Cultures & Communities

Cleveland Many Peoples One Language Poster

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.

Place: New York

Firefighter's Helmet

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description (Brief)
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather fire helmet was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York around 1883 until 1885. The helmet is composed of 16 combs, painted yellow, with an eagle frontpiece holder on the crown and a rear brim embossed with hose and hydrants. The leather frontpiece is painted gold with the text “ASSISTANT/ENGINEER” above an image of a spider-type hose carriage, with the initials “P.Z.” underneath. The initials stand for Peter Zeluff, an assistant engineer in Paterson, New Jersey during the late 19th century who owned the hat.
Description
Worn by Peter Zeluff, assistant chief engineer
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883-1885
user
Zeluff, Peter
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.0015
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0015

Engraved woodblock of "Bringing down the batten"

This engraved woodblock of “Bringing down the batten” was prepared, after a photograph, by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XXXVIII (p.390) in an article by Dr.
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Bringing down the batten” was prepared, after a photograph, by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XXXVIII (p.390) in an article by Dr. Washington Matthews (1843-1905) entitled “Navajo Weavers” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Matthews, Washington
Powell, John Wesley
block maker
A. P. J. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.1365
catalog number
1980.0219.1365
accession number
1980.0219

Engraved woodblock of "Weaving diamond-shaped diagonals"

This engraved woodblock of “Weaving diamond-shaped diagonals” was prepared, after a photograph, by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XXXV (p.380) in an article by Dr.
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Weaving diamond-shaped diagonals” was prepared, after a photograph, by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XXXV (p.380) in an article by Dr. Washington Matthews (1843-1905) entitled “Navajo Weavers” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Matthews, Washington
block maker
W. T. & B.
ID Number
1980.0219.1359
catalog number
1980.0219.1359
accession number
1980.0219

1915 - 1925 Chinese American Girl's Trousers

One of the Lee daughters wore this casual Chinese-style outfit on special occasions, for none of the children wore Chinese dress for every day wear.
Description (Brief)
One of the Lee daughters wore this casual Chinese-style outfit on special occasions, for none of the children wore Chinese dress for every day wear. The trouser band or fu tau , translated as the “head of the trousers,” was folded over and secured with a belt or cord and covered by the vest.
Lee B. Lok, his wife Ng Shee, and their seven children lived above the Quong Yuen Shing & Co. store in New York City's Chinatown. Though the children wore Western clothes and participated in the local Scout troop and other clubs, their parents required them to attend Chinese school each day, from 4-7 PM.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
unknown
ID Number
1992.0620.10
catalog number
1992.0620.10
accession number
1992.0620

Folk-Dance Music

This music book Folk-Dance Music was published by G. Schirmer in New York, New York in 1908.
Description

This music book Folk-Dance Music was published by G. Schirmer in New York, New York in 1908. Printed on the front of the music book:

FOLK-DANCE MUSIC
A COLLECTION OF
SEVENTY-SIX CHARACTERISTIC
DANCES OF THE PEOPLE OF
VARIOUS NATIONS
ADAPTED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND
PLAYGROUNDS FOR PHYSICAL
EDUCATION AND PLAY.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1908
publisher
G. Schirmer, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0961.01
accession number
1986.0961
catalog number
1986.0961.01

