Sports & Leisure

Tennis Racket

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.

Culture: African Americans

Honorary Member medal awarded by the Formula 5000 Registry presented to Leonard W. Miller, 2009

Honorary Member medal awarded by the Formula 5000 Registry presented to Leonard W. Miller, 2009.
Description (Brief)
Honorary Member medal awarded by the Formula 5000 Registry presented to Leonard W. Miller, 2009. This was awarded by the Formula 5000 Registry president, Sebastian Coppola for Miller's historical achievements in Formula 5000 auto racing including entering a Lola T-332 race car driven by African American driver, Benny Scott. Scott was the first African American to drive in the 1975 inaugural Long Beach Grand Prix, Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA and Riverside International Raceway, Riverside, CA.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2009
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.15
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.15

Quartermaster Drag Racing Team, Legends Award presented to Leonard W. Miller

Quartermaster Drag Racing Team, Legends Award presented to Leonard W. Miller in 1999 for his contribution to drag racing.
Description (Brief)
Quartermaster Drag Racing Team, Legends Award presented to Leonard W. Miller in 1999 for his contribution to drag racing. QDRT with its hundreds of members, recognized Miller's African American racing efforts in the golden era of drag racing in the 1960s through the early 1970s.
Miller Brothers Racing was founded by Miller, his brother, Dexter, and driver Kenny Wright. Wright piloted Miller Bros. 1955 Chevrolet station wagon to numerous wins, including the New jersey State Championship on August 19, 1970. Wright became an integral member of Miller's Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) as a mechanic competing in professional road racing across North America. QDRT identified Miller as an African American legend, advancing from drag racing to team principal of a Formula 5000 Grand Prix auto racing team on the world stage under the BAR banner in less than a decade.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1999
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.22
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.22

Neck gator worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season

Nomex neck gator worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. The nomex neck gator is white and covers the neck area in between the driver's helmet and his suit. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc.
Description (Brief)
Nomex neck gator worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. The nomex neck gator is white and covers the neck area in between the driver's helmet and his suit. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott. Mahler, a white driver, competed in the 1972 Indianapolis 500 as the driver for Vanguard Inc. making Vanguard the first African American owned team to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. Vanguard Racing Inc. would reorganize as Black American Racers Inc., an African American auto racing team founded in 1973 by Leonard W. Miller, Wendell Scott, Ron Hines and Malcolm Durham, who were members of the Black American Racers Association (BARA). The goal of BARA was to organize African-American drivers, mechanics, engineers, crew members and owners in stock car, open wheel and drag racing, and pave the way for greater success for African Americans in motor sports.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Mahler, John
ID Number
2016.0353.05
accession number
2016.0353
catalog number
2016.0353.05

Leonard W. Miller's license plate from his 1940 Ford Club Coupe Convertible hot rod, 1953

Leonard W. Miller's license plate from his 1940 Ford Club Coupe Convertible hot rod which he owned at West Chester State Teacher's College in 1953.
Description (Brief)
Leonard W. Miller's license plate from his 1940 Ford Club Coupe Convertible hot rod which he owned at West Chester State Teacher's College in 1953. The hot rod was the genesis of his interest in fielding a professional African American auto racing team.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1953
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.3189.29
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.29

Special Olympics medal won by Ricardo Thornton

Special Olympics medal won for third place in a track event by Ricardo Thornton at the USA National Games in Nebraska in 2010. Ricardo Thornton (b. 1959) lived for 20 years in an institution, placed there by his family in the early 1960s.
Description (Brief)
Special Olympics medal won for third place in a track event by Ricardo Thornton at the USA National Games in Nebraska in 2010. Ricardo Thornton (b. 1959) lived for 20 years in an institution, placed there by his family in the early 1960s. He learned to play sports and met his future wife, Donna, there. He and Donna, both wards of the District of Columbia, had to fight to get married in 1984. After they married, they left the institution, had a son, and now have grandchildren. Thornton has worked most of his adult life while continuing to compete in sports.
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
2010
ID Number
2017.0331.15.1
accession number
2017.0331
catalog number
2017.0331.15.1

Letter to Leonard W. Miller president and owner of the Black American Racers team

Letter to Leonard W.
Description (Brief)
Letter to Leonard W. Miller president and owner of the Black American Racers team with his competition license attached for the 1974 racing season.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2016.3189.14.1
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.14.1

F.I.A. International license for Leonard W. Miller, president and owner of the Black American Racers team, 1975

