made in 2004.
Description (Brief)
European Special Olympics medal with a yellow and blue ribbon made in 2004. The front of the medal depicts the Special Olympics logo and BIH printed in black.
From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sport. This participation builds confidence, provides emotional support and offers social opportunities for the athletes and their families. With state chapters and a global presence through its World Games, “Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities with 5 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2004
ID Number
2017.0331.14
accession number
2017.0331
catalog number
2017.0331.14
CCS Catalog for Winter 2003 has a color photograph of a skater riding a graffiti covered wall and white printing.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
CCS Catalog for Winter 2003 has a color photograph of a skater riding a graffiti covered wall and white printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2003
ID Number
2019.3079.11.3
nonaccession number
2019.3079
catalog number
2019.3079.11.3
Promotional flyer for the Third Annual Wheelies Award Ceremony and Costume Ball presented by the Tucson Roller Derby, Friday October 6, 2006.
Description (Brief)
Promotional flyer for the Third Annual Wheelies Award Ceremony and Costume Ball presented by the Tucson Roller Derby, Friday October 6, 2006. Emily Langmade, as Fisticuffs, started her career with the Tucson Roller Derby and later joined the Gotham Girls who went on to become four time champions at Women's Flat Track Roller Derby. Langmade saw the sport change from a hard hitting free for all to a serious sport with worlds class athletes.
Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. Moore was a co-founder of the Women's Flat Track Association which helped define modern roller derby. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2006
user
Langmade, Emily
ID Number
2016.3170.15
nonaccession number
2016.3170
catalog number
2016.3170.15
Eastern Regional WFTDA Heartland Havoc Tournament program, August 17-19, 2007. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name.
Description (Brief)
Eastern Regional WFTDA Heartland Havoc Tournament program, August 17-19, 2007. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2007
ID Number
2016.3108.07
nonaccession number
2016.3108
catalog number
2016.3108.07
Rollercon 2005 roller derby sticker. Rollercon is the first All-Girl Roller Derby convention in Las Vegas, Nevada where more than 400 skaters from 50 leagues were represented from both flat track and banked leagues.
Description (Brief)
Rollercon 2005 roller derby sticker. Rollercon is the first All-Girl Roller Derby convention in Las Vegas, Nevada where more than 400 skaters from 50 leagues were represented from both flat track and banked leagues. As in skateboarding, stickers are an inexpensive and productive way to spread the roller derby culture throughout the world
Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. Moore was a co-founder of the Women's Flat Track Association which helped define modern roller derby. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
ID Number
2016.0190.22.1
accession number
2016.0190
catalog number
2016.0190.22.1
2005 Season Championship Roller Derby program of the Texas Rollergirls for the Sunday August 7th, 2005 championship tournament. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name.
Description (Brief)
2005 Season Championship Roller Derby program of the Texas Rollergirls for the Sunday August 7th, 2005 championship tournament. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. Moore was a co-founder of the Women's Flat Track Association which helped define modern roller derby. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
ID Number
2016.0190.18
accession number
2016.0190
catalog number
2016.0190.18
Roller Derby Girls calendar of 2003 was produced by Bad Girl Good Woman Productions costing $7000.
Description (Brief)
Roller Derby Girls calendar of 2003 was produced by Bad Girl Good Woman Productions costing $7000. Unfortunately the calendar did not come out until January of 2003 after most people had already purchased calendars for that year resulting in a $5000 loss for BGGW Productions which was already struggling financially. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions (BGGW) name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2003
ID Number
2016.0190.09
accession number
2016.0190
catalog number
2016.0190.09
Scrapbook page belonging to Special Olympian Marty Sheets is one of forty taken from various scrapbooks made by his family over the many years of Marty's Special Olympic career.Marty Sheets was born with Downs Syndrome in 1953 but through Camp Joy, a camp for kids with intellectu
Description (Brief)
Scrapbook page belonging to Special Olympian Marty Sheets is one of forty taken from various scrapbooks made by his family over the many years of Marty's Special Olympic career.
