Family & Social Life

Donations to the Museum have preserved irreplaceable evidence about generations of ordinary Americans. Objects from the Copp household of Stonington, Connecticut, include many items used by a single family from 1740 to 1850. Other donations have brought treasured family artifacts from jewelry to prom gowns. These gifts and many others are all part of the Museum's family and social life collections.

Children's books and Sunday school lessons, tea sets and family portraits also mark the connections between members of a family and between families and the larger society. Prints, advertisements, and artifacts offer nostalgic or idealized images of family life and society in times past. And the collections include a few modern conveniences that have had profound effects on American families and social life, such as televisions, video games, and personal computers.

This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company during the early 20th century. This toy steam engine consists of a firebox, vertical brass boiler, chimney stack, and vertical engine that powered a flywheel, all mounted on a red cast iron stand.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company during the early 20th century. This toy steam engine consists of a firebox, vertical brass boiler, chimney stack, and vertical engine that powered a flywheel, all mounted on a red cast iron stand. The Märklin Company logo can be seen stamped on the side of the boiler.
The Märklin Company was established in 1859 in the town of Göppingen, Germany by tin smith Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. Märklin began his business with the production of tin doll houses, but the company soon began producing a variety of tinplate and metal items, eventually specializing in toys that included steam engines such as this one.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328985
catalog number
328985
accession number
278175
This toy steam engine does not bear a specific makers mark, but comparisons to other engines reveal similarities to a Carette engine model 108. The model 108 engine was made by Georges Carette of Nuremberg, Germany around 1900.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine does not bear a specific makers mark, but comparisons to other engines reveal similarities to a Carette engine model 108. The model 108 engine was made by Georges Carette of Nuremberg, Germany around 1900. The overtype engine has a horizontal slide valve engine and horizontal boiler over a black firebox.
Carrette et Cie (Carrette and Company) was founded in Nuremberg, Germany by Georges Carette and operated from 1886-1917.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid or early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328934
catalog number
328934
accession number
278175
Working on assignment, Henry Horenstein photographed EmmyLou Harris (b. 1947) at her home. In the 1970s, Harris represented the generation of musicians who were influenced by traditional country, rock, and folk music.
Description
Working on assignment, Henry Horenstein photographed EmmyLou Harris (b. 1947) at her home. In the 1970s, Harris represented the generation of musicians who were influenced by traditional country, rock, and folk music. Over the years, Harris has had a profound impact on contemporary popular and country music.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1980
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.034
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.034
This toy steam engine was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century. The engine has a reversible slide valve and flywheel, with a horizontal brass boiler.Live steam toys enjoyed a period of popularity from the 1880s until the 1930s.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century. The engine has a reversible slide valve and flywheel, with a horizontal brass boiler.
Live steam toys enjoyed a period of popularity from the 1880s until the 1930s. The miniature steam engines were marketed as both toys and instructive devices that mimicked full-scale steam-powered machines and allowed every boy and girl to be their own engineer. In toy steam engines, a heating source is introduced into the firebox below the boiler (early toys used lit wicks fueled by denatured alcohol, later toys used electricity) which heated the water to produce the steam pressure that ran the engine. A variety of accessories could be powered by the engine; attachments included windmills, pumps, grinders, and electric lights.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.329014
catalog number
329014
accession number
278175
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
This grinder was manufactured by Wilhelm Schröder GmbH & Company (Wilesco) of Lüdenscheid, Germany during the 20th century. The grinder is a Wilesco model M52.
Description (Brief)
This grinder was manufactured by Wilhelm Schröder GmbH & Company (Wilesco) of Lüdenscheid, Germany during the 20th century. The grinder is a Wilesco model M52. The grinder could be connected to the drive wheel of a toy steam engine for power and operate just like its full size counterpart.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
MC.329064
catalog number
329064
accession number
278175
This Weeden No. 238 toy steam engine was manufactured by the Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts from 1918 until 1940. The vertical engine has a firebox below a steel boiler with chimney.
Description (Brief)
This Weeden No. 238 toy steam engine was manufactured by the Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts from 1918 until 1940. The vertical engine has a firebox below a steel boiler with chimney. A vertical slide valve engine is attached to a flywheel on the upper half of the boiler.
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328948
catalog number
328948
accession number
278175
This toy steam engine was made by an unknown German company during the early 20th century. The toy consists of a horizontal boiler with chimney on a simulated brickwork firebox. The horizontal slide valve engine powers a flywheel with a centrifugal flyball governor.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was made by an unknown German company during the early 20th century. The toy consists of a horizontal boiler with chimney on a simulated brickwork firebox. The horizontal slide valve engine powers a flywheel with a centrifugal flyball governor. The boiler and engine are mounted on a cast iron plate.
