Cultures & Communities - Overview
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.
"Cultures & Communities - Overview" showing 69 items.
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Philadelphia Contributionship Fire Mark
- 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 Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire issued this fire mark for policy number 205 to Jonathan Zane of 46 Almond Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1753. The fire mark consists of the company’s symbol cast in lead depicting four hands clasped at the wrist fastened to a square pine board. The Philadelphia Contributionship was established in 1752, becoming the first successful fire insurance company in America. Benjamin Franklin was one of its founding members. The Contributionship began as a mutual insurance company and this concept is represented by its “Hand in Hand” fire mark. The Philadelphia Contributionship is still in operation. This square board is only one of two known surviving marks from the original run of at least two hundred and fifty square boards. Subsequent marks were on shield-shaped boards.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1753
- maker
- Stow, John
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0016
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0016
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Columbia Hose Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted light blue, with an image of a spread-winged eagle in front of a sunburst gripping a red banner in its talons that reads “COLUMBIA HOSE COMPANY” in gold. The company’s initials “CHC” (Columbia Hose Company) are painted in gold calligraphic script on the back of the hat. The owner’s initials “J.M.I.” are painted in gold on the crown of the hat. The Columbia Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was founded in 1806, on the block of 7th and Cherry Streets. The bald eagle was adopted by the Continental Congress as the national symbol of the United States in 1782 and was a frequently used icon among early American volunteer fire departments.
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated
- Columbia Hose Company
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0030
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0030
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fairmount Fire Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted red overall, with a central image of a fountain with a statue of a woman and long-necked bird in an oval frame flanked by aqua-colored banners with the gold text “Fair Mount.” William Rush created this statue “Nymph and Bittern” to commemorate the completion of the Centre Square Water Works, providing Philadelphia with public water that was a boon to the city’s fire fighters. The back of the hat features an image of a yellow fire hydrant on a brown background inside a golden oval, flanked by the letters “FA” in gold. This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817, of which Fairmount was a member. The Fairmount Fire Company was founded in 1823 and operated in the Spring Garden area of Philadelphia.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1820-1860
- maker
- Shotwell & Garden
- original artist
- Rush, William
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0036
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0036
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fairmount Fire Company Fire Hat
- Description
- The emblem painted on this Fairmount Fire Company's parade hat was inspired by William Rush's sculpture entitled "Nymph and Bittern." This somewhat feminine symbol seems unusual until the history of the sculpture is known. The artwork was part of a fountain commissioned to commemorate the completion of Philadelphia's new water system in 1822. The system was state-of-the-art, and the statue was considered the best piece of public art in America. Wearing these hats linked the Fairmount Company with Philadelphia's technological advancement, cultural supremacy, and proud fire fighting history.
- Date made
- 1820-1860
- associated
- Rush, William
- maker
- Shotwell & Garden
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0037
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0037
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Hope Hose Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used in the eastern United States during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with a painting at its center featuring a female figure clothed in a white robe with an anchor at her side and stormy sea behind her. The painting is flanked by red banners with gold trim that read “HOPE/HOSE COMPY” in gold lettering. The back of the hat features the word “HOPE” in large golden letters, with two golden lines above and below. The female figure with anchor is a classical allegorical representation of Hope.
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated
- Hope Hose Company
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0057
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0057
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Good Will Fire Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This leather hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted blue overall, with a metal band along the brim, and the text “GOOD WILL” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The crown of the hat bears the owner’s initials “C.B.” in gold. The hat is the deviation in style from the traditional Philadelphia-style “stove-pipe” top hat. Though the name was a common one, a label in the hat indicates it was from the Good Will Fire Company, which was founded on March 27, 1802 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated
- Good Will Fire Company
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0079
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0079
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Perseverance Hose Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall with the golden text “PERSEVERANCE/HOSE/COMPANY” on the front of the hat. The back of the hat has the number “5” set into a golden sunburst. The crown of the hat has the owner’s initials “J.P.W.” painted in gold. The Perseverance Hose Company No. 5 was established on May 27, 1805 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated
- Perseverance Hose Company
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0080
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0080
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Taylor Hose Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the middle of the 19th century. The hat is painted dark red overall, with a circular portrait at the front of General Zachary Taylor, a hero of the Mexican-American War and later the twelfth President of the United States. The portrait is framed by a golden banner that reads “TAYLOR/HOSE Co.” in gold paint. The back of the hat has the company’s initials “T.H” painted in gold. The Taylor Hose Company of Philadelphia, also known as General Taylor Hose, was founded in May of 1848, the same year Taylor was elected president. The company’s motto—"Soldiers in War, Firemen in Peace"—suggests that some of the founding members were military veterans.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated
- Zachary Taylor Hose Co.
- depicted
- Taylor, Zachary
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0084
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0084
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Washington 1796 Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall with the text “WASHINGTON/1796” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The back of the hat has the number “14” painted in gold with stylized lines above and below the number. The owner’s initials “S.J.” are painted on the crown of the hat in gold. A note inside the hat indicates these initials may stand for a volunteer named S.C. Johnson. The Washington Fire Company that was founded on January 3rd 1796, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania located on the west side of Eleventh Street.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated date
- 1796
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0093
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0093
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Washington Fire Company Parade Hat
- Description
- Fire companies could not choose a better figure to represent their patriotism and self-sacrifice than George Washington. He was the most well-known celebrity of the time and was associated with all the positive qualities of the young country. Since so many companies chose to honor Washington in their imagery, it is difficult to know which company produced this Washington Fire Company parade hat. It is one of the more elaborate hats with Washington's image, including flags and banners flanking the portrait. A drum and a cannon are also included at the base of the American flags. These somewhat hidden images may allude to Washington's military career or the war service of members in the fire company.
- Date made
- 1810-1860
- referenced
- Washington Fire Company
- depicted
- Washington, George
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0095
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0095
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center