Domestic Furnishings

Washboards, armchairs, lamps, and pots and pans may not seem to be museum pieces. But they are invaluable evidence of how most people lived day to day, last week or three centuries ago. The Museum's collections of domestic furnishings comprise more than 40,000 artifacts from American households. Large and small, they include four houses, roughly 800 pieces of furniture, fireplace equipment, spinning wheels, ceramics and glass, family portraits, and much more.

The Arthur and Edna Greenwood Collection contains more than 2,000 objects from New England households from colonial times to mid-1800s. From kitchens of the past, the collections hold some 3,300 artifacts, ranging from refrigerators to spatulas. The lighting devices alone number roughly 3,000 lamps, candleholders, and lanterns.

This ivory pocket shrine contains a carved representation of the Madonna and child.
Description
This ivory pocket shrine contains a carved representation of the Madonna and child. The shrine was owned by John Brenton Copp during the late 19th century, who converted to Catholicism later in his life.
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
ca 1800
ID Number
DL.006537
catalog number
6537
accession number
28810
This is an inkwell owned by the Copp Family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century. The bottle has a well in the center for holding the tip of the quill pen.
Description
This is an inkwell owned by the Copp Family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century. The bottle has a well in the center for holding the tip of the quill pen. Examples of pens that were used in this ink bottle can be seen in DL*006512.02.
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
ca 1750
ID Number
DL.006520
catalog number
6520
accession number
28810
This framed watercolor of a China pink flower was in the Copp family home in Stonington, Connecticut during the late 18TH century.
Description
This framed watercolor of a China pink flower was in the Copp family home in Stonington, Connecticut during the late 18TH century. The image comes from a print by British engraver John Hinton of Newgate Street, London.
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.006551.01
catalog number
6551.01
accession number
28810
This framed watercolor of the Samuel and Dolley Copp’s family tree hung in the Copp family home in Stonington, Connecticut during the second half of the 18th century.
Description
This framed watercolor of the Samuel and Dolley Copp’s family tree hung in the Copp family home in Stonington, Connecticut during the second half of the 18th century. The family tree is depicted as two intertwined branches sprouting from two overlapping hearts on a blue hill or base at bottom center. The names, birthdates and marriage date of parents Samuel Copp and Dolley Brown are in bottom segment of the tree. The names and birthdates of nine children (Sarah, Dolley, Jonathan, Betsey, Mary, John Brown, Esther, Nancy, and Samuel) are arranged above in three rows of three ovals suspended from flowering branches. The death date of Betsey is also given. Signed at bottom right by John Brown Copp (b. 1779), sixth oldest of the Copp children.
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
ca 1795
ID Number
DL.006820
catalog number
6820
accession number
28810
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century.
Description
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century. The subject of the silhouette is unknown, as it was given as a valentine to a member of the Copp family.
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
1800
ID Number
DL.006877.06
catalog number
6877.06
accession number
28810
This rectangular wooden box was owned by the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 18th century.
Description
This rectangular wooden box was owned by the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 18th century. The box is painted with a floral design.
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
ca 1800
user
Copp Family
ID Number
DL.006843.02
catalog number
6843.02
accession number
28810
This tray was owned by the Copp Family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century.
Description
This tray was owned by the Copp Family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century. The shape of the tray indicates it may have been used for better or lard.
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
ca 1775
ID Number
DL.006517
catalog number
6517
accession number
28810
Cut and pasted silhouette of Mary Copp (b.
Description
Cut and pasted silhouette of Mary Copp (b. 1777) is marked on the back with "Cut with scissors By MASTER HUBARD without drawing or cutting machine.” Master Hubard was William James Hubard, a popular British artist who did silhouettes of the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria before immigrating to the United States.
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
1824-1830
maker
Hubard, William James
ID Number
DL.006859
catalog number
6859
accession number
28810
This pane of glass was used in the door of the Copp house in Stonington, Connecticut. The lead glass pane is mounted in lead. The house was built around 1688, but the date of the glass installation is unknown.
Description
This pane of glass was used in the door of the Copp house in Stonington, Connecticut. The lead glass pane is mounted in lead. The house was built around 1688, but the date of the glass installation is unknown. Lead glass was invented during the 1670s, and allowed for the production of glass at lower temperatures with easier malleability, lowering the cost of production and increasing its adoption for domestic purposes.
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
ca 1688
ID Number
DL.006515.01
catalog number
6515.01
accession number
28810
Basin-type porringer bowl with narrow-reeded flat rim, tapered sides, and flat bottom; significantly damaged with handle missing, dents and holes in well. No marks apparent.Currently not on view
Description
Basin-type porringer bowl with narrow-reeded flat rim, tapered sides, and flat bottom; significantly damaged with handle missing, dents and holes in well. No marks apparent.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1775
user
Copp Family
ID Number
DL.006818
catalog number
6818
accession number
28810
These panes of glass were used in the Copp house in Stonington, Connecticut. The house was built around 1688, but the date of the glass installation is unknown.
Description
These panes of glass were used in the Copp house in Stonington, Connecticut. The house was built around 1688, but the date of the glass installation is unknown. Lead glass was invented during the 1670s, and allowed for the production of glass at lower temperatures with easier malleability, lowering the cost of production and increasing its adoption for domestic purposes.
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
ca 1688
ID Number
DL.006515.02
catalog number
6515.02