Live steam toys enjoyed a period of popularity from the 1880s until the 1930s. The miniature steam engines were marketed as both toys and instructive devices that mimicked full-scale steam-powered machines and allowed every boy and girl to be their own engineer. In toy steam engines, a heating source is introduced into the firebox below the boiler (early toys used lit wicks fueled by denatured alcohol, later toys used electricity) which heated the water to produce the steam pressure that ran the engine. A variety of accessories could be powered by the engine; attachments included windmills, pumps, grinders, and electric lights.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.322908
catalog number
322908
accession number
220719
This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company during the early 20th century. This toy steam engine consists of a firebox, horizontal brass boiler, chimney stack, and horizontal engine with flyball governor that powers a flywheel.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company during the early 20th century. This toy steam engine consists of a firebox, horizontal brass boiler, chimney stack, and horizontal engine with flyball governor that powers a flywheel. The boiler and engine are mounted on a tin base.
The Märklin Company was established in 1859 in the town of Göppingen, Germany by tin smith Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. Märklin began his business with the production of tin doll houses, but the company soon began producing a variety of tinplate and metal items, eventually specializing in toys that included steam engines such as this one.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
MC.329031
catalog number
329031
accession number
278175
This toy steam engine was made by an unknown German maker around the early 20th century. The toy consists of a vertical boiler, vertical engine, and flywheel.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was made by an unknown German maker around the early 20th century. The toy consists of a vertical boiler, vertical engine, and flywheel. The chimney stack is in the shape of a hexagon.
Live steam toys enjoyed a period of popularity from the 1880s until the 1930s. The miniature steam engines were marketed as both toys and instructive devices that mimicked full-scale steam-powered machines and allowed every boy and girl to be their own engineer. In toy steam engines, a heating source is introduced into the firebox below the boiler (early toys used lit wicks fueled by denatured alcohol, later toys used electricity) which heated the water to produce the steam pressure that ran the engine. A variety of accessories could be powered by the engine; attachments included windmills, pumps, grinders, and electric lights.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328983
catalog number
328983
accession number
278175
Carl and Pearl Butler pose for photographs with fans.Currently not on view
Description
Carl and Pearl Butler pose for photographs with fans.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
Associated Name
Butler, Pearl
Butler, Carl
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.090
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.090
The Bing Company of Bavaria, Germany manufactured this toy steam engine during the early 20th century. The horizontal boiler has a steam whistle and sight glass above a black firebox with a simulated brickwork chimney.
Description (Brief)
The Bing Company of Bavaria, Germany manufactured this toy steam engine during the early 20th century. The horizontal boiler has a steam whistle and sight glass above a black firebox with a simulated brickwork chimney. The boiler powers an orange horizontal slide valve engine and flywheel. Everything is mounted on a tin base that measures 9.25 by 9.5 inches.
The Gebrüder Bing (Bing Brothers) toy company was founded in Nuremburg, Germany by Adolf and Ignatz Bing in 1863 and operated until 1932. The company was renamed Bing Werke (Bing Works) in 1918 when Ignatz Bing died. While very successful from 1863 until 1912, World War I created an unfavorable export market for German products, and the hard post-war years caused additional financial hardships. The harsh political climate in Germany forced the Jewish Bing family to flee to England in 1932, and Bing’s assets were acquired by rival toy company Bub in 1933.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
ID Number
MC.328991
catalog number
328991
accession number
278175
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Date
August - September 2005
referenced
White, Michael
ID Number
2006.0062.02
accession number
2006.0062
catalog number
2006.0062.02
This drill press was manufactured by Wilhelm Schröder GmbH & Company (Wilesco) of Lüdenscheid, Germany during the 20th century. The drill press is a Wilesco model M51.
Description (Brief)
This drill press was manufactured by Wilhelm Schröder GmbH & Company (Wilesco) of Lüdenscheid, Germany during the 20th century. The drill press is a Wilesco model M51. The press could be connected to the drive wheel of a toy steam engine for power and operate just like its full size counterpart.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
MC.329063
catalog number
329063
accession number
278175
Billy Bird, seen here autographing a paper plate, played with Ernest Tubb (1920-2001) and was a pioneer of the electric guitar.Currently not on view
Description
Billy Bird, seen here autographing a paper plate, played with Ernest Tubb (1920-2001) and was a pioneer of the electric guitar.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.075
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.075
This circular saw was manufactured by Wilhelm Schröder GmbH & Company (Wilesco) of Lüdenscheid, Germany during the 20th century. The circular saw is a Wilesco model M53.