Marty Sheets was born with Downs Syndrome in 1953 but through Camp Joy, a camp for kids with intellectual disabilities, he found a love of sports. Invited to participate in the first International Special Olympic Games in Chicago in 1968, Marty formed a life long bond with founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Over the course of the next 40 years Sheets won over 250 medals while competing in golf, swimming, Alpine skiing, tennis and power lifting. His favorite sport was golf and In 2006, he was the PGA’s national volunteer of the year for his work at the Wyndham Championship in his hometown of Greensboro, N.C. He is also included in the portrait of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and other Special Olympians which now resides in the National Portrait Gallery collections.
From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sport. This participation builds confidence, provides emotional support and offers social opportunities for the athletes and their families. With state chapters and a global presence through its World Games, “Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities with 5 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2007
ID Number
2017.3064.05.38
nonaccession number
2017.3064
catalog number
2017.3064.05.38
Photograph of Special Olympian Marty Sheets and the National Invitational Golf Tournament committee members, 2005.Marty Sheets was born with Downs Syndrome in 1953 but through Camp Joy, a camp for kids with intellectual disabilities, he found a love of sports.
Description (Brief)
Photograph of Special Olympian Marty Sheets and the National Invitational Golf Tournament committee members, 2005.
Marty Sheets was born with Downs Syndrome in 1953 but through Camp Joy, a camp for kids with intellectual disabilities, he found a love of sports. Invited to participate in the first International Special Olympic Games in Chicago in 1968, Marty formed a life long bond with founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Over the course of the next 40 years Sheets won over 250 medals while competing in golf, swimming, Alpine skiing, tennis and power lifting. His favorite sport was golf and In 2006, he was the PGA’s national volunteer of the year for his work at the Wyndham Championship in his hometown of Greensboro, N.C. He is also included in the portrait of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and other Special Olympians which now resides in the National Portrait Gallery collections.
From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sport. This participation builds confidence, provides emotional support and offers social opportunities for the athletes and their families. With state chapters and a global presence through its World Games, “Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities with 5 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
ID Number
2017.3064.23.15
nonaccession number
2017.3064
catalog number
2017.3064.23.15
Women's Flat Track Roller Derby program for the Texas Rollergirls vs the Carolina Rollergirls for a game on Saturday September 15, 2007. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name.
Description (Brief)
Women's Flat Track Roller Derby program for the Texas Rollergirls vs the Carolina Rollergirls for a game on Saturday September 15, 2007. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. Moore was a co-founder of the Women's Flat Track Association which helped define modern roller derby. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2007
ID Number
2016.0190.15
accession number
2016.0190
catalog number
2016.0190.15
Color photograph of roller derby announcer, Dump Truck, 2008 taken by Andreanna Seymore the official photographer for USA Roller Derby at the First World Cup in Toronto, Canada, 2011.
Description (Brief)
Color photograph of roller derby announcer, Dump Truck, 2008 taken by Andreanna Seymore the official photographer for USA Roller Derby at the First World Cup in Toronto, Canada, 2011. Seymore is a freelance photographer who joined the Hellions of Troy in 2008 and became a member of the close knit, roller derby community.
Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2008
ID Number
2016.3110.05
nonaccession number
2016.3110
catalog number
2016.3110.05
These racing leathers were worn by George Orton during his street luge and downhill racing career.
