@Emalineandthem is an instagram-based archival photography project, portraiture of Black Americans from the late 19th and early 20th centuries; curated by Kimberly Annece Henderson /// She is a historical researcher and curator based in New York City. Her work centers genealogy and Black American lineages through archival photography and historical preservation. She currently facilitates digital projects for the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. And she earned her Master’s in Library and Information Sciences from Syracuse University. Her curatorial work can be seen in projects like the 1619 Project Book and her debut book entitled, "Dear Yesteryear" is on sale March 7 via Penguin Random House.
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c early 1900s, studio portrait of a woman in white, by Rufus W. Holsinger {*this feels so much like a Sunday. It’s giving me all the charm of a relaxing Sunday morning, and the wistfulness of a fading Sunday evening. I am also completely enchanted by both her ensemble, and the serenity of her entire being 🤍🤍🤍 p.s. -can any of my historical costumers name the type of hat she’s wearing? } —University of Virginia https://www.instagram.com/p/CHnRMFpFqOP/?igshid=7h8tj62ww4mq
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c 1884-1898, studio portrait of a man, seated with a group of women, Fort Custer, Montana by Orlando Scott Goff {*the objects in their hands tell pieces of a story: the guitar and glasses, the book she’s holding that looks like a religious text (or hymnal, perhaps). Is that cute little doggie in the corner real or a part of the painted backdrop? Were they some sort of traveling band? What do you make of their story? } —The Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture https://www.instagram.com/p/CHiWtWEFArT/?igshid=1iq20jqy7dg8s
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c. July 1918, photographic postcard of the 372nd Infantry Regiment soldiers in Verdun, France during WWI {*dear educators, #blacklivesmatter looks like adding these images to your history curriculum ✅✨🇺🇸 ...on this day (and every day, really), I am grateful for those who risk their lives for others; on whichever battlefield. I solute the veterans today 🎖(the side inscription reads: “while passing shells going over head, Verdun Hill, July 1918)} —The Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Greer-Calmeise Family of Cincinnati, Ohio https://www.instagram.com/p/CHc9R5VlPFa/?igshid=rwoyj12ig54m
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c 1899-1900, portraits of the officers (1) and executive board (2) of the Women’s League of Newport, Rhode Island {*this one goes out to the women who paved the way for a better tomorrow; the ones who advocated for suffrage and education over a century ago, like the leaders of the Women’s League of Newport, RI pictured here. Their hard work (and continued efforts✨) has undoubtedly led to such a monumental moment in the history of the U.S. Vice-Presidency today 🤩🗣🇺🇸 ...that’s “Madam Vice President” to you, boo!} —The Library of Congress https://www.instagram.com/p/CHXwPzRlgGT/?igshid=uk9gqi2uemc6
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c 1910-1920, studio portraits of babies, Albemarle Co, VA by Rufus W. Holsinger, {*i officially joined the auntie club about a month ago and in honor of how much pure joy and love babies bring to this world (and my obsession with my nephew), here’s some of the cutest chubby cheeks and sweet, innocent glances to start your day on a good note 🐣💎✨} University of Virginia, Special Collections Library https://www.instagram.com/p/CHP6Y-mF-mg/?igshid=9twscnmn0q8c
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c 1960, portrait of a young man showing his hogs at Edisto area swine show and sale, Calhoun County, South Carolina {*me, standing in perfect peace staring down collective anxiety, uncertainty, and chaos knowing that everything will be just fine. If my enslaved ancestors were given literal pig intestines to eat and managed to turn that into a soul-food delicacy (IYKYK and don’t act like you don’t know), then anything is possible with the cards you might be dealt. It’s just what we’ve always done and will continue to do. RISE ✨} — Clemson University libraries, ©️Clemson University Works https://www.instagram.com/p/CHLKmrSFEyd/?igshid=cpxrcr2dzyrm
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c 1912, portrait of a barbershop {*things I miss: the camaraderie of hair care. Whether it be the barber shop, where men rattle off athletic stats and debate player techniques while getting edged up. OR the beauty parlor (as the old folks used to say), where sister so-and-so airs everybody’s dirty laundry at the shampoo bowl. And peep the long-standing tradition of that one woman-barber holding it down in the barbershop 🗣💈✂️ if only I could’ve been a fly on the wall...} —Johns Hopkins University Sheraton Libraries https://www.instagram.com/p/CG-DpEOlnfr/?igshid=18pcqt0q7dmrb
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c 1904-1918, outdoor portrait of a woman holding a suitcase and purse {*currently daydreaming about packing a bag and setting off on an adventure to unplug and just be... 👒 I solute this lovely lady and her elegantly put together ensemble. The boots, the silhouette of the dress suit, the velvet collar, the statement hat, just everything! Swipe and zoom in 🤩 there’s a light in her eye that I’m obsessed with and I hope she was headed somewhere she thoroughly enjoyed 🤎} —The Collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture https://www.instagram.com/p/CG41_8ylwoM/?igshid=1249tzy92wcdu
