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From 1840 To Now: The Channing-Pollock Collection

This timeline follows the Channing Pollock collection from the very beginning. From the birth of Channing Pollock to the work of the Africana Theater and Dance Collection, this timeline features important events dealing with the creation and growth of the collection.

Scroll To See How The Collection Came To Be

1840

Born in Washington D.C., Pollock would eventually grow into a famed writer, theater critic, collector, father, and husband.

Photo to the Right: Channing Pollock

1870

Born in Hungary, Albert Herman Woods was to become one of the great Broadway producers of the early 20th century. A frequent collaborator with Channing Pollock, he would, after his death, donate a significant amount of contact to the collection that held the namesake of his friend.

Photo to the Left: A.H. Woods

1946

After suffering a cerebral hemorrhage Channing Pollock dies at the age of 66. He is survived by his daughter Helen.

Photo to the Left: Channing Pollock and Hellen Pollock

1950

Helen Pollock contacts Howard University to discuss the creation of the Channing Pollock Theater Collection. This collection would contain her father's drama collections as well as the donations of A.H. Woods. The project is headed by Howard Professor and playwright, Owen Dodson.

Photo to the Left: Owen Dodson

1952

After two years of hard work, the Channing Pollock Theater Collection is officially opened and presented at Howard University's Festival of Fine Art. The Howard Players presented several selections of Channing Pollock's work.

Photo to the Right: The 1952 Howard Players

1952-2000s

Over the years theatrical and film figures have donated items to the Channing Pollock Collection including Hattie McDaniel, Lena Horne, and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson

Photo to the Left: Bill "Bojangles" Robinson

c.2016

After the death of the long-time chair of Howard University's Theater Department, Joe Selmon's estate donates hundreds of items to the Channing Pollock Collection.

Photo to the Right: Joe Selmon

2017-Present

Under the direction of Dr. Ofosuwa Abiola, the Africana Theater and Dance Collection catalogs and digitizes backlogged artifacts in the Channing Pollock Collection.