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.

The lightweight shaft of this cane is made of bamboo, stained and lacquered to a glossy dark brown. The bottom is covered with a two-tone metal ferrule; the upper silver section is turned.
Description
The lightweight shaft of this cane is made of bamboo, stained and lacquered to a glossy dark brown. The bottom is covered with a two-tone metal ferrule; the upper silver section is turned. A brass ring separates the shaft from the ivory handle, which has the bust of an unidentified mustachioed man with a round hat carved in high relief. Another ivory piece serving as the hand rest is fastened to the carved section at a 90-degree angle.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1994.0217.01
catalog number
1994.0217.01
accession number
1994.0217
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
CL.65.1158
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.1158
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1763
ID Number
CL.65.1142
catalog number
65.1142
accession number
256396
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1748
ID Number
CL.65.1139
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.1139
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1812
ID Number
CL.65.1157
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.1157
The shaft of this heavy cane is made of clear oak, ending at the bottom in a brass ferrule covered with a rubber cushion. The ferrule is stamped “STONEHOUSE”. At the top is a brass handle with a scrimshawed ivory panel on each side.
Description
The shaft of this heavy cane is made of clear oak, ending at the bottom in a brass ferrule covered with a rubber cushion. The ferrule is stamped “STONEHOUSE”. At the top is a brass handle with a scrimshawed ivory panel on each side. On one side, two sailing ships (probably whalers) are leaving a harbor with a distinctive lighthouse on the right. The presence of a covered walkway between the house and the tower suggests a colder winter climate, but precise identification of the lighthouse is difficult. The other side depicts a whaleboat on the ocean attached with a line to a sounding (diving) whale, with the mother whaleship in the middle background. The brass top of the cane is engraved in cursive with the name “Lawrence N. Ravick”. A man by that name was a lawyer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1925-1994).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
ID Number
1994.0217.02
catalog number
1994.0217.02
accession number
1994.0217
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This speaking trumpet was presented by the Philadelphia Engine Company No. 18 of Boston to Philadelphia’s Washington Engine Company in 1832. The trumpet is made of brass, with a tin mouthpiece and an upper half sheathed in leather. A purple cord with tassels is attached near the mouthpiece, though it is of a later date than the trumpet itself. The brass trumpet is missing its bell, but the shaft is engraved with the inscription “Presented by the Philadelphia Engine Co. No. 18 of Boston to the Washington Engine Co. of Philadelphia, 1832." The Philadelphia Engine Company was founded in 1825 on Beacon Street, near Boston Common. Soon after this trumpet was made, the company changed its name to Lafayette and eventually disbanded in 1851. The Washington Engine Company was founded in Philadelphia in 1796 and would remain active until the city changed over to a municipal fire department in 1872.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1832
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0821
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0821
Scrimshaw was one form of sailors’ art, and cane making was another. This example is made from a series of carefully graduated shark vertebrae threaded over a heavy metal rod, with the biggest vertebrae at the top.
Description
Scrimshaw was one form of sailors’ art, and cane making was another. This example is made from a series of carefully graduated shark vertebrae threaded over a heavy metal rod, with the biggest vertebrae at the top. The ferrule is silver and the handle is made of carved bone in the shape of an inverted letter “L”, with hash marks cut into the surface to prevent slipping. A thin iron or steel ring separates the handle from the highest vertebra. This would have been an extraordinary conversation piece in the hands of an old or handicapped 19th century sailing ship crewman.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1994.0217.06
catalog number
1994.0217.06
accession number
1994.0217
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1850 - 1899
maker
Schimmel, Wilhelm
ID Number
CL.65.1088
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.1088
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This trumpet was presented to John M. Nesbitt of the Hibernia Fire Company by the Insurance Company of North America. The trumpet has decorative bands around the bell’s rim and the upper and lower portion of the trumpet. The bell also features a decorative band with a floral motif. The middle portion of the trumpet has an oval inset featuring high relief of a helmed Greek figure shown in profile view. There is a winged horse on the figure’s helmet and the oval inset is surrounded by decorative floral engravings. The other side of the trumpet has a diamond-shaped silver inlay with an inscription that reads “Presented by the Insurance Company of North America to John M. Nesbitt Esqr. of Hibernia Fire Company, Philadelphia.” A brown braided cord is attached to the trumpet by rings that are held by eagles’ beaks. John Maxwell Nesbitt was the first President of the board of directors for the Insurance Company of North America in 1792, as well as a member of the Hibernia Fire Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0826
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0826
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This metal speaking trumpet was in use in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1838. The trumpet has two rounded bands on the upper and lower portion of the shaft. Two rings protrude from the rounded bands that would have been strung with a cord to create a handle or strap. There is an inscription in the center of the trumpet that reads “United States Hose Co. / 14 / Chief Director.” The United States Hose Company Number 14 was located on 423 Buttonwood Street in Philadelphia. The company was organized in 1826 and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1838
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0897
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0897
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1850 - 1899
maker
Schimmel, Wilhelm
ID Number
CL.65.1091
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.1091
This fall evening event held by the young lady workers of Amoskeag Mill number 3 may have marked the need to use artificial light in the mills during the winter as the days got shorter.
Description
This fall evening event held by the young lady workers of Amoskeag Mill number 3 may have marked the need to use artificial light in the mills during the winter as the days got shorter. The artificial lighting elongated the workday, increasing owner profitability, but open flames created more dangerous conditions for workers.
date made
1848
ID Number
1995.0001.02
accession number
1995.0001
catalog number
1995.0001.02
White paper cover with black, yellow, and purple ink, white paper inner pages with black ink. Program for the benefit concert of the musical group, Sweet Honey in the Rock, at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, on June 23, 1995.
Description (Brief)

White paper cover with black, yellow, and purple ink, white paper inner pages with black ink. Program for the benefit concert of the musical group, Sweet Honey in the Rock, at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, on June 23, 1995. Concert for the benefit of Planned Parenthood of Central Pennsylvania.

