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.

Date: 1960s

Blazer worn by Laurie Lewis (Havel) as a member of Team USA volleyball at the Mexico City Summer games, 1968

Blazer worn by Laurie Lewis (Havel) as a member of Team USA volleyball at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympic Games. This is part of a suit with a vest and skirt to be worn during the opening or closing ceremonies of the games,.
Description (Brief)
Blazer worn by Laurie Lewis (Havel) as a member of Team USA volleyball at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympic Games. This is part of a suit with a vest and skirt to be worn during the opening or closing ceremonies of the games,. Lewis, a high school volleyball player made the national team in 1967 which won a gold medal at the Pan American Games that same year. After competing in the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City, she joined the UCLA Bruins volleyball team in 1969 and led the Bruins to their first women's championship in 1972.
The 1968 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad were held in Mexico City, Mexico with 110 countries and 4,735 men and 781 women athletes participating. These were also the first to be held in Latin America and the first in a Spanish speaking country. The 1968 US Olympic track and field team was one of the most successful track teams’ winning twenty-four medals, including twelve gold. The high altitude of Mexico City was attributed to many of the records broken in the short distance races although those in the endurance races suffered from the lack of oxygen. These games also introduced the world to the Fosbury flop as Dick Fosbury won the gold with a new backward approach to the high jump, 16-year-old Debbie Meyer became the first US woman to win three individual golds in swimming and newcomer, George Foreman won gold in boxing. These Games were the first to subject athletes to drug testing which led to the first disqualification of an athlete after drinking a beer before his pentathlon competition. The politically charged atmosphere around the globe that year also contributed to controversy on the medal podium when two African-American athletes held black gloved hands high and bowed their heads during the National Anthem in response to the civil rights protests prevalent in the United States. The US won the medal count with 107.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
user
Havel, Laurie Lewis
maker
Catalina
ID Number
2017.0098.04.3
accession number
2017.0098
catalog number
2017.0098.04.3

Olympic souvenir pin used by swimmer Victoria King at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics

Olympic souvenir pin used by swimmer Victoria King at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics is colored enamel and metal in the shape of the Olympic rings.
Description (Brief)
Olympic souvenir pin used by swimmer Victoria King at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics is colored enamel and metal in the shape of the Olympic rings. At 15, Victoria King, the youngest member of USA Swimming at the 1968 Mexico City Games, was an alternate for the 800 and 400 m freestyles and the relays.
The 1968 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad were held in Mexico City, Mexico with 110 countries and 4,735 men and 781 women athletes participating. These were also the first to be held in Latin America and the first in a Spanish speaking country. The 1968 US Olympic track and field team was one of the most successful track teams’ winning twenty-four medals, including twelve gold. The high altitude of Mexico City was attributed to many of the records broken in the short distance races although those in the endurance races suffered from the lack of oxygen. These games also introduced the world to the Fosbury flop as Dick Fosbury won the gold with a new backward approach to the high jump, 16-year-old Debbie Meyer became the first US woman to win three individual golds in swimming and newcomer, George Foreman won gold in boxing. These Games were the first to subject athletes to drug testing which led to the first disqualification of an athlete after drinking a beer before his pentathlon competition. The politically charged atmosphere around the globe that year also contributed to controversy on the medal podium when two African-American athletes held black gloved hands high and bowed their heads during the National Anthem in response to the civil rights protests prevalent in the United States. The US won the medal count with 107.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
user
King, Victoria
ID Number
2018.0081.10
accession number
2018.0081
catalog number
2018.0081.10

Vest worn by Laurie Lewis (Havel) as a member of Team USA volleyball at the Mexico City Summer games, 1968

