Cultures & Communities

Furniture, cooking wares, clothing, works of art, and many other kinds of artifacts are part of what knit people into communities and cultures. The Museum’s collections feature artifacts from European Americans, Latinos, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, African Americans, Gypsies, Jews, and Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. The objects range from ceramic face jugs made by enslaved African Americans in South Carolina to graduation robes and wedding gowns. The holdings also include artifacts associated with education, such as teaching equipment, textbooks, and two complete schoolrooms. Uniforms, insignia, and other objects represent a wide variety of civic and voluntary organizations, including youth and fraternal groups, scouting, police forces, and firefighters.

Darkness at Noon was a pamphlet published by D. Carlisle & A. Newell of Boston, Massachusetts in May of 1806. It described the particularities of the solar eclipse that was to occur.
Description
Darkness at Noon was a pamphlet published by D. Carlisle & A. Newell of Boston, Massachusetts in May of 1806. It described the particularities of the solar eclipse that was to occur. The pamphlet featured copious details including: the time of its expected start, the time it would end, the duration, the motions of the heavens that brought it about, and a listing of past eclipses.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006868.018
catalog number
6868.018
accession number
28810
This quarto contains Josiah Spalding’s sermon on the “Nature and Criminality of Man’s Inability to Serve the Lord” published by Isaiah Thomas in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1782.The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of readi
Description
This quarto contains Josiah Spalding’s sermon on the “Nature and Criminality of Man’s Inability to Serve the Lord” published by Isaiah Thomas in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1782.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006867.21
catalog number
6867.21
accession number
28810
This bound quarto contains Maurice W. Dwight’s sermon on the occasion of President Zachary Taylor’s death published by I. Van Anden’s Print of Brooklyn, New York in 1850.
Description
This bound quarto contains Maurice W. Dwight’s sermon on the occasion of President Zachary Taylor’s death published by I. Van Anden’s Print of Brooklyn, New York in 1850. The sermon talked about how Taylor’s sudden death from illness was a reminder of human mortality, even for the President of the United States.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006867.23
catalog number
6867.23
accession number
28810
This bound volume contains Abner Brownell’s sermon on “The Worship of God According to True Christian Divinity.” The sermon was self-published by the author in 1782.The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typ
Description
This bound volume contains Abner Brownell’s sermon on “The Worship of God According to True Christian Divinity.” The sermon was self-published by the author in 1782.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006867.29
catalog number
6867.29
accession number
28810
The 1841 Harrison Almanac was published by J. P. Giffing of New York in 1840. The timing of the publication suggests it was tied to William Henry Harrison’s presidential campaign.
Description
The 1841 Harrison Almanac was published by J. P. Giffing of New York in 1840. The timing of the publication suggests it was tied to William Henry Harrison’s presidential campaign. Besides containing annual almanac information, it also included a short biography and history of General Harrison. The almanac outlined his military service under General Washington in both the War of 1812, and the Battle of Tippecanoe and it featured tales of Harrison’s valor and morality while outlining his plan for the country as president. The almanac also contained several pieces of music celebrating Harrison, and stereotype prints by R. C. Valentine depicting various moments of Harrison’s life.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1841
ID Number
DL.006867.27
catalog number
6867.27
accession number
28810
This small booklet contains hand-written passages from other texts, likely to practice spelling, writing, and penmanship.
Description
This small booklet contains hand-written passages from other texts, likely to practice spelling, writing, and penmanship. The copied passages come from other books in the Copp’s Collection, including the novel Children of the Abbey and Reverend John Bennett’s Letters to a Young Lady .
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
owner
Copp Family
ID Number
DL.006791.03.012
catalog number
6791.03.012
accession number
28810
The M’Ellen Family: A History in Four Letters from a Missionary was published by the General Episcopal Sunday School Union of New York and printed by Edward J.
Description
The M’Ellen Family: A History in Four Letters from a Missionary was published by the General Episcopal Sunday School Union of New York and printed by Edward J. Swords in 1828.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006867.11
catalog number
006867.11
accession number
28810
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible.
Description
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006867.26
catalog number
6867.26
accession number
28810
This booklet Notes for Modern Dance was published by A.S. Barnes & Co. in New York, New York in 1937.Currently not on view
Description
This booklet Notes for Modern Dance was published by A.S. Barnes & Co. in New York, New York in 1937.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1937
publisher
A. S. Barnes & Co.
ID Number
1986.0961.02
accession number
1986.0961
catalog number
1986.0961.02
John B. Hall authored this edition of The Life and Military Character of Maj. Gen. Scott that was published by Samuel French of New York in 1847.
Description
John B. Hall authored this edition of The Life and Military Character of Maj. Gen. Scott that was published by Samuel French of New York in 1847. The 35-page book recounted the history of Winfield Scott, illustrated with a number of engravings depicting Scott on the battlefield, in action in the War against the Native Americans, and at the Castle of San Juan. Scott was the longest serving Commanding General in United States military history, serving in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. The book also outlined “his views upon the principal moral, social and political topics of the age.” Scott sought a presidential nomination in 1848, and ran on the Whig ticket in 1852.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006867.28
catalog number
6867.28
accession number
28810
This booklet contained Joshua Leonard’s “Sermon Preached at the Dedication of the Meeting-House of the First Presbyterian Congregation in Cazenovia” published in Utica, New York by Merrell and Seward in 1806.The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint a
Description
This booklet contained Joshua Leonard’s “Sermon Preached at the Dedication of the Meeting-House of the First Presbyterian Congregation in Cazenovia” published in Utica, New York by Merrell and Seward in 1806.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006867.32
catalog number
6867.32
accession number
28810
This version Isaac Watt’s “Divine and Moral Songs for Children” was published by Flagg and Gould of Andover, Massachusetts for the American Tract Society around 1827. The bound quarto belonged to John Howard Copp (1818-1880) when he was nine years old.
Description
This version Isaac Watt’s “Divine and Moral Songs for Children” was published by Flagg and Gould of Andover, Massachusetts for the American Tract Society around 1827. The bound quarto belonged to John Howard Copp (1818-1880) when he was nine years old. This is a smaller pamphlet version of Watt’s book that contained about 30 of the original 100 songs. Isaac Watts was a well-known hymn writer of the age, often called the “Father of English Hymnody,” and his most popular hymns are still sung today.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
associated person
Copp, John H.
ID Number
DL.006867.25
accession number
28810
catalog number
6867.25
This letter from Joseph Johnson to Moses Paul was published in New London, Connecticut on March 29, 1772.
Description
This letter from Joseph Johnson to Moses Paul was published in New London, Connecticut on March 29, 1772. Joseph Johnson belonged to the Mohegan tribe, and addressed this open letter to Moses Paul, a fellow Native American who had received the death sentence for drunkenly murdering a stranger. Johnson writes to Paul in an attempt at conversion t, trying to convince him to put his faith in God.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006868.022
catalog number
6868.022
accession number
28810
John B. Copp's book of sketches and arithmetic has 12 pages of white paper bound in course brown paper and measures 9 1/2 by 12 1/2 inches.
Description
John B. Copp's book of sketches and arithmetic has 12 pages of white paper bound in course brown paper and measures 9 1/2 by 12 1/2 inches. There are 18 pages with elaborate pencil drawings of men and women and six pages of division, multiplication, and other mathematical notations. The pages are written on each side for a total of 24 pages of sketches and figures.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
DL.006874.07
catalog number
6874.07
accession number
28810

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