Description (Brief)
These racing leathers were worn by George Orton during his street luge and downhill racing career. Orton began skateboarding in the early 1970s and is credited with assisting Tony Alva in creating the front side air, the first vertical aerial move in pool skating which paved the way for new tricks to develop above the coping ledge of the pool. Orton had a successful career as a pool and half pipe skater but retired from skateboarding in the early 1980s. He returned in the late 1990s to begin his career as a street luge and downhill skater. Since his entrance into luge and downhill he has made a name for himself as the wearer of colorful helmets with his “eyeball” downhill helmet and his “shark” street luge helmet. He competed in the 1997 X-Games in San Diego as well as winning medals at the 2000 Gravity Games, the 1999 St. George Grand Prix and the 2000 Grand Prix X-Mass Luge.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1990s-2000s
user
Orton, George
ID Number
2013.0154.14
accession number
2013.0154
catalog number
2013.0154.14
Photograph of Special Olympian Marty Sheets with Eunice Shriver at the National Portrait Gallery's unveiling of the portrait that Eunice and Marty are featured in.Marty Sheets was born with Downs Syndrome in 1953 but through Camp Joy, a camp for kids with intellectual disabilitie
Description (Brief)
Photograph of Special Olympian Marty Sheets with Eunice Shriver at the National Portrait Gallery's unveiling of the portrait that Eunice and Marty are featured in.
Marty Sheets was born with Downs Syndrome in 1953 but through Camp Joy, a camp for kids with intellectual disabilities, he found a love of sports. Invited to participate in the first International Special Olympic Games in Chicago in 1968, Marty formed a life long bond with founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Over the course of the next 40 years Sheets won over 250 medals while competing in golf, swimming, Alpine skiing, tennis and power lifting. His favorite sport was golf and In 2006, he was the PGA’s national volunteer of the year for his work at the Wyndham Championship in his hometown of Greensboro, N.C. He is also included in the portrait of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and other Special Olympians which now resides in the National Portrait Gallery collections.
From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sport. This participation builds confidence, provides emotional support and offers social opportunities for the athletes and their families. With state chapters and a global presence through its World Games, “Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities with 5 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2009
ID Number
2017.3064.23.10
nonaccession number
2017.3064
catalog number
2017.3064.23.10
Autographed poster from the first WFTDA Tournament, the 2006 Dust Devil National Flat Track Derby Tournament. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions (BGGW) name.
Description (Brief)
Autographed poster from the first WFTDA Tournament, the 2006 Dust Devil National Flat Track Derby Tournament. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions (BGGW) name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2006
ID Number
2016.0189.18.1
accession number
2016.0189
catalog number
2016.0189.18.1
Medal awarded to 2004 championship Los Jets boys team from Jordan-Matthews High School. The Los Jets soccer team was formed in 2002 in Siler City, North Carolina as a growing influx of Latino families moved to the area.
Description (Brief)
Medal awarded to 2004 championship Los Jets boys team from Jordan-Matthews High School. The Los Jets soccer team was formed in 2002 in Siler City, North Carolina as a growing influx of Latino families moved to the area. Competing in a Southern football town, Coach Paul Cuadros and the team often fought through ugly stereotypes from the predominantly white and African-American communities in which they played. Cuadros united the team through hard work and dedication and won the state championship in 2004, only two years since forming. Through success the team found increased support from the school and the community.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2004
ID Number
2017.0100.05
accession number
2017.0100
catalog number
2017.0100.05
Custom painted, fiberglass downhill skateboard helmet painted to resemble an eyeball was worn by George Orton during his downhill career.
Description (Brief)
Custom painted, fiberglass downhill skateboard helmet painted to resemble an eyeball was worn by George Orton during his downhill career. To show his sense of humor, Orton affixed a "Die Trying" sticker to the back of the helmet next to a drawing of a Band-Aid and "Just Send Me the Bill" handwritten underneath the Band-Aid. Orton began skateboarding in the early 1970s and is credited with assisting Tony Alva in creating the front side air, the first vertical aerial move in pool skating which paved the way for new tricks to develop above the coping ledge of the pool. Orton had a successful career as a pool and half pipe skater but retired from skateboarding in the early 1980s. He returned in the late 1990s to begin his career as a street luge and downhill skater. Since his entrance into luge and downhill he has made a name for himself as the wearer of colorful helmets with his “eyeball” downhill helmet and his “shark” street luge helmet. He competed in the 1997 X-Games in San Diego as well as winning medals at the 2000 Gravity Games, the 1999 St. George Grand Prix and the 2000 Grand Prix X-Mass Luge.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000s
1990s-2000s
user
Orton, George
ID Number
2013.0154.13
accession number
2013.0154
catalog number
2013.0154.13
Roller derby card with The Texas Rollergirls Rock 'n' Rollerderby 2004 season schedule printed on the front. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name.
