American Historical Ephemera & Photography

From abolitionists, educators, and political leaders to activists, soldiers, and artists, Freeman’s I Hindman’s February 27 auction focuses on the influential figures and landmark moments that contributed to the African American experience over the last 250 years. The sale explores many important themes, among them civil rights, enslavement, abolition, and war, while celebrating the creative of achievements of African Americans via literature, music, and the visual arts.Highlights include a presentation copy of The Story of the Negro. The Rise of the Race from Slavery, inscribed to President William Howard Taft by Booker T. Washington; a remarkable selection of 18th-19th century manuscripts from the collection of James Milgram, M.D., including a letter from a free Black man containing a first-hand account of the McClintock Slave Riot that erupted in Carlisle, PA, in 1847; and a collection of photographs and ephemera assembled by influential novelist, photographer, and Harlem Renaissance patron Carl Van Vechten, many of which focus on Black artists and educators of the early 20th century. Freeman’s | Hindman strives to present historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values and stereotypes that are not consistent with the values and practices at Freeman’s | Hindman.