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.

Colored print of Scottish Games. Proof before letters. A ring of spectators, many dressed in kilts with bagpipes, surrounding participants engaged in a variety of games on an open field. Tents in background.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of Scottish Games. Proof before letters. A ring of spectators, many dressed in kilts with bagpipes, surrounding participants engaged in a variety of games on an open field. Tents in background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
publisher
Kelly & Whitehill
maker
Giles, John Lawrence
printer
Hart, Charles
ID Number
DL.60.2404
catalog number
60.2404
accession number
228146
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
ca 1880
ID Number
DL.301846.0001
catalog number
301846.0001
accession number
301846
This black and gold plastic yo-yo has the signature of Donald Duncan founder of the Duncan Toys Company. Duncan Toys produced yo-yos from 1929-1965. Duncan was well known for marketing tactics that made the yo-yo a sensation during the 1930s.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This black and gold plastic yo-yo has the signature of Donald Duncan founder of the Duncan Toys Company. Duncan Toys produced yo-yos from 1929-1965. Duncan was well known for marketing tactics that made the yo-yo a sensation during the 1930s.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2007.0158.24
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.24
This plastic yo-yo produced by Festival during the early 1970s resembles a basketball. It features the logo of the Baltimore Bullets NBA franchise. This example was given out as a promotion at Bullets games.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo produced by Festival during the early 1970s resembles a basketball. It features the logo of the Baltimore Bullets NBA franchise. This example was given out as a promotion at Bullets games.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.29
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.29
Four page song sheet is typewritten on white paper. The song sheets were given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) a volunteer counselor who worked at Camp Shriver from 1962-1967.Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962.
Description (Brief)
Four page song sheet is typewritten on white paper. The song sheets were given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) a volunteer counselor who worked at Camp Shriver from 1962-1967.
Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Rose, an intellectually disabled sister, decided to hold a day camp for intellectually disabled kids from DC and Maryland. The high school age counselors were taught how to teach the campers different skills through play and introduced them to horseback riding, swimming, canoeing and group games, many of the campers experiencing these activities for the first time. Camp Shriver continued each summer until 1968 when the first Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago which has grown into the largest organization for intellectually disabled athletes in the world.
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
1962
user
Manner, Mary H.
ID Number
2017.0239.01
accession number
2017.0239
catalog number
2017.0239.01
This wooden yo-yo was made by the American Spinners Yo-Yo Corporation. It is black, featuring a red, yellow and green design on both sides.
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by the American Spinners Yo-Yo Corporation. It is black, featuring a red, yellow and green design on both sides. Clear, oval-shaped plastic packaging reads "American’s Best One Piece Wooden Yo-Yo.” American Spinners was founded in 1988.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.08
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.08
This blue plastic yo-yo was made by Rite Lite LTD in the 1990s. It has a golden menorah on the front and the text “Happy Chanukah.” The yo-yo's retail packaging proclaims “Lights up & Plays Draydel (sic) Song!”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This blue plastic yo-yo was made by Rite Lite LTD in the 1990s. It has a golden menorah on the front and the text “Happy Chanukah.” The yo-yo's retail packaging proclaims “Lights up & Plays Draydel (sic) Song!”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.04
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.04
This "No Jive Pine Wood 3-1" yo-yo was made by Tom Kuhn Custom Yo-Yos in the 1990s. Kuhn is known as the “father of the modern day yo-yo” for his “3 in 1” design, which he patented in 1978 (patent number 4,207,701.)Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This "No Jive Pine Wood 3-1" yo-yo was made by Tom Kuhn Custom Yo-Yos in the 1990s. Kuhn is known as the “father of the modern day yo-yo” for his “3 in 1” design, which he patented in 1978 (patent number 4,207,701.)
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.20
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.20
This "No-Jive Mandala" yo-yo was made by Tom Kuhn during the 1990s. It features a laser carved seal of a two overlapping star shapes. The No-Jive models could be taken apart and their faces flipped to change them from a standard yo-yo to a butterfly.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This "No-Jive Mandala" yo-yo was made by Tom Kuhn during the 1990s. It features a laser carved seal of a two overlapping star shapes. The No-Jive models could be taken apart and their faces flipped to change them from a standard yo-yo to a butterfly.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.18
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.18
This red and yellow plastic yo-yo was made by Disney Pixar around 1999. The yo-yo has a holographic image of the Pixar character Buzz Lightyear from the film Toy Story 2 on one side, and the word ”BUZZ” on the other.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This red and yellow plastic yo-yo was made by Disney Pixar around 1999. The yo-yo has a holographic image of the Pixar character Buzz Lightyear from the film Toy Story 2 on one side, and the word ”BUZZ” on the other.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.31
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.31
Instructions for participating in the Water Program given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) as a counselor at Camp Shriver, 1962.Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F.
