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.

Many fellow US citizens recognized the unjust interment of American people and went so far as to question the democratic ideology of the US government. Truman B. Douglass was one of these advocates.
Description
Many fellow US citizens recognized the unjust interment of American people and went so far as to question the democratic ideology of the US government. Truman B. Douglass was one of these advocates. In this pamphlet that he authored, Douglass called attention to these horrible circumstances and compelled others to move against the unfair treatment of American citizens of Japanese ancestry.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Douglass, Truman B.
ID Number
1986.3144.34
nonaccession number
1986.3144
catalog number
1986.3144.34
William P. Goodman from Kansas City, Missouri, received a U.S. patent for an improved desk. Patent no. 152224 was issued on June 23, 1874.The remaining parts of this desk model are four slats of dark wood that are indented on each side.
Description
William P. Goodman from Kansas City, Missouri, received a U.S. patent for an improved desk. Patent no. 152224 was issued on June 23, 1874.
The remaining parts of this desk model are four slats of dark wood that are indented on each side. The slats are connected by a museum foam board. According to the drawing and specifications both the seat and desk can be folded. The desktop was designed to be supported at different angles and included an ink well strip and bookrack. When the desk was folded, items sitting on the desk would not roll off.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
patent date
1874-06-23
patentee
Goolman, William P.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Goolman, William P.
ID Number
CL.65.0392
catalog number
65.0392
accession number
249602
patent number
152,224
Isaac Cook from St. Louis, Missouri, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 74993 was issued on March 3, 1868.This patent features a wooden flat bench with no lower back support.
Description
Isaac Cook from St. Louis, Missouri, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 74993 was issued on March 3, 1868.
This patent features a wooden flat bench with no lower back support. The legs are attached to a wooden platform with brass and metal hinges, and the seat folds up. The desk is attached behind the backrest and features a metal-checkered pattern on the sides. There is a shelf underneath the desk top for storage. A plaque on the backrest says "Isaac Cook, Saint Louis M.O. Adjustable Seat."
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
patent date
1868-03-03
associated date
1871
patentee
Cook, Isaac
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Cook, Isaac
ID Number
CL.249602.589
catalog number
249602.589
accession number
249602
patent number
74,993
Thomas Hart Benton Turner and Horace Archy Logan from Clinton, Missouri, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no.
Description
Thomas Hart Benton Turner and Horace Archy Logan from Clinton, Missouri, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 231509 was issued on August 24, 1880.
The dark wooden model is currently broken in four pieces and in poor condition.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880
patent date
1880-08-24
associated date
1869
patentee
Turner, Thomas H. B.
Logan, Horace Archy
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Turner, Thomas H. B.
Logan, Horace Archy
ID Number
CL.249602.585
catalog number
249602.585
accession number
249602
patent number
231,509
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Franklin Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1855. The shield-shaped mark has raised text that reads “FRANKLIN/INSURANCE/Co./ST.LOUIS.” The fire mark has been painted green, which is faded in some areas. The Franklin Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1906.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0529
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0529
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company issued this zinc fire mark around 1849. The oval mark has raised text that reads, “MISSOURI / STATE / MUTUAL.” The mark has been painted red. The Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1849 until 1907.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1849
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0532
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0532
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1859.The oval fire mark features raised text that reads “SOUTH/St. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” The mark shows remnants of red paint. The South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 to around 1878.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0519
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0519
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this fire mark around 1848. The rectangular mark has inversely rounded edges, with the image of two clasped hands shaking in the center, and raised text on the top and bottom that reads “HOME/MUTUAL.” The Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1845 until 1880.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1848
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0530
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0530
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company issued this zinc fire mark around 1849. The oval mark has raised text that reads, “MISSOURI / STATE / MUTUAL.” The mark has damage in the areas where it would have been attached to the building. The Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1849 until 1907.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1849
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0533
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0533
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this tinned sheet iron fire mark in 1859. The oval mark has a raised image of two hands shaking in the center of the mark, with the raised text “LACLEDE/MUTUAL” around the rim. The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 until 1903.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0522
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0522
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company issued this zinc fire mark in 1851. The fire mark is in the shape of a banner, and features the raised text “ST. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” There are tabs on either side of the fire mark that are used to hang the mark. The St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1851 until 1901.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0521
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0521
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1855. The rectangular fire mark has rounded edges, with raised lettering the reads “MOUND/CITY/MUTUAL.” The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0525
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0525
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Franklin Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1855. The shield-shaped mark has raised text that reads “FRANKLIN/INSURANCE/Co./ST.LOUIS.” The mark was painted red, which has chipped in parts. The Franklin Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1906.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
1855
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0528
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0528
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1865. The oval mark has a raised image of two hands shaking in the center of the mark, with the raised text “LACLEDE/MUTUAL” around the rim. The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 until 1903.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0523
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0523
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company issued this zinc fire mark in 1851. The fire mark is in the shape of a banner, and features the raised text “ST. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” There are tabs on either side of the fire mark that are used to hang the mark. The St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1851 until 1901.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0520
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0520
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The North St. Louis Mutual Fire Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1865.The oval fire mark features raised text that reads “NORTH/St. LOUIS/MUTUAL” and has been painted red. The North St. Louis Mutual Fire Insurance Company operated from 1864 to around 1888.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0517
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0517
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1859.The oval fire mark features raised text that reads “SOUTH/St. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” The South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 to around 1878.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0518
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0518
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1845. The rectangular mark has inversely rounded edges, with the image of two clasped hands shaking in the center, and raised text on the top and bottom that reads “HOME/MUTUAL.” The Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1845 until 1880.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1845
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0531
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0531
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The North St. Louis Mutual Fire Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1865.The oval fire mark features raised text that reads “NORTH/St. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” The North St. Louis Mutual Fire Insurance Company operated from 1864 to around 1888.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0516
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0516
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1870. The oval fire mark has raised lettering the reads “MOUND/CITY/MUTUAL” in the center of the mark. The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0526
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0526
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1870. The oval fire mark has raised lettering the reads “MOUND/CITY/MUTUAL” in the center of the mark. The mark has been painted a yellow-brown color. The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0527
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0527
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1865. The oval mark has a raised image of two hands shaking in the center of the mark, with the raised text “LACLEDE/MUTUAL” around the rim. The fire mark has been painted red. The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 until 1903.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0524
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0524

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.