Photoville

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries, is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.

Archive Exhibitions Supported by The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

FLY BALL: Vintage Snapshots of Black Athletes by Twin-Brother Photographers, Morgan & Marvin Smith

St. Nicholas Park – 132nd Street and 139th Street Jackie Robinson Park
 archive : 2024

Of the thousands of photographs and prints by Morgan and Marvin Smith in the Schomburg Center’s collections, this exhibition highlights a brief survey of sports snapshots from the 1930s–1950s. From American Negro League baseball team players sliding into home plate to collegiate star-athlete footballers dodging tackles across the field, these photographs document a pivotal era in American sports history.

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Beloved: African-American Portraits from the Dawn of Photography

St. Nicholas Park – 132nd Street and 139th Street
 archive : 2023

The Schomburg Center shares images of the oldest photographs in their collection. Early photographs created space for black self-representation and offered a way to visualize Black humanity at a time when most African Americans were legally held as property.

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We Were Beautiful Then, Too: Late 19th Century African American Cabinet Cards

St. Nicholas Park – 132nd Street and 139th Street
 archive : 2022

Presented by The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

This exhibition highlights a selection of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s holdings in 19th century portraits of African Americans.

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Been Seen

St. Nicholas Park – 132nd Street and 139th Street
 archive : 2021

The exhibition places in conversation the work of Harlem-based studio photographer Austin Hansen (1910-1996) with six contemporary photographers: Dario Calmese, Cheriss May, Flo Ngala, Ricky Day, Gerald Peart, and Mark Clennon. Their practices explore identity, Black experiences, visual culture, and portraiture.

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In Our Season of Discontent, Count It All Joy

St. Nicholas Park – 132nd Street and 139th Street
 archive : 2020

An exploration of the Black vernacular through archival photographs depicting gatherings, essential workers, pioneers, genius, and joy.

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Archive Sessions and Events Supported by The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Sep 182021

10 Under 10

Photoville’s 10 Under 10 featuring presentations from The New York Times, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Abrons Arts Center, Magnum Foundation, Pulitzer Center, Indigenous Photo, United Nations Women, Joseph Rodriguez, The Darkroom Masters, and National Geographic featuring live music from Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project.

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This website was made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of Photowings