Notes for Modern Dance

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

Ship's Surgical Kit

This wooden surgical case with brass fittings has three main compartments, one of which is a tray that lifts out from the lower case. The interior of the case is molded so that each instrument has its own compartment. The entire interior is lined with purple velvet.
Description (Brief)
This wooden surgical case with brass fittings has three main compartments, one of which is a tray that lifts out from the lower case. The interior of the case is molded so that each instrument has its own compartment. The entire interior is lined with purple velvet. The exterior of the lid has an oval escutcheon which is marked, "U.S.A./ Hosp. Dept." The set includes 45 instruments, three of which are not original to the set. At least six instruments are missing, including four knives and a bandage scissors.
During the Civil War the United States Army contracted with several surgical instrument makers, including Herman Hernstein to provide surgical sets for the Union troops.
As a young boy in Germany Hermann Hernstein was apprenticed to a surgical instrument maker. He came to the United States in 1841 and settled in New York City. Within a few years, he had established his own shop.
According to Edmonson much of Hernstein’s inventory was imported from Europe.
Description
Surgical kits were not required on merchant vessels, but the larger and better-equipped ships often carried them. These were used for everything from pulling teeth to the amputation of limbs, and everything in between. Like the medicine chests, these kits too were often sold with simple pamphlets, with instructions and diagrams on how to use them in emergencies. The captain or first mate most commonly carried out any needed procedures.
date made
1862-1865
maker
Hermann Hernstein & Son
ID Number
1977.1103.01
accession number
1977.1103
catalog number
1977.1103.01

Engraved woodblock of the "Arikara sign for lie or falsehood"

This engraved woodblock of an “Arikara sign for a lie or falsehood” was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1881 as Figure 233 (p.
Description
This engraved woodblock of an “Arikara sign for a lie or falsehood” was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1881 as Figure 233 (p. 393) in an article by Garrick Mallery (1831-1894) entitled “Sign Language Among the North American Indians” in the First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1879-80.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Mallery, Garrick
block maker
V. W. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.0340
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.0340

1919 Chinese American Baby Bonnet

Mrs. Lee made this "dog head" bonnet for her only son, Peter. Chinese mothers traditionally dressed their one year old children in such bonnets to protect them from evil spirits.
Description (Brief)
Mrs. Lee made this "dog head" bonnet for her only son, Peter. Chinese mothers traditionally dressed their one year old children in such bonnets to protect them from evil spirits. According to lore, if evil forces met the child they would pass by, thinking it were an animal, and of no value. Fur lines the bonnet's "dog's ears" and the padded wool of the hat lined Peter's head.
date made
1919
maker
Lee Ng Shee
ID Number
1992.0620.07
catalog number
1992.0620.07
accession number
1992.0620

"The Cup"

This sheet music is for the song “The Cup,” with words by Simon Frug and music by Solomon Golub. It was published by N’Ginah Publishing Co. in New York, New York in 1921. Reprinted by Henry Lefkowitch in 1929.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “The Cup,” with words by Simon Frug and music by Solomon Golub. It was published by N’Ginah Publishing Co. in New York, New York in 1921. Reprinted by Henry Lefkowitch in 1929.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1921
publisher
N'Ginah Publishing Co.
ID Number
1986.0961.04
accession number
1986.0961
catalog number
1986.0961.04

Engraved woodblock of a "Navajo blanket"

This engraved woodblock of a "Navajo blanket" was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Figure 53 (p.387) in an article by Dr.
Description
This engraved woodblock of a "Navajo blanket" was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Figure 53 (p.387) in an article by Dr. Washington Matthews (1843-1905) entitled “Navajo Weavers” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
printer
Government Printing Office
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
block maker
W. T. & B.
author
Matthews, Washington
ID Number
1980.0219.1180
catalog number
1980.0219.1180
accession number
1980.0219

1895 - 1900 Chinese American Man's Slippers

Mr. Lee only wore these slippers in his home or with his traditional Chinese clothes on special occasions.
Description (Brief)
Mr. Lee only wore these slippers in his home or with his traditional Chinese clothes on special occasions. The slipper sole was thick, flat, inelastic, and shorter than the upper sole to give enough spring for walking.
For much of his early life, the Chinese New Year was Lee’s only day of rest from the Quong Yuen Shing & Co. general store and a time when he might wear these slippers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1896
maker
unknown
ID Number
1992.0620.27.a-b
catalog number
1992.0620.27.a-b
accession number
1992.0620
catalog number
1992.0620.27a-b