Description (Brief)
This circular saw was manufactured by Wilhelm Schröder GmbH & Company (Wilesco) of Lüdenscheid, Germany during the 20th century. The circular saw is a Wilesco model M53. The saw could be connected to the drive wheel of a toy steam engine for power and operate just like its full size counterpart.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
MC.329065
catalog number
329065
accession number
278175
This toy steam traction engine was manufactured by Bing Works of Nuremberg, Germany around 1918-1932.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam traction engine was manufactured by Bing Works of Nuremberg, Germany around 1918-1932. The traction engine consists of a black firebox below a boiler with a horizontal slide valve engine attached to a flywheel that is chained to the tractor’s rear wheel.
The Gebrüder Bing (Bing Brothers) toy company was founded in Nuremburg, Germany by Adolf and Ignatz Bing in 1863 and operated until 1932. The company was renamed Bing Werke (Bing Works) in 1918 when Ignatz Bing died. While very successful from 1863 until 1912, World War I created an unfavorable export market for German products, and the hard post-war years caused additional financial hardships. The harsh political climate in Germany forced the Jewish Bing family to flee to England in 1932, and Bing’s assets were acquired by rival toy company Bub in 1933.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328930
catalog number
328930
accession number
278175
Maybelle Carter (1909-1978) was an original member of the performing Carter Family. After the breakup of that group in 1943, she formed a new act, known as Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, with daughters Helen (1927-1998) shown here on accordian, June and Anita.
Description
Maybelle Carter (1909-1978) was an original member of the performing Carter Family. After the breakup of that group in 1943, she formed a new act, known as Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, with daughters Helen (1927-1998) shown here on accordian, June and Anita. Maybelle was an influential presence, particularly as the originator of a style of guitar playing emulated by Leadbelly, Woodie Guthrie, and many other musicians.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.079
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.079
The Bathe Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania manufactured this toy outboard marine gas engine during the early 20th century. The engine has two opposing cylinders with a two-blade propeller.
Description (Brief)
The Bathe Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania manufactured this toy outboard marine gas engine during the early 20th century. The engine has two opposing cylinders with a two-blade propeller. The Bathe Manufacturing Company was owned by Greville Bathe, a machinist and engine hobbyist who donated this object to the museum.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.329046
catalog number
329046
accession number
278175
Many acts in country music were built around brother duos and family members.Currently not on view
Description
Many acts in country music were built around brother duos and family members.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.007
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.007
The Johnson Mountain Boys was a traditional bluegrass band formed in the Washington, D.C. suburbs in the 1970s. Its members were vocalist, banjoist, and guitarist Dudley Connell, David McLauglin, fiddler Eddie Stubbs, and bassist Larry Robbins.
Description
The Johnson Mountain Boys was a traditional bluegrass band formed in the Washington, D.C. suburbs in the 1970s. Its members were vocalist, banjoist, and guitarist Dudley Connell, David McLauglin, fiddler Eddie Stubbs, and bassist Larry Robbins. Connell worked for Smithsonian Folkways for a time and Stubbs went on to host the Grand Ole Opry.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1981
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.030
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.030
Best known for her crossover hit, "Harper Valley PTA," Jeannie C. Riley (b. 1945) is pictured her on her tour bus.Currently not on view
Description
Best known for her crossover hit, "Harper Valley PTA," Jeannie C. Riley (b. 1945) is pictured her on her tour bus.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.033
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.033
"How-dee! Ah'm so glad to be here," may be one of the most familiar and beloved radio greetings, Minnie Pearl (Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, 1912-1996) ranked among the premier comedians on the Grand Ole Opry and in country music.
Description
"How-dee! Ah'm so glad to be here," may be one of the most familiar and beloved radio greetings, Minnie Pearl (Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, 1912-1996) ranked among the premier comedians on the Grand Ole Opry and in country music. For decades she entertained audiences with gossip about the residents of her fictional town, Grinder's Switch. She joined the Opry in 1940 and later went on to star in the television show Hee Haw in the 1970s.
Minnie Pearl's costume consisting of her famous straw hat with the dangling price tag, the pink and white gingham dress, and maryjane-style shoes became part of the National Museum of Amercian History's collection after she donated them in 1993.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.050
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.050
The Fleischmann No.155/1 Toy Steam Roller was produced by the Fleischmann Company of Nuremberg, Germany around 1953-1955.
Description (Brief)
The Fleischmann No.155/1 Toy Steam Roller was produced by the Fleischmann Company of Nuremberg, Germany around 1953-1955. Nuremburg toy companies were located in the American-occupied zone of Germany after World War II, and made toys exclusively for American resale as a way to get foreign currency into the country. Many Nuremburg tin toys from this time bear either the stamp “Made in US Zone Germany” or “Made in Western Germany ” as this one does. This steam roller consists of a black firebox, tin boiler, red cab with black canopy, and flywheel banded to back wheel that supplied the roller with its motion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
MC.328927
catalog number
328927
accession number
278175

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