accession number
28810
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait is belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century.
Description
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait is belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century. The subject of the silhouette is unknown, as it was given as a valentine to a member of the Copp family.
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
1800
ID Number
DL.006877.04
catalog number
6877.04
accession number
28810
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
ca 1815
ID Number
DL.006523
catalog number
6523
accession number
28810
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century.
Description
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century. The subject of the silhouette is unknown, as it was given as a valentine to a member of the Copp family.
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
1800
ID Number
DL.006877.03
catalog number
6877.03
accession number
28810
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century.
Description
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century. The subject of the silhouette is unknown, as it was given as a valentine to a member of the Copp family.
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
1800
ID Number
DL.006877.01
catalog number
6877.01
accession number
28810
This small sword was owned by the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the late half of the 18th century. The sword was likely owned as a dress sword, and the scabbard appears to be made from a bayonet sheath.
Description
This small sword was owned by the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the late half of the 18th century. The sword was likely owned as a dress sword, and the scabbard appears to be made from a bayonet sheath. The hilt has a wooden grip and a metal pommel and knuckle-guard.
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
ca 1775
ID Number
DL.006652
catalog number
6652
accession number
28810
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century.
Description
This small unframed hollow-cut silhouette portrait belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the early 19th century. The subject of the silhouette is unknown, as it was given as a valentine to a member of the Copp family.
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
1800
ID Number
DL.006877.05
catalog number
6877.05
accession number
28810
This is a magnet, nail, and piece of iron or steel that belonged to the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century.
Description
This is a magnet, nail, and piece of iron or steel that belonged to the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century. The pieces may have been used for work or to illustrate the principles of magnetism in an educational lesson.
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
ca 1750
user
Copp Family
ID Number
DL.006846.02
accession number
28810
catalog number
6846.02
This is a small, circular paste board box that belonged to the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century.The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s.
Description
This is a small, circular paste board box that belonged to the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century.
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.006848
catalog number
6848
accession number
28810
This is a cutout silhouette portrait of John Brown Copp (b. 1779) done during the early 19th century.
Description
This is a cutout silhouette portrait of John Brown Copp (b. 1779) done during the early 19th century. Silhouette portraits became popular during the late 18th and early 19th century due to their affordability compared to the time and expense of an oil painted portrait.
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.006558.02
catalog number
6558.02
accession number
28810
This question and answer card game was owned by the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century. During the 1800s, parlor games were a popular way to pass the time for young and old, but this game was geared towards a younger audience.
Description
This question and answer card game was owned by the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 19th century. During the 1800s, parlor games were a popular way to pass the time for young and old, but this game was geared towards a younger audience. The cards with red text were given to women, while the cards with black text were given to men. The cards could be matched to lead to a humorous exchange, or allow for a flirtatious answer to a romantic question.
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.006539.01
catalog number
006539.01
accession number
28810
This mirror belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the late 18th and early 19th century. Museum documentation notes that the mirror is likely of Chinese origin, like many similar “courting mirrors” of the time.
Description
This mirror belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the late 18th and early 19th century. Museum documentation notes that the mirror is likely of Chinese origin, like many similar “courting mirrors” of the time. These courting mirrors were given by suitors to young women as gifts, and were prized due to their Eastern origin and refinement. Many were kept in wooden protective cases like this one to protect it during its travels.
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
ca 1800
ID Number
DL.006860
catalog number
6860
accession number
28810
Plain, flat-rim circular dish with shallow flat well; no foot ring. Two faint undecipherable marks on underside, a tombstone shape with letters along top and what appears to be a rosette below, and a rectangle possibly with figure. Overall wear.
Description
Plain, flat-rim circular dish with shallow flat well; no foot ring. Two faint undecipherable marks on underside, a tombstone shape with letters along top and what appears to be a rosette below, and a rectangle possibly with figure. Overall wear. Dents in well.
Catalog card with pencilled attribution to Thomas Danforth II (1731-1782) of Middletown, CT, w. 1755-1782. Probably based on reading of mark as Danforth's lion-in-gateway touch, but no supporting evidence given. Needs further research and examination.
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
1755-1782
ID Number
DL.006813.02
accession number
28810
catalog number
6813.02
The Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut owned this patty-pan at their home during the 18th and 19th century.
Description
The Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut owned this patty-pan at their home during the 18th and 19th century. The patty pan was cookware used to make small meat-filled pastries known as patty’s or pasty’s.
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
before 1894
ID Number
DL.006810.02
accession number
28810
catalog number
6810.02

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.