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.

Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Frankie and Johnny; side 2: The Brakeman's Blues (RCA Victor 21-0044), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244), 78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1929. Side 2 was recorded in 1928. The album was released in 1949.Currently not on view
Description
Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Frankie and Johnny; side 2: The Brakeman's Blues (RCA Victor 21-0044), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244),
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1929. Side 2 was recorded in 1928. The album was released in 1949.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1929
1928
release date
1949
recording artist
Rodgers, Jimmie
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05257
maker number
21-0044
P 244
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05257
Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Spanish Cavaliero; side 2: Irish Woman (RCA Victor 20-1830), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Spanish Cavaliero; side 2: Irish Woman (RCA Victor 20-1830), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1946
recording artist
Carson Robison and His Pleasant Valley Boys
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05251
maker number
20-1830
P 155
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05251
George Beverly Shea. side 1: O Little Town of Bethlehem; side 2: Thou Did'st Leave Thy Throne (RCA Victor 20-5409), from the album, Christmas Hymns (RCA Victor P 3149).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
George Beverly Shea. side 1: O Little Town of Bethlehem; side 2: Thou Did'st Leave Thy Throne (RCA Victor 20-5409), from the album, Christmas Hymns (RCA Victor P 3149).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1953
recording artist
Shea, George Beverly
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05259
maker number
20-5409
P 3149
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05259
Hank Snow. side 1: Somewhere Along Life's Highway; side 2: Within This Broken Heart of Mine (RCA Victor 21-0364), from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947 and initially released on Victor (Canada) 55-3244.
Description
Hank Snow. side 1: Somewhere Along Life's Highway; side 2: Within This Broken Heart of Mine (RCA Victor 21-0364), from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947 and initially released on Victor (Canada) 55-3244. Side 2 was recorded in 1947 and initially released on Victor (Canada) 55-3243. This album was releasd in 1950.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1950
recording date
1947
recording artist
Snow, Hank
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05273
maker number
21-0364
P 295
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05273
Hank Snow. side 1: You Broke the Chain That Held Our Hearts; side 2: No Golden Tomorrow Ahead (RCA Victor 21-0362), from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1944 and initially released on Bluebird (Canada) 55-3214.
Description
Hank Snow. side 1: You Broke the Chain That Held Our Hearts; side 2: No Golden Tomorrow Ahead (RCA Victor 21-0362), from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1944 and initially released on Bluebird (Canada) 55-3214. Side 2 was recorded in 1945 and initially released on Victor (Canada) 55-3237. This album was released in 1950.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1950
recording date
1944
1945
recording artist
Snow, Hank
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05271
maker number
21-0362
P 295
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05271
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: The Sea Walker; side 2: The Touch of God's Hand (RCA Victor 20-3195), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Spirituals (RCA Victor P 229).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released in 1948.Currently not on view
Description
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: The Sea Walker; side 2: The Touch of God's Hand (RCA Victor 20-3195), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Spirituals (RCA Victor P 229).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released in 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
release date
1948
recording artist
Sons of the Pioneers
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05276
maker number
20-3195
P 229
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05276
Hank Snow. side 1: Wasted Love; side 2: My Two Timin' Woman (RCA Victor 21-0363). from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Hank Snow. side 1: Wasted Love; side 2: My Two Timin' Woman (RCA Victor 21-0363). from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1950
recording artist
Snow, Hank
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05272
maker number
21-0363
P 295
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05272
May Hill Arbuthnot. side 1: Talking Time [part 1]; side 2: Talking Time [part 2] (RCA EOCB-4548/49), from the album, Poetry Time (RCA).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
May Hill Arbuthnot. side 1: Talking Time [part 1]; side 2: Talking Time [part 2] (RCA EOCB-4548/49), from the album, Poetry Time (RCA).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1951
recording artist
Arbuthnot, May Hill
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05006
maker number
EOCB-4548/49
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05006
Hank Snow. side 1: You Broke the Chain That Held Oour Hearts; side 2: No Golden Tomorrow Ahead (RCA Victor 21-0362). from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).78 rpm. This album was released in 1950.Currently not on view
Description
Hank Snow. side 1: You Broke the Chain That Held Oour Hearts; side 2: No Golden Tomorrow Ahead (RCA Victor 21-0362). from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).
