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.

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
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced the Weeden No. 7 toy steam engine from 1890 until 1907. The Weeden No. 7 is features a horizontal boiler over a simulated brickwork firebox.
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced the Weeden No. 7 toy steam engine from 1890 until 1907. The Weeden No. 7 is features a horizontal boiler over a simulated brickwork firebox. The firebox holds a distinctive burner that has a small spouted fuel container with a fuel line that runs down to two wick holders. The horizontal engine is attached to a flywheel.
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
late 19th century
ID Number
MC.328957
catalog number
328957
accession number
278175
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts manufactured the Weeden model number 14 from the 1890s until the 1940s. The toy consists of a brass boiler with safety valve, whistle, and chimney stack (that was not original to the engine).
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts manufactured the Weeden model number 14 from the 1890s until the 1940s. The toy consists of a brass boiler with safety valve, whistle, and chimney stack (that was not original to the engine). The horizontal slide valve engine has an ornamental flyball governor and powers an iron flywheel. The boiler and engine is attached to a six-legged cast iron frame that is painted green. The side of the boiler has bears the Weeden crest logo that reads “W MFG. CO.” While this item is similar to object MC*328959 and is the same model, this engine has concave boiler ends and green iron base, pointing to an earlier manufacturing date. The later stack replaced an early style lever safety valve and there is no sight glass.
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.328961
catalog number
328961
accession number
278175
This toy electric motor was made by the H-K Electric Toy Company of Indianapolis, Indiana around 1906. The patents on this object refer to an electric toy that recreates mechanical motion.
Description (Brief)
This toy electric motor was made by the H-K Electric Toy Company of Indianapolis, Indiana around 1906. The patents on this object refer to an electric toy that recreates mechanical motion. A dry cell battery could fit in the center of the toy, energizing the electromagnets on the side, contracting its three lever-arms. When this contraction happens, the shaft rotates, and the protruding part of the shaft comes into contact with the metal prong causing the circuit that powered the electromagnet to break. This releases the lever-arms, which rotates the shaft as they rise, re-engaging the electromagnets and continuing the cycle. The weighted flywheel and staggered strength of the levers helped ensure that the drive shaft continued to rotate. The drive shaft could be connected to a variety of factory toys and provide them with a sense of realistic motion like their full size counterparts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906
ID Number
MC.329034
catalog number
329034
accession number
278175
This 25 foot retractable tape measure has a bright orange plastic body and belt clip. The bright orange body makes it easy to locate.
Description
This 25 foot retractable tape measure has a bright orange plastic body and belt clip. The bright orange body makes it easy to locate. 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. The tape measure was kept in the pocket of a tool belt.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.24
catalog number
2005.0276.24
accession number
2005.0276
This steam engine toy was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century. The toy consists of a horizontal boiler that powers an engine and flywheel.
Description (Brief)
This steam engine toy was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century. The toy consists of a horizontal boiler that powers an engine and flywheel. A string attaches the toy windmill to the drive shaft of the engine that allowed the windmill’s blades to turn.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329061
catalog number
329061
accession number
278175
This toy steam traction engine was manufactured by an unknown German maker during the early 20th century. The traction engine consists of a black firebox below a boiler painted orange.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam traction engine was manufactured by an unknown German maker during the early 20th century. The traction engine consists of a black firebox below a boiler painted orange. The steam powers a horizontal slide valve engine attached to a flywheel that is chained to the tractor’s rear wheel.
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. This traction engine achieves motion by the same method.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328932
catalog number
328932
accession number
278175
This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Ernst Plank Company of Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Ernst Plank Company of Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. The toy consists of dual horizontal boilers driving dual vertical oscillating engines that are connected to a single shaft moving two flywheels.
Ernst Plank founded his company in Nuremburg, Germany in 1866. The company was well known for manufacturing a variety of metal toys like steam locomotives, stationary steam engines, early photography equipment, and magic lanterns until its dissolution in 1935.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MC.329010
catalog number
329010
accession number
278175
This toy beam engine was made by an unknown manufacturer during the early 20th century. The toy is driven by a spring in its tin base. The engine consists of a vertical valve and walking beam shafted to a flywheel.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This toy beam engine was made by an unknown manufacturer during the early 20th century. The toy is driven by a spring in its tin base. The engine consists of a vertical valve and walking beam shafted to a flywheel.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329042
catalog number
329042
accession number
278175
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this Weeden No. 34 toy steam engine during the late 19th century until around 1940. This toy steam engine features a brass boiler with two star cutouts, and three circular cutouts through the middle.