F.I.A. International license for Leonard W. Miller, president and owner of the Black American Racers team, 1975.
Description (Brief)
F.I.A. International license for Leonard W. Miller, president and owner of the Black American Racers team, 1975. This license was issued for BAR Formula 5000 competition for the inaugural Long Beach Grand Prix in Long Beach, CA, Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA and Riverside International Raceway, CA. Benny Scott became the first African American driver to race at Laguna.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2016.3189.16
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.16

Baseball bat, used by Rickey Henderson, Oakland A's

Black finished baseball bat used by outfielder Rickey Henderson as a member of the Oakland A's. Silver lettering on bat, including facsimile of Henderson's signature.
Description
Black finished baseball bat used by outfielder Rickey Henderson as a member of the Oakland A's. Silver lettering on bat, including facsimile of Henderson's signature. Model T141.
Rickey Henderson (b.1958) played Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics (1979-1984, 1989-1993. 1994-1995, 1998,) New York Yankees (1985-1989,) Toronto Blue Jays (1993,) San Diego Padres (1996-1997,) Boston Red Sox (2002) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2003.) Henderson set Major League career records for stolen bases, 1,406 and runs, 2,295.
Batting right, but throwing left, Henderson primarily played left field and batted leadoff. He compiled a lifetime .279 batting average with 3,055 hits, 297 home runs and 1,115 runs batted in. A 10-time All-Star, Henderson won the American League most valuable player award in 1990. He was twice a World Series champion, in 1989 (Athletics) and 1993 (Blue Jays.)
Henderson was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1990
Associated Name
Henderson, Rickey
Oakland Athletics
maker
Louisville Slugger
ID Number
2017.0334.10
catalog number
2017.0334.10
accession number
2017.0334

Leonard W. Miller's Hall of Fame ring

Leonard W. Miller's Hall of Fame ring is gold with "AFDIM" in red in the center. Miller was inducted into the Association for Diversity in Motorsports Hall of Fame on October 11, 2005 in Charlotte, NC.
Description (Brief)
Leonard W. Miller's Hall of Fame ring is gold with "AFDIM" in red in the center. Miller was inducted into the Association for Diversity in Motorsports Hall of Fame on October 11, 2005 in Charlotte, NC. He was recognized and honored for fielding African American stock car drivers in the NASCAR Late Model Stock class throughout the southeast from 1994-2003.
This organization was one of many minority groups advocating African American teams and drivers competing in NASCAR as a result of insufficient corporate sponsorship in the 1990s and 2000s. Ironically, many of these advocate organizations are now defunct due to lack of corporate sponsorship and interest.
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
2016.0359.16.2
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.16.2

Black American Racers Association patch issued for BARA in 1974

Black American Racers Association patch issued for BARA in 1974. BARA was a national organization comprised of five thousand members and ten corporate members from coast to coast supporting the Black American Racers team endeavor in the 1970s.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers Association patch issued for BARA in 1974. BARA was a national organization comprised of five thousand members and ten corporate members from coast to coast supporting the Black American Racers team endeavor in the 1970s. The red, black and green are Black Nationalist colors that were integrated into the patch to exhibit the pride in the Miller's African American heritage that was popular in the 1970s.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976.
In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
ID Number
2016.3189.03
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.03

Socks worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season

Socks worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. The calf length socks are white nomex. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott.
Description (Brief)
Socks worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. The calf length socks are white nomex. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott. Mahler, a white driver, competed in the 1972 Indianapolis 500 as the driver for Vanguard Inc. making Vanguard the first African American owned team to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. Vanguard Racing Inc. would reorganize as Black American Racers Inc., an African American auto racing team founded in 1973 by Leonard W. Miller, Wendell Scott, Ron Hines and Malcolm Durham, who were members of the Black American Racers Association (BARA). The goal of BARA was to organize African-American drivers, mechanics, engineers, crew members and owners in stock car, open wheel and drag racing, and pave the way for greater success for African Americans in motor sports.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Mahler, John
ID Number
2016.0353.07.2
accession number
2016.0353
catalog number
2016.0353.07.2

HoodWood Skates skateboard sticker

Skateboard sticker is white with "HoodWood [/] Skates.com" printed in green and black in the center. Marty Grimes was the first Black professional skateboarder along with his brother Clyde.
Description (Brief)
Skateboard sticker is white with "HoodWood [/] Skates.com" printed in green and black in the center. Marty Grimes was the first Black professional skateboarder along with his brother Clyde. In 1976, after the Del Mar Nationals, Jay Adams got Marty onto the EZ Ryder team that Jay’s stepfather had started after Jay left the Zephyr team. EZ Ryder then turned into Z Flex and Grimes was the first African American to have a pro model deck.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2022.0064.04.4
accession number
2022.0064
catalog number
2022.0064.04.4

