Out of Africa: from West African kingdoms to colonization ... · ACMA AV003271: African History:...

Anacostia Community Museum Archives1901 Fort Place, SEWashington, D.C. [email protected]://www.anacostia.si.edu/Collections/ArchiveCollection

Out of Africa: from West African kingdomsto colonization exhibition records

Carrie Gehrer

2011

http://www.anacostia.si.edu/Collections/ArchiveCollection

Table of Contents

Collection Overview ........................................................................................................ 1Administrative Information .............................................................................................. 1Names and Subjects ...................................................................................................... 1Container Listing ............................................................................................................. 3

Series ACMA AV03-031: Out of Africa: from West African kingdoms to colonizationaudiovisual records, circa 1978-1980...................................................................... 3

Out of Africa: from West African Kingdoms to Colonizationexhibition records

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Collection Overview

Repository: Anacostia Community Museum Archives

Title: Out of Africa: from West African Kingdoms to Colonization exhibitionrecords

Identifier: ACMA.03-031

Date: 1979-02 - 1980-02

Extent: 9.15 Linear feet (17 boxes)

Creator: Smithsonian Institution. Anacostia Community MuseumHutchinson, Louise Daniel

Language: English

Summary: An exhibition on the history of the transatlantic slave trade, organizedby the Anacostia Neighborhood and held there from February 1979-February 1980. Curated by Louise Daniel Hutchinson. These recordsdocument the planning, organizing, execution, and promotion of theexhibition. Materials include correspondence, research files, exhibitscripts, administrative records, brochures, press coverage, educationpackets, loan agreements, floor plans, and catalogues.

Administrative Information

Related Archival MaterialsAudiovisual materials related to this exhibition located in Anacostia Community MuseumArchives.

Other Finding AidsBox list in accession file.

Preferred CitationOut of Africa: from West African kingdoms to colonization exhibition records, AnacostiaCommunity Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution

RestrictionsUse of the materials requires an appointment. Please contact the archivist.

Names and Subject Terms

This collection is indexed in the online catalog of the Smithsonian Institution under the following terms:


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Subjects:

Museum exhibitsSlave insurrections -- United States -- ExhibitionsSlave trade -- Africa -- HistorySlave trade -- America -- Exhibitions

Types of Materials:

BrochuresCatalogsCorrespondenceExhibit scriptsExhibition records -- 1967-1989Photographic prints

Names:

Anacostia Neighborhood Museum

Geographic Names:

Africa, West -- history -- Exhibitions

Series ACMA AV03-031: Out of Africa: from West African kingdomsto colonization audiovisual records


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Container Listing

Series ACMA AV03-031: Out of Africa: from West African kingdoms tocolonization audiovisual records, circa 1978-19801 video recording (1 open reel 1/2" video recordings)9 sound recordings (5 audio cassette sound recordings ; 4 open reel 1/4" sound recordings)0.2 Linear feet


Audiovisual materials created for an exhibition on the history of the transatlantic slave trade, organizedby the Anacostia Neighborhood and held there from February 1979-February 1980. Curated by LouiseDaniel Hutchinson. This collection contains the audiovisual output of the exhibit, including narration soundrecordings created for use within the exhibit and video and sound recordings of related talks and exhibittours.

Anacostia Community Museum. Out of Africa: from West African kingdoms to colonization.

Out of Africa: from West African kingdoms to colonization audiovisual records, Anacostia CommunityMuseum Archives, Smithsonian Institution

Use of the materials requires an appointment. Some items are not accessible due to obsolete format andplayback machinery restrictions. Please contact the archivist at [email protected].

