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The Chase of Freedom Chessboard
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The Chase of Freedom Chessboard
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

The Chase of Freedom Chessboard

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.728087.a-b
Object Type Chessboard
Manufacturer
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood, paint, plastic (vinyl), adhesive, metal
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 3 1/4 in x W 21 5/8 in x D 21 5/8 in (8.3 cm x 54.9 cm x 54.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionChessboard with a silver painted finish and black checkering. Inside the light squares there are illustrated depictions of historical figures related to the abolition of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement and African American success. The sides of the board are decorated with illustrations depicting President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., two calvary divisions, an outline of the United States, and the Statue of Liberty. At one end of the board there are the words "American Pathfinders in Pursuit of Liberty and Justice". At the other end there is a silhouette illustration of a crowd of protestors framed on one side with the words "Lift Every Voice and Sign Till Earth" and on the other side "And Heaven Ring with the Harmonies of Liberty". The board comes with a storage box base that has slots for the game pieces. The base has an engraved dedication plaque.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Barack Obama Presidential Library. The Barack Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62
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