Joe Louis’ Boxing Gloves

Worn in his first historic bout with German boxer Max Schmeling in 1936, Joe Louis’ boxing gloves represent a very special chapter in American sports and social history.

While the 1936 match was a heartbreaking loss for Louis, the two boxers met again in 1938 when Louis was declared the decisive victor during what is regarded as one of the greatest sporting moments of the 20th century, and it cemented Louis’ place in the country’s collective memory.

This object is one of more than 1,000 artifacts, works of art and specimens that are on view at Smithsonian Affiliates across the country, and one of 157 million in the Smithsonian’s collection.