Names: Anacostia Community MuseumAnacostia Neighborhood MuseumHutchinson, Louise Daniel

Culture: African American

Genre/Form: Sound recordingsVideo recordings

Topic: Museum exhibitsSlave insurrections -- United States -- ExhibitionsSlave trade -- Africa -- HistorySlave trade -- America -- Exhibitions

Place: Africa, West -- history -- Exhibitions

ACMA AV003271: African History: Dr. Leonard Jeffries, 19782 video recordings (open reel; 1/2 inch)Anacostia Neighborhood MuseumHutchinson, Louise Daniel010235 005805The exhibition - Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to Colonization -explores early African civilizations, the slave trade, the abolitionist movementand the founding of the first African republic, Liberia. Maps, graphics, and tapesdepict the ancient kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, Songhei, Kanem-Bornu and theHausa States. Headdresses, masks, housepots, gold weights, taped music andmusical instruments and door panels represent the cultures of Nigeria, the IvoryCoast, Ghana, Mali, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The journey into slavery is toldin a diary of a ship's doctor, the account book of a slave trader and letters of



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a young passenger. Slave revolts are treated in documents, photographs andportraits. Photographs, books and other publications are included in a sectionon the Abolitionist movement. Additional documents and photographs tell thestory of those who chose to return to Africa. The exibition was organized by theAnacostia Neighborhood Museum and held there from February 1979 - February1980. Curated by Louise Daniel Hutchinson.

Dr. Leonard Jeffries speaks to supervisory staff at the Anacostia NeighborhoodMuseum (ANM) during the development of the exhibition, Out of Africa: FromWest African Kingdoms to Colonization. He discusses levels of analysis(factual level, conceptual level, theoretical level, and practical level) whenstudying and presenting history to others. He explains history is viewed throughvarying perspectives and talks about the Euro-American and African-Asiaticperspectives and value systems. Throughout the lecture, Jeffries talks about thehistory of slavery and the slave trade; African servitude versus Euro-Americanslavery; Euro-American abolitionists versus African abolitionists; Euro-Americanmaterialism and profit making; African history, traditions, and perspective;black history, and black experience. He explains misconceptions are made inthe study and portrayal of history; and museums can either challenge thesemisconceptions or continue them. He stresses Africa has been called the darkcontinent, and this statement along with others presents black history and blackexperience in a negative context, which results in cultural genocide. Finally,Jeffries reviews and discusses the sections of the future ANM exhibit andexplains the best ways to present topics of each section.

Presentation/lecture. Part of Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms toColonization Audiovisual Records. AV003271: Part 1, Levels of Analyses.AV003257: Part 2, America. Sound quality poor - static throughout bothrecordings. Dated: 19780605.

Exhibition: Anacostia Neighborhood Museum. Curator: Louise DanielHutchinson.

Local Numbers

ACMA AV003257

Title transcribed from physical asset.

Names: Anacostia Community MuseumAnacostia Neighborhood MuseumJeffries, Leonard

Topic: AbolitionistsAfrican AmericansAfrican cultureBlacks -- HistoryBlacks -- Study and teachingColonizationMuseum exhibitsMuseumsSlave tradeSlavery

Place: AfricaAnacostia (Washington, D.C.)



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United States

Genre/Form: LecturesVideo recordings


ACMA AV003271: African History: Dr. Leonard Jeffries, 19782 video recordings (open reel; 1/2 inch)Anacostia Neighborhood MuseumHutchinson, Louise Daniel010235 005805The exhibition - Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to Colonization -explores early African civilizations, the slave trade, the abolitionist movementand the founding of the first African republic, Liberia. Maps, graphics, and tapesdepict the ancient kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, Songhei, Kanem-Bornu and theHausa States. Headdresses, masks, housepots, gold weights, taped music andmusical instruments and door panels represent the cultures of Nigeria, the IvoryCoast, Ghana, Mali, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The journey into slavery is toldin a diary of a ship's doctor, the account book of a slave trader and letters ofa young passenger. Slave revolts are treated in documents, photographs andportraits. Photographs, books and other publications are included in a sectionon the Abolitionist movement. Additional documents and photographs tell thestory of those who chose to return to Africa. The exibition was organized by theAnacostia Neighborhood Museum and held there from February 1979 - February1980. Curated by Louise Daniel Hutchinson.