Description (Brief)
Instructions for participating in the Water Program given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) as a counselor at Camp Shriver, 1962.
Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Rose, an intellectually disabled sister, decided to hold a day camp for intellectually disabled kids from DC and Maryland. The high school age counselors were taught how to teach the campers different skills through play and introduced them to horseback riding, swimming, canoeing and group games, many of the campers experiencing these activities for the first time. Camp Shriver continued each summer until 1968 when the first Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago which has grown into the largest organization for intellectually disabled athletes in the world. Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) applied to be a volunteer at the camp through her parochial high school and worked there from 1962-1967.
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
user
Manner, Mary H.
ID Number
2017.0239.05
accession number
2017.0239
catalog number
2017.0239.05
This blue plastic yo-yo was made by Festival during the 1970s. It features an image of Walt Disney cartoon character Donald Duck.
Description (Brief)
This blue plastic yo-yo was made by Festival during the 1970s. It features an image of Walt Disney cartoon character Donald Duck. Festival, a division of the Union Wadding Company, had a license with Disney during the 1970s to produce a line featuring the company's characters.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.28
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.28
This plastic yo-yo was made by Festival in the 1970s. It is colored silver and is meant to resemble a bowling ball. It is part of Festival’s "Professional Model" line which made yo-yo that looked like various sports balls.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by Festival in the 1970s. It is colored silver and is meant to resemble a bowling ball. It is part of Festival’s "Professional Model" line which made yo-yo that looked like various sports balls.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.22
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.22
This plastic yo-yo was made by Festival in the early 1980s. It features an image of Santa Claus and the words “Merry Christmas.” The reverse side has an image of a yellow and red train and the words “Happy Choo-Choo to You!”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by Festival in the early 1980s. It features an image of Santa Claus and the words “Merry Christmas.” The reverse side has an image of a yellow and red train and the words “Happy Choo-Choo to You!”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.30
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.30
This white plastic yo-yo was made by Hallmark Cards Inc. in the 1980s. It features an image of the characters Snoopy and Woodstock from the comic strip Peanuts.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This white plastic yo-yo was made by Hallmark Cards Inc. in the 1980s. It features an image of the characters Snoopy and Woodstock from the comic strip Peanuts.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.32
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.32
Letter dated May 1964, given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) from John Sandy Eiler, director of Camp Shriver, requesting information from her so as to pair the counselors with a specific camper. The letter is typewritten on Joseph P.
Description (Brief)
Letter dated May 1964, given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) from John Sandy Eiler, director of Camp Shriver, requesting information from her so as to pair the counselors with a specific camper. The letter is typewritten on Joseph P. Kennedy letterhead and is signed by John Sandy Eiler, director of Camp Shriver. The original envelope is included with the letter. As the camp prospered, organization was needed to ensure the camp's success so a director was appointed to run the day to day activities.
Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Rose, an intellectually disabled sister, decided to hold a day camp for intellectually disabled kids from DC and Maryland. The high school age counselors were taught how to teach the campers different skills through play and introduced them to horseback riding, swimming, canoeing and group games, many of the campers experiencing these activities for the first time. Camp Shriver continued each summer until 1968 when the first Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago which has grown into the largest organization for intellectually disabled athletes in the world. Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) applied to be a volunteer at the camp through her parochial high school and worked there from 1962-1967.
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
1964
user
Manner, Mary H.
ID Number
2017.0239.03
accession number
2017.0239
catalog number
2017.0239.03
This green wooden yo-yo bears a colorful seal with an image of a treasure chest, anchor, and gold coins The chest is surrounded by several flags, including the Union Jack, Southern Cross and the flag of the United States.
Description (Brief)
This green wooden yo-yo bears a colorful seal with an image of a treasure chest, anchor, and gold coins The chest is surrounded by several flags, including the Union Jack, Southern Cross and the flag of the United States. The seal has a round blue border with white print reading, “Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2007.0158.16
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.16
Manual for teaching Diversified Games and Activities for Low Organization for Mentally Retarded Children, given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) as a counselor at Camp Shriver, 1962.Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962.
Description (Brief)
Manual for teaching Diversified Games and Activities for Low Organization for Mentally Retarded Children, given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) as a counselor at Camp Shriver, 1962.
Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Rose, an intellectually disabled sister, decided to hold a day camp for intellectually disabled kids from DC and Maryland. The high school age counselors were taught how to teach the campers different skills through play and introduced them to horseback riding, swimming, canoeing and group games, many of the campers experiencing these activities for the first time. Camp Shriver continued each summer until 1968 when the first Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago which has grown into the largest organization for intellectually disabled athletes in the world. Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) applied to be a volunteer at the camp through her parochial high school and worked there from 1962-1967.
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
user
Manner, Mary H.