78 rpm. This album was released in 1950.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1950
recording date
1944
1945
recording artist
Snow, Hank
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05268
maker number
21-0362
P 295
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05268
Roy Rogers. side 1: The Yellow Rose of Texas; side 2: On the Old Spanish Trail (RCA Victor 20-3074), from the album, Roy Rogers Souvenir Album (RCA Victor P 215).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947. Side 2 was recorded in 1947 and initially released on Victor 20-2320.
Description
Roy Rogers. side 1: The Yellow Rose of Texas; side 2: On the Old Spanish Trail (RCA Victor 20-3074), from the album, Roy Rogers Souvenir Album (RCA Victor P 215).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947. Side 2 was recorded in 1947 and initially released on Victor 20-2320. This album was released in 1948
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
release date
1948
recording artist
Rogers, Roy
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05236
maker number
20-3074
P 215
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05236
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: Too High, Too Wide, Too Low; side 2: Rounded Up in Glory (RCA Victor 20-3193), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Spirituals (RCA Victor P 229).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released on 1948.Currently not on view
Description
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: Too High, Too Wide, Too Low; side 2: Rounded Up in Glory (RCA Victor 20-3193), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Spirituals (RCA Victor P 229).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released on 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
release date
1948
recording artist
Sons of the Pioneers
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05274
maker number
20-3193
P 229
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05274
Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Golden Slippers; side 2: Turkey in the Straw (RCA Victor 20-1833), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Golden Slippers; side 2: Turkey in the Straw (RCA Victor 20-1833), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1946
recording artist
Carson Robison and His Pleasant Valley Boys
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05254
maker number
20-1833
P 155
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05254
Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven. side 1: The Lady Is a Tramp; side 2: The Seik of Araby (RCA Victor 20-3032), from the album, Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven (RCA Victor P220).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25673.
Description
Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven. side 1: The Lady Is a Tramp; side 2: The Seik of Araby (RCA Victor 20-3032), from the album, Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven (RCA Victor P220).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25673. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1938 and released on Victor 26023. The album was released in 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
1938
release date
1948
recording artist
Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.660
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
20-3032
P-220
catalog number
1978.0670.660
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: I Need My Baby; side 2: Hold That Train, Conductor (RCA Victor 20-1995)78 rpmCurrently not on view
Description
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: I Need My Baby; side 2: Hold That Train, Conductor (RCA Victor 20-1995)
78 rpm
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist; composer
Clayton, Peter J.
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0153.08740
catalog number
1996.0153.08740
label number
20-1995
accession number
1996.0153
Elton Britt. side 1: She Taught Me to Yodel; side 2: They're Burning Down the House (I Was Brung Up In ) (RCA Victor 20-3092), from the album, Country Song Hits - Elton Britt (RCA Victor P 221).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Elton Britt. side 1: She Taught Me to Yodel; side 2: They're Burning Down the House (I Was Brung Up In ) (RCA Victor 20-3092), from the album, Country Song Hits - Elton Britt (RCA Victor P 221).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1948
recording artist
Britt, Elton
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05068
maker number
20-3092
P 221
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05068
Artie Shaw and his Orchestra. side 1: Begin the Beguine; side 2: Oh, Lady Be Good (Victor 20-1551), from the album, Up Swing (RCA Victor P 146).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1938 and initially released on Victor 27546.