Presentation for supervisory staff regarding future exhibit

Presentation. Part of Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to ColonizationAudiovisual Records. AV003271: Part 1, Levels of Analyses. AV003257: Part 2,America. Dated: 19780605.


Local Numbers

ACMA AV003257


Names: Anacostia Community MuseumAnacostia Neighborhood Museum

Topic: African AmericansMuseum exhibitsSlave insurrectionsSlave trade

Place: AfricaAfrica, WestAnacostia (Washington, D.C.)United States

Genre/Form: Video recordings



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ACMA AV003363: Out of Africa Narration, circa 19793 sound recordings (open reel; 1/4 inch)Anacostia Neighborhood MuseumHutchinson, Louise DanielJeffries, Leonard000713 000717 002720The exhibition - Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to Colonization -explores early African civilizations, the slave trade, the abolitionist movementand the founding of the first African republic, Liberia. Maps, graphics, and tapesdepict the ancient kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, Songhei, Kanem-Bornu and theHausa States. Headdresses, masks, housepots, gold weights, taped music andmusical instruments and door panels represent the cultures of Nigeria, the IvoryCoast, Ghana, Mali, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The journey into slavery is toldin a diary of a ship's doctor, the account book of a slave trader and letters ofa young passenger. Slave revolts are treated in documents, photographs andportraits. Photographs, books and other publications are included in a sectionon the Abolitionist movement. Additional documents and photographs tell thestory of those who chose to return to Africa. The exibition was organized by theAnacostia Neighborhood Museum and held there from February 1979 - February1980. Curated by Louise Daniel Hutchinson.

Young boy recites story about life on a slave ship. Narrator speaks of the slaveforts and castles, built by Europeans, along the coast of Africa during slavetrade period; and their role in the transatlantic slave trade. He states the slaveforts and castles, in Ghana and elsewhere, are being used as cultural centers,museums, and research laboratories today. He explains the Gambians and AlexHaley hope to turn James Island, where ancestors of Kunta Kinte Alex Haleylived, into a memorial to the ancestors.

Narration. Part of Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to ColonizationAudiovisual Records. AV003363 and AV003380: same content. Transcribedfrom AV003363: Ron Coleman, Leonard Jeffreys. Transcribed from AV003380:Ron Hughes, Leonard Jeffreys. AV003499: slave forts and castles narrationfrom 000504 - 001504 and 001711 - 002720 [also on recording: Narrationabout West African Slave Trade and Evolution of a Community Part III: Crime,Unemployment, Education]. Undated.


Out of Africa Narration, Exhibition Records AV03-031, Anacostia CommunityMuseum Archives, Smithsonian Institution.

Local Numbers

ACMA AV003380

ACMA AV003499

Title transcribed from physical asset and based on contents of recording.

Names: Anacostia Community Museum



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Topic: African AmericansBlacks -- HistoryBlacks -- Study and teachingMuseum exhibitsSlave tradeSlavery

Place: AfricaAnacostia (Washington, D.C.)United States

Genre/Form: NarrationSound recordings


ACMA AV003293: Out of Africa Narration by John Kinard, 19793 sound recordings (open reel; 1/4 inch)Anacostia Neighborhood MuseumHutchinson, Louise Daniel000455 000458 000455The exhibition - Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to Colonization -explores early African civilizations, the slave trade, the abolitionist movementand the founding of the first African republic, Liberia. Maps, graphics, and tapesdepict the ancient kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, Songhei, Kanem-Bornu and theHausa States. Headdresses, masks, housepots, gold weights, taped music andmusical instruments and door panels represent the cultures of Nigeria, the IvoryCoast, Ghana, Mali, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The journey into slavery is toldin a diary of a ship's doctor, the account book of a slave trader and letters ofa young passenger. Slave revolts are treated in documents, photographs andportraits. Photographs, books and other publications are included in a sectionon the Abolitionist movement. Additional documents and photographs tell thestory of those who chose to return to Africa. The exibition was organized by theAnacostia Neighborhood Museum and held there from February 1979 - February1980. Curated by Louise Daniel Hutchinson.

