The movie Regeneration was made in 1923, in black and white, and was advertised as “A Super Feature with an all star Colored Cast.” It tells the story of a young woman who inherits a South Seas treasure map, but not the location of the island where it’s buried. She hires a boat to find it, the crew fights, she and the good guy are left adrift. They reach an island (the island), name it “Regeneration,” and begin a new life there. Taking its title from the film, the exhibition “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971” explores the rich history of Black talent in American movies, paying particular attention to lost or forgotten films. In seven galleries, the focus moves from early representations of Black people in film to independent Black filmmakers, Black music and musicals to stars and politics. Among the 225 original objects on view are tap shoes belonging to the Nicholas Brothers, one of Louis Armstrong’s trumpets, and costumes from Stormy Weather and Porgy and Bess. Rarely seen excerpts from restored films round out the show. —Laura Jacobs