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Museum object · Documents and Manuscripts

Diploma from The Lelia College

1916

New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America

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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

This diploma from The Lelia College reads "The Lelia College" in large black ornate letters in a curve across the top. Beneath it reads "Indianapolis, Indiana/ For teaching Mme. C.J. Walker's Method of Growing Hair." For full text please see Notes Text Entries Transcription. The diploma is decorated with scrolling swirls around the college name and a stylized border around the edge. The paper is yellowed and creased and torn along some of the creases. The diploma is surrounded by a white matting and dark brown wooden frame with a glassed front. On the back of the frame is a white sticker with red and black text. It reads "Enterprising Women: / 250 Years of American Business / National Heritage Museum / BU 3.4-WF Wall Frame No. 3.5.22 / Walker, Madam C. J. (1867-1919) / Lelia College Diploma / A'Lelia Bundles/Walker Family Collection / All venues."

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2013.153.3

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