Vest worn by Laurie Lewis (Havel) as a member of Team USA volleyball at the1968 Mexico City Summer Olympic Games. This is part of a suit with a skirt and blazer to be worn during the opening or closing ceremonies of the games,.
Description (Brief)
Vest worn by Laurie Lewis (Havel) as a member of Team USA volleyball at the1968 Mexico City Summer Olympic Games. This is part of a suit with a skirt and blazer to be worn during the opening or closing ceremonies of the games,. Lewis, a high school volleyball player made the national team in 1967 which won a gold medal at the Pan American Games that same year. After competing in the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City, she joined the UCLA Bruins volleyball team in 1969 and led the Bruins to their first women's championship in 1972.
The 1968 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad were held in Mexico City, Mexico with 110 countries and 4,735 men and 781 women athletes participating. These were also the first to be held in Latin America and the first in a Spanish speaking country. The 1968 US Olympic track and field team was one of the most successful track teams’ winning twenty-four medals, including twelve gold. The high altitude of Mexico City was attributed to many of the records broken in the short distance races although those in the endurance races suffered from the lack of oxygen. These games also introduced the world to the Fosbury flop as Dick Fosbury won the gold with a new backward approach to the high jump, 16-year-old Debbie Meyer became the first US woman to win three individual golds in swimming and newcomer, George Foreman won gold in boxing. These Games were the first to subject athletes to drug testing which led to the first disqualification of an athlete after drinking a beer before his pentathlon competition. The politically charged atmosphere around the globe that year also contributed to controversy on the medal podium when two African-American athletes held black gloved hands high and bowed their heads during the National Anthem in response to the civil rights protests prevalent in the United States. The US won the medal count with 107.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
user
Havel, Laurie Lewis
maker
Catalina
ID Number
2017.0098.04.1
accession number
2017.0098
catalog number
2017.0098.04.1

Track and field jersey worn by Sharon Callahan (McKniff) at the1968 Mexico City Olympic Games

Track and field practice jersey worn by Sharon Callahan (McKniff) at the1968 Mexico City Olympic Games is a blue sleeveless jersey with darts at the bust.
Description (Brief)
Track and field practice jersey worn by Sharon Callahan (McKniff) at the1968 Mexico City Olympic Games is a blue sleeveless jersey with darts at the bust. Callahan competed in the high jump as a member of the US Olympic track and field team of 1968
The 1968 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad were held in Mexico City, Mexico with 110 countries and 4,735 men and 781 women athletes participating. These were also the first to be held in Latin America and the first in a Spanish speaking country. The 1968 US Olympic track and field team was one of the most successful track teams’ winning twenty-four medals, including twelve gold. The high altitude of Mexico City was attributed to many of the records broken in the short distance races although those in the endurance races suffered from the lack of oxygen. These games also introduced the world to the Fosbury flop as Dick Fosbury won the gold with a new backward approach to the high jump, 16-year-old Debbie Meyer became the first US woman to win three individual golds in swimming and newcomer, George Foreman won gold in boxing. These Games were the first to subject athletes to drug testing which led to the first disqualification of an athlete after drinking a beer before his pentathlon competition. The politically charged atmosphere around the globe that year also contributed to controversy on the medal podium when two African-American athletes held black gloved hands high and bowed their heads during the National Anthem in response to the civil rights protests prevalent in the United States. The US won the medal count with 107.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
ID Number
2017.0007.08
accession number
2017.0007
catalog number
2017.0007.08

Practice bathing suit worn by swimmer Jane Swagerty (Hill) at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics

