A sports icon and a lifelong advocate for equality and social justice, Billie Jean King continues to be an inspiration both on and off the tennis court. An early supporter of the Center for Women’s History, King drew attention to the Center’s collections program with the 2016 donation of her extensive archive. This special installation features some of its captivating objects, including a pair of her Billie Jean King-brand Adidas sneakers from the 1970s, a Ted Tinling dress worn at Wimbledon in 1982, and mementos from the legendary "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs in 1973. These artifacts, along with other new acquisitions, illuminate King’s storied athletic career, while cementing her place in the broader fight for equality and the larger narrative of women's history.
Lead support for the Billie Jean King collection provided by the Women's Sports Foundation.
Exhibitions at New-York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Seymour Neuman Endowed Fund, and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.
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