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this Weeden No. 34 toy steam engine during the late 19th century until around 1940. This toy steam engine features a brass boiler with two star cutouts, and three circular cutouts through the middle. The horizontal boiler, flywheel, and engine sit on an iron frame. The engine is on top of the boiler, making this an “overtype” engine.
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.328965
catalog number
328965
accession number
278175
This Multi-function hand tool is for light quick work. It is meant to fold up and can be carried in a small pouch or pocket.
Description
This Multi-function hand tool is for light quick work. It is meant to fold up and can be carried in a small pouch or pocket. This tool is comprised of knife blades, screw driver heads, an awl, a saw blade, scissors, file, cork screw, bottle opener, a combination needlenose plier, regular plier, wire cutter and wire stripper. It closes up into a butterfly configuration. 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
2005.0276.15
catalog number
2005.0276.15
accession number
2005.0276
This toy grinder was manufactured by the Danish company H. Langes Legetoy around the middle of the 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This toy grinder was manufactured by the Danish company H. Langes Legetoy around the middle of the 20th century. The grinder consists of a cast metal base painted red, with a grindstone in the center that has a shaft and pulley wheel that allows the grindstone to be attached to a power source and spun. H. Langes Legetoy produced a variety of toy machine tools including a trip-hammer, grindstone, drill press, shaper, punch press, circular saw, tumbler, lathe, and grinder. These tools would often be arranged on a single board with a line shaft allowing all the machines to be operated simultaneously from a single power source.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
ID Number
MC.329083
catalog number
329083
accession number
278175
A common carpenters tool, this 7 inch right-angle square is used for marking lines on lumber for saw cuts.
Description
A common carpenters tool, this 7 inch right-angle square is used for marking lines on lumber for saw cuts. 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
2005.0276.14
accession number
2005.0276
catalog number
2005.0276.14
This metal steam engine model was manufactured by Bathe around 1910. The engine is a vertical table engine with a rotary valve and flywheel.
Description (Brief)
This metal steam engine model was manufactured by Bathe around 1910. The engine is a vertical table engine with a rotary valve and flywheel. The donor of this item, Greville Bathe, was a machinist and engine hobbyist who would fashion his own parts to create model engines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1910
ID Number
MC.329025
catalog number
329025
accession number
278175
Bassett-Lowke manufactured this metal steam engine toy in Northampton, England around 1920. The toy consists of a horizontal boiler with sight glass, steam whistle, pressure gauge, and throttle valve on top of a black simulated brick firebox with chimney stack.
Description (Brief)
Bassett-Lowke manufactured this metal steam engine toy in Northampton, England around 1920. The toy consists of a horizontal boiler with sight glass, steam whistle, pressure gauge, and throttle valve on top of a black simulated brick firebox with chimney stack. The boiler powers a cam operated valve gear horizontal engine and flywheel that is connected to a line shaft with three pulleys. The boiler, engine, and line shaft are all on a tin base. The line shaft may not be original to the toy.
Bassett-Lowke is a toy company in Northampton, England that was founded in 1899, and constructed a variety of model boats, ships, trains, and engines until it went out of business in 1965.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
ID Number
MC.329033
catalog number
329033
accession number
278175
This marker was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
Description
This marker was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. The Sharpie® felt tip black permanent marker was made by Stanford Ink Company (as of 1990 part of Newell Rubbermaid).
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
2005.0276.37
catalog number
2005.0276.37
accession number
2005.0276
This toy steam engine was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century. The horizontal boiler powers a horizontal, reversible slide valve engine with flywheel, all mounted onto a metal topped wooden block.
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.329015
catalog number
329015
accession number
278175
The largest artifact in the museum, this Georgian-style, 2 ½-story timber-framed house was built in the 1760s and stood at 16 Elm Street in the center of Ipswich, Massachusetts, until 1963 when efforts by Ipswich citizens saved it from the bulldozer.