Practice bathing suit worn by swimmer Jane Swagerty (Hill) at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics is one piece nylon with brown, orange, yellow and green circular designs throughout.
Description (Brief)
Practice bathing suit worn by swimmer Jane Swagerty (Hill) at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics is one piece nylon with brown, orange, yellow and green circular designs throughout. Hill won bronze in the 100 meter backstroke and swam in the preliminary heats for the 100 meter medley relay.
The 1968 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad were held in Mexico City, Mexico with 110 countries and 4,735 men and 781 women athletes participating. These were also the first to be held in Latin America and the first in a Spanish speaking country. The 1968 US Olympic track and field team was one of the most successful track teams’ winning twenty-four medals, including twelve gold. The high altitude of Mexico City was attributed to many of the records broken in the short distance races although those in the endurance races suffered from the lack of oxygen. These games also introduced the world to the Fosbury flop as Dick Fosbury won the gold with a new backward approach to the high jump, 16-year-old Debbie Meyer became the first US woman to win three individual golds in swimming and newcomer, George Foreman won gold in boxing. These Games were the first to subject athletes to drug testing which led to the first disqualification of an athlete after drinking a beer before his pentathlon competition. The politically charged atmosphere around the globe that year also contributed to controversy on the medal podium when two African-American athletes held black gloved hands high and bowed their heads during the National Anthem in response to the civil rights protests prevalent in the United States. The US won the medal count with 107.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
user
Swagerty, Jane
maker
Speedo International Ltd.
ID Number
2018.0106.01
accession number
2018.0106
catalog number
2018.0106.01

Competition bathing suit worn by swimmer Jane Swagerty (Hill) at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics

Competition bathing suit worn by swimmer Jane Swagerty (Hill) at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics is red, white and blue vertical striped nylon. It is lined in the front only. Hill wore this suit during the 100M backstroke final in ehich she won bronze.
Description (Brief)
Competition bathing suit worn by swimmer Jane Swagerty (Hill) at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics is red, white and blue vertical striped nylon. It is lined in the front only. Hill wore this suit during the 100M backstroke final in ehich she won bronze. She also swam in the preliminary heats for the 100 meter medley relay.
The 1968 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad were held in Mexico City, Mexico with 110 countries and 4,735 men and 781 women athletes participating. These were also the first to be held in Latin America and the first in a Spanish speaking country. The 1968 US Olympic track and field team was one of the most successful track teams’ winning twenty-four medals, including twelve gold. The high altitude of Mexico City was attributed to many of the records broken in the short distance races although those in the endurance races suffered from the lack of oxygen. These games also introduced the world to the Fosbury flop as Dick Fosbury won the gold with a new backward approach to the high jump, 16-year-old Debbie Meyer became the first US woman to win three individual golds in swimming and newcomer, George Foreman won gold in boxing. These Games were the first to subject athletes to drug testing which led to the first disqualification of an athlete after drinking a beer before his pentathlon competition. The politically charged atmosphere around the globe that year also contributed to controversy on the medal podium when two African-American athletes held black gloved hands high and bowed their heads during the National Anthem in response to the civil rights protests prevalent in the United States. The US won the medal count with 107.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
user
Swagerty, Jane
maker
Speedo International Ltd.
ID Number
2018.0106.02
accession number
2018.0106
catalog number
2018.0106.02

Track and field sweatshirt worn by Sharon Callahan (McKniff) at the1968 Mexico City Olympic Games

Track and field competition sweatshirt worn by Sharon Callahan (McKniff) at the1968 Mexico City Olympic Games is a white, long sleeve, zip front sweatshirt with a red and blue stripe down each sleeve.
Description (Brief)
Track and field competition sweatshirt worn by Sharon Callahan (McKniff) at the1968 Mexico City Olympic Games is a white, long sleeve, zip front sweatshirt with a red and blue stripe down each sleeve. Callahan competed in the high jump as a member of the US Olympic track and field team of 1968
The 1968 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad were held in Mexico City, Mexico with 110 countries and 4,735 men and 781 women athletes participating. These were also the first to be held in Latin America and the first in a Spanish speaking country. The 1968 US Olympic track and field team was one of the most successful track teams’ winning twenty-four medals, including twelve gold. The high altitude of Mexico City was attributed to many of the records broken in the short distance races although those in the endurance races suffered from the lack of oxygen. These games also introduced the world to the Fosbury flop as Dick Fosbury won the gold with a new backward approach to the high jump, 16-year-old Debbie Meyer became the first US woman to win three individual golds in swimming and newcomer, George Foreman won gold in boxing. These Games were the first to subject athletes to drug testing which led to the first disqualification of an athlete after drinking a beer before his pentathlon competition. The politically charged atmosphere around the globe that year also contributed to controversy on the medal podium when two African-American athletes held black gloved hands high and bowed their heads during the National Anthem in response to the civil rights protests prevalent in the United States. The US won the medal count with 107.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
ID Number
2017.0007.09
accession number
2017.0007
catalog number
2017.0007.09

