The Case:
At the turn of the 20th century the main theatrical entertainment was Vaudeville, a show with something for everyone.
It was a world dominated by white entertainers, but despite this, a pioneering new act with an African-American ventriloquist emerged onto the scene.
Not only was John W. Cooper black, but his dummy was too.
Did "Sam" the first black ventriloquist dummy, transform how Americans viewed race in the early 20th century?
The History Detectives investigate.
Season 1, Episode 8
Season 2, Episode 7
Detective:
Tukufu Zuberi
Location:Brooklyn, New York
Related Content
Technique:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Howard Hughes Crash
Was this the instrument that chartered Howard Hughes' near fatal plunge into Beverly Hills?
-
Related Investigation
Tiffany Window
What can this watercolor reveal about the unexpected world of one of America’s great artists?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Diana
How did this alleged lesbian autobiography escape censorship in the 1930’s?
-
Related Investigation
Internment Artwork
What is the story behind these watercolor paintings of a prison camp?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Whaling Ship
Might a ship docked in Mystic Seaport, hold secrets to the Underground Railroad?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Isleton Tong
Was this building a safe haven for persecuted immigrants, or a hub for organized crime?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.