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 Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s.
Description
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
1809-09-20
originator (author or composer, etc.)
Copp, Esther
recipient
Copp, Mary Esther
originator (author, etc.)
Copp, Esther
ID Number
DL.006873.005
accession number
28810
catalog number
6873.005
The Hive: Or a Collection of Thoughts on Civil, Moral, Sentimental, and Religious Subjects was published by Isiah Thomas of Worcester, Massachusetts in 1795.
Description
The Hive: Or a Collection of Thoughts on Civil, Moral, Sentimental, and Religious Subjects was published by Isiah Thomas of Worcester, Massachusetts in 1795. The poems and prose were selected from 100 different authors and was meant to entertain youth while teaching them to think justly, write correctly, and speak with propriety.
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.006868.033
catalog number
6868.033
accession number
28810
This is a man’s, short sleeve, white cotton t-shirt with navy trim around the neck and sleeves. On the front is a circular, navy logo with a silhouette white bird and guitar.
Description
This is a man’s, short sleeve, white cotton t-shirt with navy trim around the neck and sleeves. On the front is a circular, navy logo with a silhouette white bird and guitar. The t-shirt was made some time between 1968-1969 for the Woodstock Music and Art Fair that took place from August 15th to 18th, 1969 in Bethel, New York. The white dove perched on the guitar was the logo of Woodstock seen on official posters and flyers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968-1969
ID Number
1994.0250.002
accession number
1994.0250
catalog number
1994.0250.2
This large sperm whale tooth has a satyr-like male figure with a horned mask posed in two scenes on obverse and reverse in a sexual embrace with a full-bodied maenad, or mythological female figure associated with the Roman god Bacchus.
Description
This large sperm whale tooth has a satyr-like male figure with a horned mask posed in two scenes on obverse and reverse in a sexual embrace with a full-bodied maenad, or mythological female figure associated with the Roman god Bacchus. The subjects of this tooth, along with their shading and poses, argue for a modern carver, who worked freehand. In the 19th century Victorian period, such a tooth would have offended contemporary sensibilities; as a consequence, authentic erotic scrimshaw of the period is exceedingly rare.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
1978.0052.29
accession number
1978.0052
catalog number
1978.52.29
Henry Horenstein photographed Hank Williams Jr., the son of legendary singer Hank Williams, leaving his tour bus. Williams Jr. (b. 1949) spent his early career singing his father's songs in his own style.
Description
Henry Horenstein photographed Hank Williams Jr., the son of legendary singer Hank Williams, leaving his tour bus. Williams Jr. (b. 1949) spent his early career singing his father's songs in his own style. After a 1974 suicide attempt and a mountain climbing accident in 1975, he revamped his own image, modeling it after rowdy southern rockers. Later he was considered part of the Outlaw Country Movement.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.074
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.074
This is a double end pry bar designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a flat shape, one end has a slight curve that is tapered and slotted and the other end is shaped like the claw portion of a common hammer.
Description
This is a double end pry bar designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a flat shape, one end has a slight curve that is tapered and slotted and the other end is shaped like the claw portion of a common hammer. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1998-2005
ID Number
2005.0276.11
catalog number
2005.0276.11
accession number
2005.0276
Chisels are used to cut and shape wood, stone and other hard materials. A paring chisel is a common woodworking tool which is used to cut and shave off thin amounds of wood. This chisel has a yellow tansparent handle and a 1" wide steel cutting edge or blade.
Description
Chisels are used to cut and shape wood, stone and other hard materials. A paring chisel is a common woodworking tool which is used to cut and shave off thin amounds of wood. This chisel has a yellow tansparent handle and a 1" wide steel cutting edge or blade. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.20
catalog number
2005.0276.20
accession number
2005.0276
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s.
Description
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
1802-05-10
originator (author or composer, etc.)
Copp, Jr., Samuel
recipient
Copp, Esther
originator (author, etc.)
Copp, Jr., Samuel
ID Number
DL.006873.128
catalog number
6873.128
accession number
28810
This pen-and-ink drawing produced for the Dotty Dripple comic strip shows the title character’s son rushing back to college, leaving her with empty-nest syndrome.Buford Tune (1906-1989) started working as an assistant to the art editor of the New York Post in 1927.
Description (Brief)
This pen-and-ink drawing produced for the Dotty Dripple comic strip shows the title character’s son rushing back to college, leaving her with empty-nest syndrome.