Engraved woodblock of hilltop pueblos

This engraved woodblock of hilltop pueblos was engraved and printed by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C. for the Bureau of American Ethnology in about 1880.Currently not on view
Description
This engraved woodblock of hilltop pueblos was engraved and printed by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C. for the Bureau of American Ethnology in about 1880.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
block maker
A. P. J. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.1813
catalog number
1980.0219.1813
accession number
1980.0219

1895 - 1905 Chinese American Woman's Trousers

Ng Shee (1874 - ?) had this two paneled skirt as well as trousers made in Hong Kong at the time of her marriage to Mr. Lee B. Lok in China around 1900. After the marriage Ng Shee lived with her mother in law in China until she joined Mr.
Description (Brief)
Ng Shee (1874 - ?) had this two paneled skirt as well as trousers made in Hong Kong at the time of her marriage to Mr. Lee B. Lok in China around 1900. After the marriage Ng Shee lived with her mother in law in China until she joined Mr. Lee in New York City in 1906.
The pair of matching trousers was often worn under the pleated skirt with a rectangular apron or wei chu’u.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
unknown
ID Number
1992.0620.21
catalog number
1992.0620.21
accession number
1992.0620

Engraved woodblock of three individuals, two on horses and one standing

This engraved woodblock of three American Indians, two on horseback and one standing, was engraved by F. S. King and printed by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C. for the Bureau of American Ethnology in about 1880.Currently not on view
Description
This engraved woodblock of three American Indians, two on horseback and one standing, was engraved by F. S. King and printed by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C. for the Bureau of American Ethnology in about 1880.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
block maker
V. W. & Co.
graphic artist
King, Francis Scott
ID Number
1980.0219.1242
catalog number
1980.0219.1242
accession number
1980.0219

John Long and Eugene Convers's 1871 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

John Long and Eugene Converse from Oswego, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117090 was issued on July 18, 1871.This patent features an adjustable tabletop. The desk sits on two shafts that feature groves.
Description
John Long and Eugene Converse from Oswego, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117090 was issued on July 18, 1871.
This patent features an adjustable tabletop. The desk sits on two shafts that feature groves. The desk can be raised and lowered as it locks into place with the groves. The model is made of unpolished dark wood and brass. The backrest and seat do not join so there is no lower back support. The attached desk folds down and the horseshoe-shaped brass legs are attached to the bottom of the seat. A silver plate on the desk has "John Long and Eugene Converse, Inventors" engraved on it.
In 1874, John Long was recorded as working with furniture, presumably as a carpenter or manufacturer.
In 1866, Eugene Converse was registered as a gunsmith, locksmith, and ornamental fence ironworker.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-07-18
patentee
Long
Converse
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Long, John
Convers, Eugene
ID Number
CL.65.0381
catalog number
65.0381
accession number
249602
patent number
117,090

Kansas City; Out Of My Dreams

side 1: Lee Dixon with Oklahoma Male Chorus and Orchestra. Kansas City; side 2: Joan Roberts with Oklahoma Girl Chorus and Orchestra. Oout of My Dreams (Decca 23285), from the album, Oklahoma! (Decca A-359).
Description

side 1: Lee Dixon with Oklahoma Male Chorus and Orchestra. Kansas City; side 2: Joan Roberts with Oklahoma Girl Chorus and Orchestra. Oout of My Dreams (Decca 23285), from the album, Oklahoma! (Decca A-359). 78 rpm.