Narrator John Kinard introduces three writers and the reading of excerpts fromtheir writings about the kingdoms of ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhei. Focuson kings who governed ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhei; their relationship withtheir people; and ceremonies and customs.

Narration. Part of Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to ColonizationAudiovisual Records. AV003293, AV003379, and AV003359: same content.AV003293: dated 19790102. AV003379 and AV003359: undated.

Exhibition: Anacostia Neighborhood Museum. Curator: Louise DanielHutchinson. Narrator: John Kinard.

Out of Africa Narration by John Kinard, Exhibition Records AV03-031, AnacostiaCommunity Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution.

Local Numbers

ACMA AV003379



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ACMA AV003359


Topic: African AmericansBlacks -- HistoryBlacks -- Study and teachingKings and rulers, AncientManners and customsMuseum exhibits

Place: Africa, WestAnacostia (Washington, D.C.)United States



ACMA AV003297: Out of Africa Narration by David Eaton, circa 19792 sound recordings (open reel; 1/4 inch)1 sound recording (audio cassette)Anacostia Neighborhood MuseumHutchinson, Louise Daniel000348 000346 000342The exhibition - Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to Colonization -explores early African civilizations, the slave trade, the abolitionist movementand the founding of the first African republic, Liberia. Maps, graphics, and tapesdepict the ancient kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, Songhei, Kanem-Bornu and theHausa States. Headdresses, masks, housepots, gold weights, taped music andmusical instruments and door panels represent the cultures of Nigeria, the IvoryCoast, Ghana, Mali, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The journey into slavery is toldin a diary of a ship's doctor, the account book of a slave trader and letters ofa young passenger. Slave revolts are treated in documents, photographs andportraits. Photographs, books and other publications are included in a sectionon the Abolitionist movement. Additional documents and photographs tell thestory of those who chose to return to Africa. The exibition was organized by theAnacostia Neighborhood Museum and held there from February 1979 - February1980. Curated by Louise Daniel Hutchinson.

Narrator David Eaton speaks of slavery and oppression; and freedom fromslavery and fighting for the rights that come with it.

Narration. Part of Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to ColonizationAudiovisual Records. AV003297, AV003300, and AV001371: same content.AV003297 and AV003300: undated. AV001371: dated 19791026.

Exhibition: Anacostia Neighborhood Museum. Curator: Louise DanielHutchinson. Narrator: David Eaton.

Out of Africa Narration by David Eaton, Exhibition Records AV03-031, AnacostiaCommunity Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution.



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Local Numbers

ACMA AV003300

ACMA AV001371



Topic: African AmericansBlacks -- HistoryBlacks -- Study and teachingLibertyMuseum exhibitsSlaverySlaves -- Emancipation

Place: Anacostia (Washington, D.C.)United States



ACMA AV001372: Out of Africa: Self Guided Tour, circa 19791 sound recording (audio cassette)Anacostia Neighborhood Museum001102The exhibition - Out of Africa: From West African Kingdoms to Colonization -explores early African civilizations, the slave trade, the abolitionist movementand the founding of the first African republic, Liberia. Maps, graphics, and tapesdepict the ancient kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, Songhei, Kanem-Bornu and theHausa States. Headdresses, masks, housepots, gold weights, taped music andmusical instruments and door panels represent the cultures of Nigeria, the IvoryCoast, Ghana, Mali, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The journey into slavery is toldin a diary of a ship's doctor, the account book of a slave trader and letters ofa young passenger. Slave revolts are treated in documents, photographs andportraits. Photographs, books and other publications are included in a sectionon the Abolitionist movement. Additional documents and photographs tell thestory of those who chose to return to Africa. The exibition was organized by theAnacostia Neighborhood Museum and held there from February 1979 - February1980. Curated by Louise Daniel Hutchinson.