Description
Artie Shaw and his Orchestra. side 1: Begin the Beguine; side 2: Oh, Lady Be Good (Victor 20-1551), from the album, Up Swing (RCA Victor P 146).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1938 and initially released on Victor 27546. Side 2 was recorded in 1939 and initially released on Bluebird B-10430. This album was released in 1944.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1944
recording date
1938
1939
recording artist
Artie Shaw and his Orchestra
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1981.0566.192
accession number
1981.0566
maker number
20-1551
P146
catalog number
1981.0566.192
Elton Britt. side 1: Castle in the Apple Tree; side 2: After We Say Goodbye (RCA Victor 20-2367), from the album, Country Song Hits - Elton Britt (RCA Victor P 221).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Elton Britt. side 1: Castle in the Apple Tree; side 2: After We Say Goodbye (RCA Victor 20-2367), from the album, Country Song Hits - Elton Britt (RCA Victor P 221).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1948
recording artist
Britt, Elton
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05065
maker number
20-2367
P 221
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05065
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: I Need My Baby; side 2: Hold That Train, Conductor (RCA Victor 20-1995).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: I Need My Baby; side 2: Hold That Train, Conductor (RCA Victor 20-1995).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist; composer
Clayton, Peter J.
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0153.08739
catalog number
1996.0153.08739
label number
20-1995
accession number
1996.0153
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: The Old Rugged Cross; side 2: Read the Bible Every Day (RCA Victor 20-3196), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Spirituals" (RCA Victor P 229).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released in 1948.Currently not on view
Description
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: The Old Rugged Cross; side 2: Read the Bible Every Day (RCA Victor 20-3196), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Spirituals" (RCA Victor P 229).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released in 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
release date
1948
recording artist
Sons of the Pioneers
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05277
maker number
20-3196
P 229
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05277
Eddy Arnold. side 1: That Wonderful Mother of Mine; side 2: M-O-T-H-E-R (RCA Victor 21-0009), from the album, To Mother (RCA Victor P 239).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1948. This album was released in 1949.Currently not on view
Description
Eddy Arnold. side 1: That Wonderful Mother of Mine; side 2: M-O-T-H-E-R (RCA Victor 21-0009), from the album, To Mother (RCA Victor P 239).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1948. This album was released in 1949.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1949
recording date
1948
recording artist
Arnold, Eddy
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05008
maker number
21-0009
P 239
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05008
Cecil Campbell's Tennessee Ramblers. side 1: Put Some Meat on Them Bones; side 2: 'Neath Hawaiian Palms (RCA Victor 20-2669).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Cecil Campbell's Tennessee Ramblers. side 1: Put Some Meat on Them Bones; side 2: 'Neath Hawaiian Palms (RCA Victor 20-2669).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1948
recording artist
Cecil Campbell's Tennessee Ramblers
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.12769
collector/donor number
8420
maker number
20-2669
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.12769
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Angels in Harlem; side 2: Ain't Gonna Drink No More (RCA Victor 20-2153).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Angels in Harlem; side 2: Ain't Gonna Drink No More (RCA Victor 20-2153).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist; composer
Clayton, Peter J.
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0153.08734
catalog number
1996.0153.08734
label number
20-2153
accession number
1996.0153
Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven. side 1: At the Codfish Ball; side 2: Josephine (RCA Victor 20-3031), from the album, Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven (RCA Victor P-220).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1936 and released on Victor 25314.
Description
Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven. side 1: At the Codfish Ball; side 2: Josephine (RCA Victor 20-3031), from the album, Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven (RCA Victor P-220).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1936 and released on Victor 25314. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25676. The album was released in 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
1937
release date
1948
recording artist
Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.659
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
20-3031
P-220
catalog number
1978.0670.659
Eddy Arnold. side 1: Will the Circle Be Unbroken (My Family Circle); side 2: Who At My Door Is Standing (RCA Victor 20-2491), from the album, All Time Hits From the Hills (RCA Victor P 195).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Eddy Arnold. side 1: Will the Circle Be Unbroken (My Family Circle); side 2: Who At My Door Is Standing (RCA Victor 20-2491), from the album, All Time Hits From the Hills (RCA Victor P 195).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Arnold, Eddy
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05018
maker number
20-2491
P 195
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05018

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