Muhammad Ali

There are few more iconic figures in recent American culture than the great Muhammad Ali. Alternately adored and reviled, he has had a continuing impact beyond the world of sports. Born Cassius Clay, Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, he became a gold-medal and world champion boxer with a bold style. His conversion to Islam resulted in a new name, political controversy and a ban from boxing. After a triumphant return to boxing, Ali retired in 1981.

 Since retirement, Ali has devoted himself to humanitarian causes. He established the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville to share the lessons he had learned during his life and career. To share his personal journey, Ali wanted to capture his past. Winthrop Group was hired in 1999 to conduct a survey and create a database of the records, images, artifacts and memorabilia related to his career that were stored in locations across the country.

Linda Edgerly, who led the project, was one of many who found the materials inspiring. Ali’s personality shows in the things that he saved. The diverse collection includes his Golden Gloves (inscribed with a “C.C.” for Cassius Clay), a magic kit that he used to give shows for children, and the library of Islamic materials that helped to shape his evolving views.

 When the Center opened, Winthrop worked with employees to select historical materials for display. After a break to secure funding, Winthrop is again working with the Center to create an archives that is welcoming and usable.