Self guided tour highlighted the five areas of the exhibition 'Out of Africa: FromWest African Kingdoms to Colonization.' The five areas explored ancient Africankingdoms, African artworks, slave forts and slavery on the west coast of Africa,the Middle Passage and slavery in the Caribbean, resistance to slavery inAmerica, and back to Africa movements.

Exhibition tour. Related to exhibition 'Out of Africa: From West African Kingdomsto Colonization.' Undated.

Exhibition: Anacostia Neighborhood Museum. Curator: Louise DanielHutchinson. Voice: Schroeder Cherry, education staff.



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Out of Africa: Self Guided Tour, Anacostia Community Museum Archives,Smithsonian Institution.


Topic: African AmericansAntislavery movementsArt, AfricanBack to Africa movementBlacks -- HistoryBlacks -- Study and teachingKings and rulers, AncientMuseum exhibitsSlave insurrectionsSlave tradeSlavery

Place: AfricaAnacostia (Washington, D.C.)Caribbean AreaUnited States

Genre/Form: Sound recordings


Return to Table of ContentsACMA AV003499: Narration about West African Slave Trade, circa 1970s1 sound recording (open reel; 1/4 inch)Anacostia Neighborhood Museum002720English.Narrator descibes the West African slave trade and the conditions of the slaves,particularly on the ship. African drumming in the background.

Narration. AV003499: also on recording Out of Africa Narration and Evolution ofa Community Part III: Crime, Unemployment, Education. Undated.

Created for Anacostia Neighborhood Museum.

Narration about West African Slave Trade, Anacostia Community MuseumArchives, Smithsonian Institution.

Use of the materials requires an appointment. Some items are not accessibledue to obsolete format and playback machinery restrictions. Please contact thearchivist to make an appointment: [email protected].


Topic: Slave tradeSlavery

Place: Africa, WestAnacostia (Washington, D.C.)United States



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Washington (D.C.)

Genre/Form: MusicNarrationSound recordings


ACMA AV003448: Musical Recordings: African Music, circa 1970s1 sound recording (open reel; 1/4 inch)Anacostia Neighborhood Museum002847English.Instrumental and vocal music from African cultures including Akonodey byAkan Adowa musicians, Dance Of The Witch Doctor by Festival Music Of ThePrincess Of Dahomey, and Ewe Chorus with drum, rattle, gong.

Music. Undated.

Created for Anacostia Neighborhood Museum.

Musical Recordings: African Music, Anacostia Community Museum Archives,Smithsonian Institution.



Topic: African AmericansAfrican cultureMusic

Place: AfricaAnacostia (Washington, D.C.)United StatesWashington (D.C.)

Genre/Form: MusicSound recordings


ACMA AV001375_A: Camara Laye: Conversation about Africa, 19772 sound recordings (audio cassette)Anacostia Neighborhood Museum003220 000955 004418French.English.Camara Laye talked about griots who transmit the oral culture of Africa; hiswork as oral historian; the novel he was writing; the seven African countries thatcompressed the Empire Mali and the countries' shared culture; Kinte projectwith Alex Haley; African civilization as a social, humanistic civilization and



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European civilization as a mechanic civilization; expanded African family versuslimited European family; limited independence of Africa; and regrouping ofAfrica. Following Camara Laye lecture, the remainder of the recording includesa demonstration/conversation about tie dying technique; and two womenconversing about an alphabet book of African culture and what they are going todo the following day.

Lecture. Audio Only. French with English interpretation. AV001386: poor audioquality. Dated 19770728.

Camara Laye: Conversation about Africa, Anacostia Community MuseumArchives, Smithsonian Institution.


Local Numbers

ACMA AV001375_B

ACMA AV001386_A


Topic: African AmericansAfrican cultureGriotsOral historyStorytelling

Place: Africa, WestAnacostia (Washington, D.C.)United StatesWashington (D.C.)

Genre/Form: Sound recordings


Out of Africa: from West African kingdoms to colonization ... · ACMA AV003271: African History:...

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