Black American Racers team decal for the 1974-1975 racing season

Black American Racers team decal for the 1974-1975 racing season. This decal was worn by team personnel and the team driver.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers team decal for the 1974-1975 racing season. This decal was worn by team personnel and the team driver. The red, black and green are Black Nationalist colors that were integrated into the decal to exhibit the pride in the Miller's African American heritage that was popular in the 1970s. In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
ID Number
2016.3189.06.1
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.06.1

Special Olympics ribbon won by Loretta Claiborne, 1970

Special Olympics blue ribbon awarded to Loretta Claiborne in 1970 for placing first in the 50 yard dash. Claiborne attributes the Special Olympics for saving her life.
Description (Brief)
Special Olympics blue ribbon awarded to Loretta Claiborne in 1970 for placing first in the 50 yard dash. Claiborne attributes the Special Olympics for saving her life. Born with intellectual disabilities and partially blind, Claiborne developed anger issues from constant teasing at school. Introduced to the Special Olympics by social worker Janet McFarland, she was able to channel her anger into success on the track winning countless medals for her efforts. Claiborne still runs every day and holds the record in the 5000 meters for her age group. She is also a motivational speaker who speaks four languages including American Sign Language. Claiborne has a fourth degree black belt in karate, has completed 26 marathons and her 1996 ESPY Award- Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is one of many accolades she has won over the years.
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
ID Number
2017.0335.04
accession number
2017.0335
catalog number
2017.0335.04

Socks worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season

Socks worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. Thecalf length socks are white nomex. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott.
Description (Brief)
Socks worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. Thecalf length socks are white nomex. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott. Mahler, a white driver, competed in the 1972 Indianapolis 500 as the driver for Vanguard Inc. making Vanguard the first African American owned team to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. Vanguard Racing Inc. would reorganize as Black American Racers Inc., an African American auto racing team founded in 1973 by Leonard W. Miller, Wendell Scott, Ron Hines and Malcolm Durham, who were members of the Black American Racers Association (BARA). The goal of BARA was to organize African-American drivers, mechanics, engineers, crew members and owners in stock car, open wheel and drag racing, and pave the way for greater success for African Americans in motor sports.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Mahler, John
ID Number
2016.0353.07.1
accession number
2016.0353
catalog number
2016.0353.07.1

Special Olympics ribbon won by Loretta Claiborne, 1972

Special Olympics blue ribbon awarded to Loretta Claiborne at the 1972 International Special Olympics for third place in the 50 yard dash. Claiborne attributes the Special Olympics for saving her life.
Description (Brief)
Special Olympics blue ribbon awarded to Loretta Claiborne at the 1972 International Special Olympics for third place in the 50 yard dash. Claiborne attributes the Special Olympics for saving her life. Born with intellectual disabilities and partially blind, Claiborne developed anger issues from constant teasing at school. Introduced to the Special Olympics by social worker Janet McFarland, she was able to channel her anger into success on the track winning countless medals for her efforts. Claiborne still runs every day and holds the record in the 5000 meters for her age group. She is also a motivational speaker who speaks four languages including American Sign Language. Claiborne has a fourth degree black belt in karate, has completed 26 marathons and her 1996 ESPY Award- Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is one of many accolades she has won over the years.
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
ID Number
2017.0335.03
accession number
2017.0335
catalog number
2017.0335.03

Black American Racers team patch, 1974

Black American Racers team patch, 1974. This patch was worn by team personnel and the team driver.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers team patch, 1974. This patch was worn by team personnel and the team driver. The red, black and green are Black Nationalist colors that were integrated into the patch to exhibit the pride in the Miller's African American heritage that was popular in the 1970s. In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
ID Number
2016.3189.05.1
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.05.1

Special Olympics medal won by Loretta Claiborne, 1970

Silver colored medal attached to a white ribbon and won by Special Olympics track athlete Loretta Claiborne at the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Special Olympics in 1970. Claiborne attributes the Special Olympics for saving her life.
Description (Brief)
Silver colored medal attached to a white ribbon and won by Special Olympics track athlete Loretta Claiborne at the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Special Olympics in 1970. Claiborne attributes the Special Olympics for saving her life. Born with intellectual disabilities and partially blind, Claiborne developed anger issues from constant teasing at school. Introduced to the Special Olympics by social worker Janet McFarland, she was able to channel her anger into success on the track winning countless medals for her efforts. Claiborne still runs every day and holds the record in the 5000 meters for her age group. She is also a motivational speaker who speaks four languages including American Sign Language. Claiborne has a fourth degree black belt in karate, has completed 26 marathons and her 1996 ESPY Award- Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is one of many accolades she has won over the years.
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
1970
ID Number
2017.0335.02
accession number
2017.0335
catalog number
2017.0335.02