Dress worn by H. Matsdorf of West Germany at the Mexico City Summer games, 1968

Dress worn by H. Matsdorf of West Germany at the1968 Mexico City Summer Olympic Games. Lewis was given the dress by Matsdorf following the Olympic Games.
Description (Brief)
Dress worn by H. Matsdorf of West Germany at the1968 Mexico City Summer Olympic Games. Lewis was given the dress by Matsdorf following the Olympic Games. Lewis, a high school volleyball player made the national team in 1967 which won a gold medal at the Pan American Games that same year. After competing in the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City, she joined the UCLA Bruins volleyball team in 1969 and led the Bruins to their first women's championship in 1972.
The 1968 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad were held in Mexico City, Mexico with 110 countries and 4,735 men and 781 women athletes participating. These were also the first to be held in Latin America and the first in a Spanish speaking country. The 1968 US Olympic track and field team was one of the most successful track teams’ winning twenty-four medals, including twelve gold. The high altitude of Mexico City was attributed to many of the records broken in the short distance races although those in the endurance races suffered from the lack of oxygen. These games also introduced the world to the Fosbury flop as Dick Fosbury won the gold with a new backward approach to the high jump, 16-year-old Debbie Meyer became the first US woman to win three individual golds in swimming and newcomer, George Foreman won gold in boxing. These Games were the first to subject athletes to drug testing which led to the first disqualification of an athlete after drinking a beer before his pentathlon competition. The politically charged atmosphere around the globe that year also contributed to controversy on the medal podium when two African-American athletes held black gloved hands high and bowed their heads during the National Anthem in response to the civil rights protests prevalent in the United States. The US won the medal count with 107.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
ID Number
2017.0098.05.1
accession number
2017.0098
catalog number
2017.0098.05.1

Pajama bottoms worn by swimmer Victoria King at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics

Pajama bottoms worn by swimmer Victoria King at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics are coral red, nylon pants with an elastic waistband.
Description (Brief)
Pajama bottoms worn by swimmer Victoria King at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics are coral red, nylon pants with an elastic waistband. At 15, Victoria King, the youngest member of USA Swimming at the 1968 Mexico City Games, was an alternate for the 800 and 400 m freestyles and the relays.
The 1968 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad were held in Mexico City, Mexico with 110 countries and 4,735 men and 781 women athletes participating. These were also the first to be held in Latin America and the first in a Spanish speaking country. The 1968 US Olympic track and field team was one of the most successful track teams’ winning twenty-four medals, including twelve gold. The high altitude of Mexico City was attributed to many of the records broken in the short distance races although those in the endurance races suffered from the lack of oxygen. These games also introduced the world to the Fosbury flop as Dick Fosbury won the gold with a new backward approach to the high jump, 16-year-old Debbie Meyer became the first US woman to win three individual golds in swimming and newcomer, George Foreman won gold in boxing. These Games were the first to subject athletes to drug testing which led to the first disqualification of an athlete after drinking a beer before his pentathlon competition. The politically charged atmosphere around the globe that year also contributed to controversy on the medal podium when two African-American athletes held black gloved hands high and bowed their heads during the National Anthem in response to the civil rights protests prevalent in the United States. The US won the medal count with 107.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
user
King, Victoria
ID Number
2018.0081.03.2
accession number
2018.0081
catalog number
2018.0081.03.2

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