Buford Tune (1906-1989) started working as an assistant to the art editor of the New York Post in 1927. One of his first assignments was to revive an old family comic strip called Doings of the Duffs. After a brief hiatus Tune returned to comic strip production in 1931. He created Dotty Dripple in 1944.
Dotty Dripple (1944-1974) was a domestic humor-themed comic strip like the popular Blondie strip. Dottie was described as a typical housewife responsible for her children, Taffy and Wilbert; her dog, Pepper; and her husband, Horace. Part of the running humor of the strip was that Horace was often seen behaving like a child himself. Between 1946 and 1955 the strip was also sold in comic book form by Harvey Comics.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1966-09-12
graphic artist
Tune, Buford
publisher
Publishers Newspapers Syndicate, Inc.
ID Number
GA.22530
catalog number
22530
accession number
277502
At Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, musicians could hang out, perform and hope for a chance to be discovered.Currently not on view
Description
At Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, musicians could hang out, perform and hope for a chance to be discovered.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.111
catalog number
2003.0169.111
accession number
2003.0169
Benjamin Jenks’ Prayers and Offices of Devotion for Families was published by Webster and Skinner of Albany, New York in 1806.
Description
Benjamin Jenks’ Prayers and Offices of Devotion for Families was published by Webster and Skinner of Albany, New York in 1806. The book has about 100 prayers for every day of the week and times of the day, along with specific prayers for particular persons on special occasions.
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.006867.44
catalog number
6867.44
accession number
28810
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878-1888
ID Number
CL.65.1009
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.1009
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s.
Description
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
1807-03-12
originator (author or composer, etc.)
Rathbone, Sarah
recipient
Copp, Mary Esther
Copp, Esther
originator (author, etc.)
Rathbone, Sarah
ID Number
DL.006873.169
catalog number
6873.169
accession number
28810
Small, flat head screwdriver, red plastic handle with the name Kobalt on its side. Kobalt is a house brand sold exclusively at the American home improvement store Lowe's.
Description
Small, flat head screwdriver, red plastic handle with the name Kobalt on its side. Kobalt is a house brand sold exclusively at the American home improvement store Lowe's. The screwdriver was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.22
catalog number
2005.0276.22
accession number
2005.0276
This Anti-Masonic Almanac for the year 1832 was published by William Williams of Utica, New York around 1831.
Description
This Anti-Masonic Almanac for the year 1832 was published by William Williams of Utica, New York around 1831. The cover reads “The law is still paralyzed by a hidden agent that continues to prove stronger than the combined force of its machinery and its ministers: the Lodge of this agent has become its sepulcher. There it lies, a spectacle for freemen to look at. In our boasted Republic the blood of an American, who was taken from his home—bound—tortured—tortured—agonized—borne by the conspirators along the high roads with an impudent cavalcade or carriages and horsemen—cast into a fortress over which had floated the sovereign flag of the Union—and at last immolated—by harpies belonging to an organized and powerful institution, who conceal their crime under the horrible delusion of their mystic tie.” This is a reference to the disappearance of William Morgan from his home in Batavia, New York, after he threatened to reveal Freemasonry’s secrets. Believing that the Freemason’s secretly ran society and politics, the Anti-Masonic party was formed in New York in 1828 and ran candidates for public office until it disbanded in 1838.
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.006868.017
catalog number
6868.017
accession number
28810
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 speaking trumpet was presented to James F. Gaffney and dates from the mid to late 19th century. The trumpet has a plain surface with beaded bands around the mouthpiece and upper and lower bulges in the trumpet. There is an egg and dart pattern stamped around the bell of the horn. Two gilded eagles’ heads are attached to the trumpet holding rings in their beaks that are connected by a braided purple cord with tassels on the end. There are decorative incisions around an engraving that reads “Presented to James F. Gaffney by his Friends for his Good qualities as a Fireman and his Virtues as a citizen.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0822
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0822
Made of painted carved wood. Black hair, face fron, running to the right, left arm outstretched. Back of carving is flat.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Made of painted carved wood. Black hair, face fron, running to the right, left arm outstretched. Back of carving is flat.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
CL.66.222
catalog number
66.222
accession number
261195
collector/donor number
S-313
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 speaking trumpet was presented by the Harry Howard Hose Company of New York City to its last volunteer foreman in 1865. The trumpet has an engraved floral design with several raised floral patterns throughout. There is a cartouche on the bell that contains an engraved image of a hose reel. A cartouche along the shaft contains the inscription “Presented to Garrett Bell foreman of Harry Howard Hose Co. No. 55 by the members Jan. 1st 1865.” A braided blue cord with tassels is attached to the trumpet through protruding rings. The Harry Howard Hose Company, formed in 1853, was named for the famous Chief Engineer of the New York City volunteers. Garrett Bell was the last foreman of the company when it disbanded as part of the creation of the paid municipal city system in 1865.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0900
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0900
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 plated speaking trumpet was presented to John Weber in 1886. The unadorned trumpet is in three sections, with an oval inscription plate that reads “John Weber/ AZT. Foreman/ 1886.” There are two rings attached to the trumpet that would allow a cord to be attached to the trumpet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0839
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0839
Nearly every spot on this small sperm whale tooth is decorated. The center of the main side contains a generic US warship in the center, with a swallowtail pennant on the foremast, a homeward bound pennant on the main mast and a big American flag off the stern.