Description
The largest artifact in the museum, this Georgian-style, 2 ½-story timber-framed house was built in the 1760s and stood at 16 Elm Street in the center of Ipswich, Massachusetts, until 1963 when efforts by Ipswich citizens saved it from the bulldozer. The house was carefully taken apart—the frame, chimney, and many other pieces were shipped to the Museum and reassembled.
Today, the house is the centerpiece of the exhibition Within These Walls…, and visitors are able to peer through its walls, windows, and doors to view settings played out against the backdrop of Colonial America, the American Revolution, the abolitionist movement, the industrial era, and World War II. The exhibition tells the story of five ordinary families, selected from many, who lived in this house over 200 years and made history in their kitchens and parlors, through everyday choices and personal acts of courage and sacrifice.
date made
ca 1760
resident
Caldwell, Josiah
Caldwell, Lucy
Choate, Abraham
Choate, Sarah
Dodge, Abraham
Dodge, Bethiah
Lynch, Catherine
Lynch, Mary
owner
Dodge, Abraham
Caldwell, Josiah
Choate, Sarah
Dodge, Bethiah
Caldwell, Lucy
Lynch, Catherine
Lynch, Mary
resident
Scott, Mary
owner
Choate, Abraham
ID Number
DL.64.545
catalog number
64.545
accession number
252318
This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Doll Company of Nuremberg, Germany during the early 20th century. The toy steam engine is model number 354. The vertical engine is mounted on an iron base, with vertical firebox, boiler, and chimney.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Doll Company of Nuremberg, Germany during the early 20th century. The toy steam engine is model number 354. The vertical engine is mounted on an iron base, with vertical firebox, boiler, and chimney. The vertical engine is shafted to a flywheel.
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.328937
catalog number
328937
accession number
278175
This Weeden toy steam engine was produced by the Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts from the late 19th to early 20th century. The engine is possibly model number 18. The engine consists of a vertical brass boiler and horizontal slide valve engine.
Description (Brief)
This Weeden toy steam engine was produced by the Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts from the late 19th to early 20th century. The engine is possibly model number 18. The engine consists of a vertical brass boiler and horizontal slide valve engine. The engine is mounted on a green metal stand, which is attached to a brown tin base that measures 7.5 inches by 10.5 inches.
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.328962
catalog number
328962
accession number
278175
This toy steam engine is a Weeden model number 20, manufactured from around 1894 until 1940. The boiler is stamped with “Big Giant,” which is the version that was included as a prize to subscribers of Youth’s Companion magazine.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine is a Weeden model number 20, manufactured from around 1894 until 1940. The boiler is stamped with “Big Giant,” which is the version that was included as a prize to subscribers of Youth’s Companion magazine. The brass base of the engine is a fuel reservoir with protruding wick, and was made to burn either petroleum oil (kerosene) or alcohol. The brass boiler comes with a sight glass, and powers a vertical slide valve engine attached to a flywheel.
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
ca 1900
ID Number
MC.328947
catalog number
328947
accession number
278175
This marker was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
Description
This marker was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. The Sharpie® felt fine tip black permanent marker was made by Stanford Ink Company (as of 1990 part of Newell Rubbermaid).
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
2005.0276.38
catalog number
2005.0276.38
accession number
2005.0276
This toy steam traction engine was manufactured by an unknown German maker during the early 20th century. The traction engine consists of a silver firebox below a boiler painted green.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam traction engine was manufactured by an unknown German maker during the early 20th century. The traction engine consists of a silver firebox below a boiler painted green. The steam powers a horizontal slide valve engine attached to a flywheel that is chained to the tractor’s rear wheel.
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.This traction engine achieves motion by a similar method of steam power.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328931
catalog number
328931
accession number
278175
The short flat pry bar is for pulling nails and light work such as prying paneling or molding. Both ends are curved and slotted to easily grab and pull the nail or use as a lever to pry off material.
Description
The short flat pry bar is for pulling nails and light work such as prying paneling or molding. Both ends are curved and slotted to easily grab and pull the nail or use as a lever to pry off material. 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
Associated Name
Habitat for Humanity
ID Number
2005.0276.03
catalog number
2005.0276.03
accession number
2005.0276

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