Miller Racing Group, Inc. team crew cap worn by co-owner Leonard T. Miller

Miller Racing Group, Inc. (MRG) team crew cap worn by co-owner Leonard T. Miller is a black baseball cap with the Dr. Pepper logo on the front and Miller Racing Group logo on the side.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group, Inc. (MRG) team crew cap worn by co-owner Leonard T. Miller is a black baseball cap with the Dr. Pepper logo on the front and Miller Racing Group logo on the side. The American flag edition added to the original MRG logo patch was in honor of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. 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
2001
user
Miller, Leonard T.
ID Number
2016.0308.01
accession number
2016.0308
catalog number
2016.0308.01

Limited edition S.L. Barbier, Snake and Wrench logo skatedeck

Limited edition S.L. Barbier, Snake and Wrench logo skatedeck has a blue top. The bottom of the deck has a black flocked fabric treatment over a hand-screened, multi-colored skate and wrench design with multiple line design at the bottom.
Description (Brief)
Limited edition S.L. Barbier, Snake and Wrench logo skatedeck has a blue top. The bottom of the deck has a black flocked fabric treatment over a hand-screened, multi-colored skate and wrench design with multiple line design at the bottom. This was designed by the donor under his label S.L. Barbier and is a limited run of 20 in total.
Sal Barbier is a Black skateboarder from Louisiana who began skating in the late 1980s, becoming pro and releasing his first signature deck in 1990 with H-Street Skateboards. He often skated throughout the South and threw the first street contest in Louisiana. After taking other skater's pro model shoes and customizing them to fit his skating needs and style, Barbier designed his first pro model shoe with Etnies. This became one of the most influential skate shoes, changing the profile from big and chunky to sleek and streamlined, revolutionizing the industry.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2022
designer
Barbier, Sal
ID Number
2022.0066.03
accession number
2022.0066
catalog number
2022.0066.03

Special Olympics sports card featuring Kevonna Burrell in duckpin bowling

Special Olympics sports card featuring Kevonna Burrell of the District of Columbia in duckpin bowling.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 intellectua
Description (Brief)
Special Olympics sports card featuring Kevonna Burrell of the District of Columbia in duckpin bowling.
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
ID Number
2018.3010.352
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.352

Quartermasters Drag Racing Team Inc. Trailblazer award given to Leonard T. Miller of the Miller Racing Group Inc.

Quartermasters Drag Racing Team Inc. Trailblazer award given to Leonard T. Miller of the Miller Racing Group Inc. for blazing the way for African American race car drivers in motorsports from 1993-2003.
Description (Brief)
Quartermasters Drag Racing Team Inc. Trailblazer award given to Leonard T. Miller of the Miller Racing Group Inc. for blazing the way for African American race car drivers in motorsports from 1993-2003. The plaque is black with a marbleized border and gold engraving and a white, round Quarter Masters Racing Team logo at the top. MRG maintained a car and garage on the grounds of the Concord Motor Speedway with the sole purpose of developing African American drivers for NASCAR competition. Over the next decade MRG was sponsored by General Motors, Sunoco, Lincoln Electric, Wittnauer Watches and Dr. Pepper. 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
referenced
Miller, Leonard T.
ID Number
2016.0308.07
accession number
2016.0308
catalog number
2016.0308.07

Miller Racing Group t-shirt sold to fans at the NASCAR Old Dominion Speedway, 2005

Miller Racing Group t-shirt sold to fans at the NASCAR Old Dominion Speedway, 2005. It was sold after weekly Saturday night races at the NASCAR Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas, Virginia during MRG's 2005 track championship season.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group t-shirt sold to fans at the NASCAR Old Dominion Speedway, 2005. It was sold after weekly Saturday night races at the NASCAR Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas, Virginia during MRG's 2005 track championship season. The sales of hundreds of t-shirts directly contributed to Butler winning 6 races during the season. Herman Gantt, MRG's crew chief was a living legend at old Dominion and his name on the t-shirt led to more sales. MRG was considering changing the team's name to LM Racing but never officially instituted the change.
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
2016.0359.18
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.18

B. Dalton Booksellers window and in-store advertisement for Leonard W. Miller's book, "Silent Thunder"

B. Dalton Booksellers window and in-store advertisement for Leonard W.
Description (Brief)
B. Dalton Booksellers window and in-store advertisement for Leonard W. Miller's book, "Silent Thunder" was displayed during a book signing and discussion on Saturday May, 22, 2004 in Philadelphia, PA.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
ID Number
2016.3189.22
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.22

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