Description
Nearly every spot on this small sperm whale tooth is decorated. The center of the main side contains a generic US warship in the center, with a swallowtail pennant on the foremast, a homeward bound pennant on the main mast and a big American flag off the stern. Above it floats a thistle; below is a crosshatch basket of flowers. Vines connect the edges of the tooth to the other side, the bottom of which is etched with an American eagle shield with thistles in its beak and crossed American flags in its talons. Above it floats a heart with a star in the middle. Three arrows and a horn pierce it through the middle, and above floats another vine. On the final edge is a head-on view of a ship with studding sails flying. It appears to be an alternate view of the ship on the other side of the tooth, judging from its visible flags. Around the base of the tooth, a sharp dentil molding draws all the images together into one composition.
Scrimshaw began in the late 18th or early 19th century as the art of carving whale bone and ivory aboard whale ships. The crew on whalers had plenty of leisure time between sighting and chasing whales, and the hard parts of whales were readily available on voyages that could last up to four years.
In its simplest form, a tooth was removed from the lower jaw of a sperm whale and the surface was prepared by scraping and sanding until it was smooth. The easiest way to begin an etching was to smooth a print over the tooth, prick the outline of the image with a needle and then “connect-the-dots” once the paper was removed. This allowed even unskilled craftsmen to create fine carvings. Some sailors were skilled enough to etch their drawings freehand. After the lines were finished, they were filled in with lamp black or sometimes colored pigments.
Scrimshaw could be decorative, like simple sperm whale teeth, or they could be useful, as in ivory napkin rings, corset busks (stiffeners), swifts for winding yarn or pie crimpers. The sailor’s hand-carved scrimshaw was then given to loved ones back on shore as souvenirs of the hard and lonely life aboard long and dangerous voyages.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.67.723
accession number
248268
catalog number
67.723
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s.
Description
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
1807-04-04
recipient
Copp, Esther
ID Number
DL.006873.116
catalog number
6873.116
accession number
28810
An intergenerational crowd leaves the Ryman Auditorium after a show. The "WSM" stands for "We Shield Millions," the motto for the insurance company that originally funded the Grand Ole Opry.Currently not on view
Description
An intergenerational crowd leaves the Ryman Auditorium after a show. The "WSM" stands for "We Shield Millions," the motto for the insurance company that originally funded the Grand Ole Opry.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.060
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.060
This postcard view of San Francisco Solano Mission was printed by the Van Ornum Colorprint Company in Los Angeles, Calif.
Description (Brief)
This postcard view of San Francisco Solano Mission was printed by the Van Ornum Colorprint Company in Los Angeles, Calif. using photomechanical processes.
The Van Ornum Colorprint Company (1908-1921) was one of many picture postcard publishing companies specializing in California landscapes and historic sites.
Mission San Francisco Solano was founded in 1823, the last of twenty-one Spanish Franciscan missions established in California between 1769 and 1823. All were founded for the purpose of coverting American Indians of the region to Catholicism.
Today the mission site is operated by the Sonoma State Historic Park system.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908-1921
graphic artist
Van Ornum Colorprint Co.
ID Number
1986.0639.0479
accession number
1986.0639
catalog number
1986.639.0479
Days after the Twin Tower attacks on September 11, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh gas station owner, was shot to death in Mesa, Arizona in one of the first acts of retaliation targeting Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, and South Asian Americans.
Description
Days after the Twin Tower attacks on September 11, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh gas station owner, was shot to death in Mesa, Arizona in one of the first acts of retaliation targeting Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, and South Asian Americans. This turban, which he once wore, was donated to the National Museum of American History by his family.
ID Number
2011.0255.01
catalog number
2011.0255.01
accession number
2011.0255

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.