This album is from the 1943 Broadway musical Oklahoma!, with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Richard Rogers. Oklahoma! opened on March 31, 1943 at the St. James Theatre and ran for 2,212 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1943
recording artist
Dixon, Lee
Roberts, Joan
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1980.0339.09
maker number
23285
A-359
accession number
1980.0339
catalog number
1980.0339.09

Engraved woodblock of an "Iroquois mask"

This engraved woodblock of an "Iroquois Mask" was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published as Plate XXII.49 (p.
Description
This engraved woodblock of an "Iroquois Mask" was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published as Plate XXII.49 (p. 189) in an article by William Healey Dall (1845-1927) entitled “On Masks, Labrets, and Certain Aboriginal Customs with an Inquiry into the Bearing of Their Geographical Distribution” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82. According to the annual report, the mask was “used by the order of ‘Falsefaces’.” Lewis Henry Morgan (1818-1881) was the original artist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Dall, William H.
original artist
Morgan, L. H.
block maker
A. P. J. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.0437
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.0437

"Celebrated Hebrew Song & Dance"

This sheet music is for the music “Celebrated Hebrew Song and Dance,” arranged for piano solo by Joseph Bonime. It was published by Joseph P. Katz in New York, New York in 1916.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the music “Celebrated Hebrew Song and Dance,” arranged for piano solo by Joseph Bonime. It was published by Joseph P. Katz in New York, New York in 1916.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1916
arranger
Bonime, Joseph
publisher
Katz, Joseph P.
ID Number
1986.0961.05
accession number
1986.0961
catalog number
1986.0961.05

Badge, "Pinkerton National Detective Agent, New York"

This badge is a novelty replica of the badges worn by members of the Pinkerton Detective Agency during the second half of the 19th century. The top of the badge bears the “all-seeing eye” with Pinkerton’s motto “We Never Sleep” below.
Description
This badge is a novelty replica of the badges worn by members of the Pinkerton Detective Agency during the second half of the 19th century. The top of the badge bears the “all-seeing eye” with Pinkerton’s motto “We Never Sleep” below. The center of the badge reads “Pinkerton National Detective Agent” above “New York” in a cartouche. The Pinkerton Agency was established by Allen Pinkerton in 1850 and became famous by protecting President Lincoln during the Civil War. After the war, the Pinkerton Agency and its detectives became notorious for their violent methods in hunting down criminals and protecting railroad shipments as well as busting strikes and suppressing the dissent of organized labor.
user
Pinkerton National Detective Agency
ID Number
1991.0325.01
catalog number
1991.0325.01
accession number
1991.0325

Pen Tray

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
ID Number
1977.0197.03
accession number
1977.0197
catalog number
1977.0197.03

Daily News Vol. 46. No. 207

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965-02-22
graphic artist
News Syndicate Co., Inc.
ID Number
2012.3028.01
accession number
2012.3028

Z'Chartihah / Debka; Ura Amchah / Sov V'vuni

Max Goberman, conductor. side 1: Z'Chartihah [track 1] Debka [track 2]; side 2: Ura Amchah [track 1] Sov V'Vuni [track 2] (Vox 16037), from the album, Palestine Dances (Vox 191).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Max Goberman, conductor. side 1: Z'Chartihah [track 1] Debka [track 2]; side 2: Ura Amchah [track 1] Sov V'Vuni [track 2] (Vox 16037), from the album, Palestine Dances (Vox 191).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1947
manufacturer
Vox
ID Number
1988.0384.50
accession number
1988.0384
catalog number
1988.0384.50
maker number
16037
191
191
catalog number
1988.0384.50

1895 - 1905 Chinese American Woman's Skirt

Ng Shee (1874 - ?) had this two paneled skirt as well as trousers made in Hong Kong at the time of her marriage to Mr. Lee B. Lok in China around 1900. After the marriage Ng Shee lived with her mother in law in China until she joined Mr.
Description (Brief)
Ng Shee (1874 - ?) had this two paneled skirt as well as trousers made in Hong Kong at the time of her marriage to Mr. Lee B. Lok in China around 1900. After the marriage Ng Shee lived with her mother in law in China until she joined Mr. Lee in New York City in 1906.
The pleated skirt was often worn with a rectangular apron or wei chu’u over a pair of matching trousers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
unknown
ID Number
1992.0620.20
accession number
1992.0620
catalog number
1992.0620.20

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