Through benefit concerts, amateur and professional musicians have supported a wide range of causes while also fostering appreciation for music.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1995
ID Number
2003.3091.188
nonaccession number
2003.3091
catalog number
2003.3091.188
After performing individually with Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, and other headliners in the 1940s, Sonny (b.1937) and Bobby (b. 1931) Osborne became one of the most popular and innovative bluegrass groups of the postwar era.
Description
After performing individually with Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, and other headliners in the 1940s, Sonny (b.1937) and Bobby (b. 1931) Osborne became one of the most popular and innovative bluegrass groups of the postwar era. Experimenting in the mid-1960s, they added piano, steel guitar, and electric instruments. While these ventures angered traditionalists, their innovative sound attracted a new younger audience to country music.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.040
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.040
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1850 - 1899
maker
Schimmel, Wilhelm
ID Number
CL.65.1090
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.1090
This short, elegant cane is fashioned of only three pieces. Two long, tapered round pieces of bone (whale?) are securely fastened together in the middle; the handle is a single uncarved porpoise tooth. Measuring only 33-1/2 in.
Description
This short, elegant cane is fashioned of only three pieces. Two long, tapered round pieces of bone (whale?) are securely fastened together in the middle; the handle is a single uncarved porpoise tooth. Measuring only 33-1/2 in. long and in almost perfect condition, this light, highly polished cane may have belonged to a woman or child.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1994.0217.05
catalog number
1994.0217.05
accession number
1994.0217
Scrimshaw was one form of sailors’ art, and cane making was another. This example is made from a series of carefully graduated shark vertebrae threaded over a light metal rod, with the biggest vertebrae at the top.
Description
Scrimshaw was one form of sailors’ art, and cane making was another. This example is made from a series of carefully graduated shark vertebrae threaded over a light metal rod, with the biggest vertebrae at the top. The ferrule is wooden and the rounded wooden handle is in the shape of a simplified horse’s hoof. Near the top where the handle begins curving for the user’s handhold, there are some pieces of wood and baleen trimmed on one side to account for the curving handle. The ferrule at the bottom is cracked, and there is some evidence for repairs at a few spots along the shaft, indicating the importance of the cane to its owner(s). The length of this example suggests use by a man.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1994.0217.03
catalog number
1994.0217.03
accession number
1994.0217
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events.
Description
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
This engine panel painting is attributed to the Washington Fire Company No.14 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was founded in 1796. Originally organized as a hand engine company, it acquired a steam fire engine in 1858 and operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. John A. Woodside completed this oil painting in 1853, copying it from “George Washington Before the Battle of Trenton,” painted by John Trumbull in 1792. The painting depicts Washington surveying the battleground, with Continental troops in the background. The volunteer fire company named itself after Washington and commissioned the painting to link itself with Washington’s prestige America’s foremost Founding Father.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1853
referenced
Trumbull, John
Washington, George
maker
Woodside, John Archibald
ID Number
2005.0233.0309
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0309
This light man’s cane is fashioned of round sections of whale ivory alternating with short sections of baleen.
Description
This light man’s cane is fashioned of round sections of whale ivory alternating with short sections of baleen. The sections gradually increase in circumference gradually towards the top of the cane, but cracks on all but three of the ivory pieces indicates that the cane might have been too light for daily use. Each horizontal band of baleen has a thin brass ring at top and bottom, and the handle ends in a simple, plain knob. The bottom ends in an uncovered ivory terminal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1994.0217.07
catalog number
1994.0217.07
accession number
1994.0217
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1763
ID Number
CL.65.1140
catalog number
65.1140
accession number
256396
This lightweight round tapered wooden cane is topped by a turned ivory knob, which was cracked on three sides and repaired. The knob is fastened to the cane by a screw countersunk in a metal washer.
Description
This lightweight round tapered wooden cane is topped by a turned ivory knob, which was cracked on three sides and repaired. The knob is fastened to the cane by a screw countersunk in a metal washer. A little over an inch below the bottom of the ivory knob is a hole pierced through the shaft, possibly for a lanyard to hang it. The shaft is a light-colored stained wood, possibly oak. At the bottom end is a brass ferrule ending in a pointed steel tip. The sharp tip may indicate use as a winter cane, to pierce ice or snow on the street or sidewalk.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1994.0217.04
catalog number
1994.0217.04
accession number
1994.0217
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This silver plated presentation trumpet was used by the General Phinney Engine Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1877. The trumpet is decorated with engravings and repousse patterns of leaves, flowers, palmettes, scrolls and the like. An inscription is surrounded by a floral oval cartouche that reads “General Phinney/ ENGINE CO./ No. 4/ Organized/ Feb. 29, 1877/ Scranton, Pa.” The other side of the trumpet bears an engraved image of a spider type hose reel. Two eagle heads are attached to the trumpet and hold rings in their beaks that connected by a thin ribbon. General Elisha Phinney was a prominent figure in Scranton in the second half of the 19th century. Phinney ran a wholesale flour and feed business, opened and operated a series of mines, organized and directed the Second National Bank of Scranton, was president of the Merchant’s and Mechanics Bank, president of the Stowers’ Packing and Provision Company, and Treasurer of the Lackawann and Susquehanna Coal and Iron Company. He received his title of General as a member of the antebellum militia, but organized and equipped volunteer regiments when the Civil War began. The General Phinney Engine Company Number 4 was located at 4 Dickson Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0847
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0847
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1982.0568.379
catalog number
1982.0568.379
accession number
1982.0568

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