Duke Ellington’s Howard Theatre Date Lives in the Archive

Two entries in the Smithsonian’s Ruth Ellington collection point to the same evening: Duke Ellington at Washington’s Howard Theatre on April 20, 1946.

One entry holds parts one and three of the concert; another holds part two. The finding aid identifies tape and cassette holdings for both. It is a precise trail through an enormous archive, preserving a venue, a date and a performance in several pieces.

That level of detail changes the connection between artist and room. Ellington’s Howard appearance is more than a famous name on a historical roster. It has an address in the national collection, down to the boxes and recordings a researcher can ask about. The theatre’s history continues in the archive as well as on its stage.

Explore the Howard Theatre venue guide.

Sources: Source