ID Number
2017.0239.08
accession number
2017.0239
catalog number
2017.0239.08
This light brown wooden yo-yo was made by the Hummingbird Toy Company around 1990-1991. One side is engraved with the text “Operation Desert Storm/ Saudi Arabia.“ The reverse side features the Hummingbird Toy Company logo.
Description (Brief)
This light brown wooden yo-yo was made by the Hummingbird Toy Company around 1990-1991. One side is engraved with the text “Operation Desert Storm/ Saudi Arabia.“ The reverse side features the Hummingbird Toy Company logo. At the time of the conflict, whenever this type of yo-yo was purchased a free one was sent to an American serviceman in the Middle East.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Hummingbird
ID Number
2007.0158.10
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.10
This red "Chico Super Deluxe" yo-yo was made by the Royal Tops Manufacturing Company during the 1950s and 1960s.
Description (Brief)
This red "Chico Super Deluxe" yo-yo was made by the Royal Tops Manufacturing Company during the 1950s and 1960s. "Chico" was the nickname of Royal's founder, Joe Radovan, who was known to wear a sombrero during contests.
The yo-yo features Royal's crown and chevron logo above a yellow scroll. This example is mounted within a blister pack featuring illustrations of children's playing with yo-yos. The back of the package has instructions for doing tricks.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Royal Tops Manufacturing Co.
ID Number
2007.0158.02
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.02
Hand made award given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) for individualism while a camp counselor at Camp Shriver.Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F.
Description (Brief)
Hand made award given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) for individualism while a camp counselor at Camp Shriver.
Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Rose, an intellectually disabled sister, decided to hold a day camp for intellectually disabled kids from DC and Maryland. The high school age counselors were taught how to teach the campers different skills through play and introduced them to horseback riding, swimming, canoeing and group games, many of the campers experiencing these activities for the first time. Camp Shriver continued each summer until 1968 when the first Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago which has grown into the largest organization for intellectually disabled athletes in the world. Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) applied to be a volunteer at the camp through her parochial high school and worked there from 1962-1967.
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
user
Manner, Mary H.
ID Number
2017.0239.11
accession number
2017.0239
catalog number
2017.0239.11
Address by Eunice K.
Description (Brief)
Address by Eunice K. Shriver at the Annual Convention of the American Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) as a counselor at Camp Shriver, 1962.
Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Rose, an intellectually disabled sister, decided to hold a day camp for intellectually disabled kids from DC and Maryland. The high school age counselors were taught how to teach the campers different skills through play and introduced them to horseback riding, swimming, canoeing and group games, many of the campers experiencing these activities for the first time. Camp Shriver continued each summer until 1968 when the first Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago which has grown into the largest organization for intellectually disabled athletes in the world. Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) applied to be a volunteer at the camp through her parochial high school and worked there from 1962-1967.
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
1965
user
Manner, Mary H.
ID Number
2017.0239.09
accession number
2017.0239
catalog number
2017.0239.09
Letter given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) from Eunice Kennedy Shriver thanking Mary for being a camp counselor at Camp Shriver during the camp's first year in 1962. The letter is typewritten on Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation letterhead and is signed by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Description (Brief)
Letter given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) from Eunice Kennedy Shriver thanking Mary for being a camp counselor at Camp Shriver during the camp's first year in 1962. The letter is typewritten on Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation letterhead and is signed by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The original envelope is included with the letter.
Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Rose, an intellectually disabled sister, decided to hold a day camp for intellectually disabled kids from DC and Maryland. The high school age counselors were taught how to teach the campers different skills through play and introduced them to horseback riding, swimming, canoeing and group games, many of the campers experiencing these activities for the first time. Camp Shriver continued each summer until 1968 when the first Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago which has grown into the largest organization for intellectually disabled athletes in the world. Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) applied to be a volunteer at the camp through her parochial high school and worked there from 1962-1967.
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
1962
user
Manner, Mary H.
ID Number
2017.0239.02
accession number
2017.0239
catalog number
2017.0239.02
Manual for teaching Nature Games to mentally retarded children given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) as a counselor at Camp Shriver, 1962Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F.
Description (Brief)
Manual for teaching Nature Games to mentally retarded children given to Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) as a counselor at Camp Shriver, 1962
Camp Shriver began in Eunice Shriver’s backyard at her Timberlawn estate in 1962. Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Rose, an intellectually disabled sister, decided to hold a day camp for intellectually disabled kids from DC and Maryland. The high school age counselors were taught how to teach the campers different skills through play and introduced them to horseback riding, swimming, canoeing and group games, many of the campers experiencing these activities for the first time. Camp Shriver continued each summer until 1968 when the first Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago which has grown into the largest organization for intellectually disabled athletes in the world. Mary Hammerbacher (Manner) applied to be a volunteer at the camp through her parochial high school and worked there from 1962-1967.
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
user
Manner, Mary H.
ID Number
2017.0239.06
accession number
2017.0239
catalog number
2017.0239.06

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