Guernsey's Online Auction

African American Historical & Cultural Artifacts at Auction as a Single Collection: The Elizabeth Meaders Collection

The year was 1960 and Elizabeth Meaders, a young Black New York City school teacher - inspired by the noteworthy accomplishments of Jackie Robinson - was determined to acquire objects relating to his remarkable career. Ball player and Civil Rights activist, Robinson provided a spark that led Ms. Meaders on her 60+ year dogged pursuit of artifacts and ephemera that now combine to provide one of the most complete visions of African American history and culture ever assembled.

Consisting of thousands of objects, Ms. Meaders’ Collection traces the African American experience from the Revolutionary War and the beginnings of Slavery on through the Civil Rights Movement and today’s Black Lives Matter. The Collection includes shackles that dramatically speak of the horrors of slavery, and robes from the Ku Klux Klan that represent racism and hatred in more modern times. There are vivid reminders of the march over the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the March on Washington spearheaded by Dr. King.

The Elizabeth Meaders Collection reminds some and informs others of the important role of Blacks in our nation’s military. Indeed, there are medals for Black soldiers killed in the Revolutionary and Civil wars. There are tributes to the celebrated Tuskegee airman and the rifles of World War and Vietnam War privates.

Yet, lest one think that this is a collection limited to painful moments, there are countless reminders of joyful times as well. African Americans have always played a vital role on our playing fields and in our sporting arenas. Close your eyes and the championship belts in this Collection sweep you into the chaotic Garden ring. And one can concur up the image of the ageless Satchel Paige rocking away in his chair that somehow has found its way into the Collection.

Ella, Lena, Billie, Tina and Diana Ross… their images and souvenirs are all there along with reminders of legendary Black musicians in just about every category of music ever made popular in our Country. Blues, Jazz, Soul, Rock… the Meaders Collection has it all. The collection includes aviation, slavery and abolition rarities of great significance.

- The Scourge Of Slavery
- The Struggle For Civil Rights
- Blacks In The Military
- Blacks In The Arts & Entertainment
- Blacks In The World Of Sports
- Black Leaders And Legacy Makers

See more information regarding this auction, online at Guernsey's, including: A Sampling of items in the Collection, Appraisals information, Links to Videos, In Depth Collection Videos, Press information, and Much More.

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