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c early 1900s, studio portrait of a very dapper man, Washington, DC {*it goes without saying that this gentleman was a real-life ken doll. And beyond the poise and incredibly dapper ensemble he finessed in this portrait, it feels like the story is in his eyes. I’m so curious about his line of work and the life he led; yet grateful for this glimpse...✨} —The Collection of John Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries https://www.instagram.com/p/CGzlP8MFNLm/?igshid=vdfso9ecf8i5
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c mid-late 1920s, scenes of church letting out from the home movie of Rev. Solomon Sir Jones of Langston, Oklahoma {*this is the last of my film clips for this week and it might be my favorite. Besides the fact that I know the feeling of rushing out of church excited about that good ‘ole Sunday dinner...I can appreciate the sense of togetherness and community I feel from seeing this. Maybe it’s a reminder that we’re all in this together 🌹✨} —The Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Naomi Long Madgett https://www.instagram.com/p/CGsKx3IHJXM/?igshid=j4m8riq41dv4
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c mid-late 1920s, scenes of a resident’s home in Langston, Oklahoma and at the local post office and gas station from the home movie of Rev. Solomon Sir Jones of Langston, Oklahoma (Logan County) {*how I used to pull up to the cluuurb in my early 20s 😭 ...this clip feels like the opening scene of a movie I would love to watch. It’s the embodiment of grace and confidence in her stride for me. And I appreciate the way Rev. S.S. Jones gave us a view of their lovely home for additional context. ✨*proceeds to fantasize about time traveling and being able to meet these beautiful ancestors (or relive those party years). Sigh🌹💃🏾} —The Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Naomi Long Madgett https://www.instagram.com/p/CGmrMSrH29c/?igshid=c82aithciv8d
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c mid-late 1920s, scenes of a meat market from the home movie of Rev. Solomon Sir Jones of Langston, Oklahoma (Logan County) {*i received the best motivational text this morning and I’m paying it forward with a beautifully formal tip-of-the-hat and bright smile from the gentleman at the very end of this silent 16mm film clip (full duration is 12min, 350ft of acetate film). It’s fascinating to see how people interacted with the camera when it wasn’t a part of their everyday life, like many of ours today 🎞⏳📸 I hope his smile and kind gesture brings you joy and motivation for a great start to your week✨} —Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Naomi Long Madgett https://www.instagram.com/p/CGhnh1DH6QB/?igshid=znduumiu87ey
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c 1912, outdoor family portrait, Albemarle County, Virginia {*if you stare long enough, you can imagine the narrative underpinning this beautifully haunting portrait; haunting in the sense that it’s hard to forget or look away. Like how visibly strong their genes are, as a family. And how their modest home tells the story of the hands that built it. I’m so in love with this moment in time and the kind of bucolic nostalgia it gives me 👒} —University of Virginia Libraries https://www.instagram.com/p/CGHvFiultCz/?igshid=1v09903hmvg1q
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c 1880-1889, young couple posing in the woods {*the way they match this enchanted birch forest is giving me all the inspiration I need to go for a nice long walk this morning. I also can’t help but to consider stepping up my fall accessories game this season after peeping her elaborately feathered hat (his too) and gloves. Happy Wednesday 💝} —NYPL, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture https://www.instagram.com/p/CGCmViGF2BB/?igshid=z7o5saxmdc4r
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c 1899, group portrait of the Sisters of the Holy Family, New Orleans, LA {*there’s nothing like a Sunday to evoke those feelings of reflection...nearing the end of one week, and preparing to start the next. It’s been a long while since I was last in a religious space; whether it be a church, temple, or any other house of a higher power. Blame quarantine, I guess. But seeing this photo reminds me to reflect on what I’ve been devoting myself to lately. And how I wish I had half the discipline as these women did 🌞} —Library of Congress https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7T3DHFzkr/?igshid=k3otpogu8mc4
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c 1930, portrait of a man posing with his dog {*I haven’t had a pet since my childhood doggie passed on a few years ago. But this is giving me “man’s best friend” feels, and now I’m strongly considering adopting a new little pupper of my own...anywho, cheers to the pets in our lives that bring us joy when our fellow humans have worked a nerve 🤪} —Johns Hopkins University, Sheridan Libraries https://www.instagram.com/p/CFmlyXklDRQ/?igshid=az8xbg7zuogd
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c 1930s, portrait of a young ballerina, Detroit, MI {*she is beautifully empowered by her own strength and skill...yet I find myself struggling to articulate the layered energy of this image, but there’s something to it. Her presence is so mighty. And that feels very necessary right now 🤎} —The Collection of The Henry Ford https://www.instagram.com/p/CFhN0VqluTt/?igshid=sxl31o60sqx9
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