Description (Brief)
Roller derby card with The Texas Rollergirls Rock 'n' Rollerderby 2004 season schedule printed on the front. Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. Moore was a co-founder of the Women's Flat Track Association which helped define modern roller derby. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2004
ID Number
2016.0190.12
accession number
2016.0190
catalog number
2016.0190.12
This is the official poster for the 2009 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race by the donor, Jon Van Zyle, the official artist of the Iditarod.The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is an extreme sports challenge that tests the skill and endurance of competitors while celebrating Alaska’s sled dog cu
Description (Brief)
This is the official poster for the 2009 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race by the donor, Jon Van Zyle, the official artist of the Iditarod.
The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is an extreme sports challenge that tests the skill and endurance of competitors while celebrating Alaska’s sled dog culture and history. Teams of 12 to 16 dogs, primarily Alaskan Huskies, and their musher experience harsh terrain and weather conditions during the 1,150 mile run from Anchorage to Nome. In its modern iteration as an extreme sport, the Iditarod takes an intense physical toll not only on the human competitors but also on the sled dogs. The race follows a large network of Native trade and travel routes which travelers used when gold was discovered in the isolated town of Iditarod. This discovery led to a “rush” of miners and settlers from across the country, transforming the trail into the region’s main mail and supply route. The area’s harsh winter conditions made sled dog teams the main source of transportation along the Iditarod Trail and it is this rich history which the Iditarod race celebrates today. In 1978 Congress designated the 2300 mile Iditarod Trail as a National Historic Trail recognizing its importance in the shaping of America. Through its beginnings as a regional story, the Iditarod provides us the opportunity to explore the American Experience through the origins of the Iditarod National Historic Trail and the transformation of the Alaskan sled dog culture into an international sport. The Iditarod is now the largest and most prominent sled dog race in the world, attracting international competitors and world-wide media attention.
Jon and Jona Van Zyle are both artists who live outside of Anchorage and have raised sled dogs for many years. Jon has been a supporter of the Iditarod since it beginnings and ran the race in 1976. Jon produced the first official poster for the Iditarod in 1977 which was such a huge success he was voted official artist of the Iditarod in 1979, a position he holds to this day. Jona also contributes her artistic talents to the race by designing logos for the Junior Iditarod and race cachets for the Iditarod and personal cachets for various mushers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
artist
Van Zyle, Jon
ID Number
2014.0116.22
accession number
2014.0116
catalog number
2014.0116.23
411VM Skateboarding videotape, 2001.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
411VM Skateboarding videotape, 2001.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2001
ID Number
2019.3079.13.3
nonaccession number
2019.3079
catalog number
2019.3079.13.3
Color photograph of Violet Knockout of the Gotham City Rollergirls, 2009 taken by Andreanna Seymore the official photographer for USA Roller Derby at the First World Cup in Toronto, Canada, 2011.
Description (Brief)
Color photograph of Violet Knockout of the Gotham City Rollergirls, 2009 taken by Andreanna Seymore the official photographer for USA Roller Derby at the First World Cup in Toronto, Canada, 2011. Seymore is a freelance photographer who joined the Hellions of Troy in 2008 and became a member of the close knit, roller derby community.
Modern roller derby began in 2001 after four teams were formed and founded under the Bad Girls Good Women Productions name. In 2002, the Texas Rollergirls were formed from 65 members of the first BGGW teams after a disagreement over management practices caused a permanent split. BGGW took the remaining 15 skaters and became the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls forming a banked track league. The flat track derby uses a not-for-profit organizational model with skaters running the leagues and using their own money to buy rink time, produce tournaments, print programs and putting any money earned back into the organization.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2009
ID Number
2016.3110.03
nonaccession number
2016.3110
catalog number
2016.3110.03

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