Work

The tools, rules, and relationships of the workplace illustrate some of the enduring collaborations and conflicts in the everyday life of the nation. The Museum has more than 5,000 traditional American tools, chests, and simple machines for working wood, stone, metal, and leather. Materials on welding, riveting, and iron and steel construction tell a more industrial version of the story. Computers, industrial robots, and other artifacts represent work in the Information Age.

But work is more than just tools. The collections include a factory gate, the motion-study photographs of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, and more than 3,000 work incentive posters. The rise of the factory system is measured, in part, by time clocks in the collections. More than 9,000 items bring in the story of labor unions, strikes, and demonstrations over trade and economic issues.

Telegraph message, printed in Morse code, transcribed and signed by Samuel F. B. Morse.
Description
Telegraph message, printed in Morse code, transcribed and signed by Samuel F. B. Morse. This message was transmitted from Baltimore, Maryland, to Washington, D.C., over the nation's first long-distance telegraph line.
In 1843, Congress allocated $30,000 for Morse (1791-1872) to build an electric telegraph line between Washington and Baltimore. Morse and his partner, Alfred Vail (1807-1859), completed the forty-mile line in May 1844. For the first transmissions, they used a quotation from the Bible, Numbers 23:23: "What hath God wrought," suggested by Annie G. Ellsworth (1826-1900), daughter of Patent Commissioner Henry L. Ellsworth (1791-1858) who was present at the event on 24 May. Morse, in the Capitol, sent the message to Vail at the B&O Railroad's Pratt Street Station in Baltimore. Vail then sent a return message confirming the message he had received.
The original message transmitted by Morse from Washington to Baltimore, dated 24 May 1844, is in the collections of the Library of Congress. The original confirmation message from Vail to Morse is in the collections of the Connecticut Historical Society.
This tape, dated 25 May, is a personal souvenir transmitted by Vail in Baltimore to Morse in Washington the day following the inaugural transmissions. The handwriting on the tape is that of Morse himself. Found in Morse’s papers after his death the tape was donated to the Smithsonian in 1900 by his son Edward, where it has been displayed in many exhibitions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1844-05-25
1844-05-24
associated date
1844-05-24
donated
1900-04-18
associated person
Morse, Samuel Finley Breese
maker
Morse, Samuel Finley Breese
ID Number
EM.001028
catalog number
001028
accession number
65555
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-cutting machine which was granted patent number 31333.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-cutting machine which was granted patent number 31333. The patent details a machine for sawing type from a solid block of letters by first cutting a strip of letters from the block, then notching the strip, and finally cutting apart the letters. The block could be cast by Smith's patent of 1859.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1861
patent date
1861-02-05
maker
Smith, John J. C.
ID Number
GA.89797.031333
patent number
031333
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.031333
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable and adjustable copy holder on which the reader could tilt the manuscript backwards or spin it sideways, "with reference to light, etc., to suit himself." The invention was granted patent number 155202.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable and adjustable copy holder on which the reader could tilt the manuscript backwards or spin it sideways, "with reference to light, etc., to suit himself." The invention was granted patent number 155202. Nutting (1803-1887) was one of the first generation of American lithographers, working at the profession as early as 1826. Later in his life he was also an art teacher, and published a series of art teaching manuals.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-09-22
patentee
Nutting, Benjamin F.
maker
Nutting, Benjamin F.
ID Number
GA.22843
accession number
249602
patent number
155202
catalog number
22843
GA*22843
This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration. A flexible glue sheet, cast from the surface of a plate ruled with parallel lines, was inked and then pressed over an image to shade it. The invention was granted patent number 214493. The model consists of a very fragile pack of samples.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-04-22
maker
Day, Jr., Benjamin Henry
ID Number
GA.89797.214493
accession number
089797
patent number
214493
catalog number
GA*89797.214493
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-15
maker
Allen, Edwin
ID Number
GA.89797.039872
accession number
089797
patent number
039872
catalog number
GA*89797.039872
Volunteerism plays an important role in philanthropy in America. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed lives and homes in the Gulf Coast in 2005, many nonprofit groups organized volunteers to help the recovery effort.
Description (Brief)
Volunteerism plays an important role in philanthropy in America. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed lives and homes in the Gulf Coast in 2005, many nonprofit groups organized volunteers to help the recovery effort. Jillian Gross led a team from Habitat for Humanity in rebuilding homes in Louisiana.
Description
This hard hat was worn by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. Hard hats are used for head protection on construction and other work sites. This hat has a lightweight shell with suspension straps inside that absorbs shock from falling objects. It is made by MSA Incorporated.
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
2005.0276.39
catalog number
2005.0276.39
accession number
2005.0276
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events.
Description (Brief)
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
This fire engine panel came from the Franklin Engine Company No. 12 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was active as a hand engine company from 1792 until 1863 when it acquired a steam fire engine. It operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The painting “Franklin with Loaf of Bread” is attributed to David Rent Etter and dates to around 1830. The painting depicts the young Benjamin Franklin’s arrival in Philadelphia in 1723. As recounted in his autobiography, he mistakenly bought more bread than he could eat and gave the extra loaves to a poor woman and child. Benjamin Franklin was well known for organizing the first volunteer fire company in Philadelphia, and his image and his name were popular among the city’s fire companies. By invoking Franklin, volunteer firemen linked themselves to the progenitor of their trade, as well as someone who played a key role in the Revolution and securing America’s freedom. This painting and its companion piece (object 2005.0233.0307) would have adorned either side of the company’s engine.
Location
Currently not on view (screws)
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1830
depicted
Franklin, Benjamin
artist attribution
Etter, David Rent
ID Number
2005.0233.0018
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0018
Parmelee’s “Artificial Leg” included an atmospheric pressure-conforming rubber bucket molded from the patient’s remaining limb. Parmelee held several patents using India-rubber.Patent model for DuBois D. Parmelee, “Improvement in Artificial Legs,” U.S. Patent 37,737 (Feb.
Description (Brief)
Parmelee’s “Artificial Leg” included an atmospheric pressure-conforming rubber bucket molded from the patient’s remaining limb. Parmelee held several patents using India-rubber.
Description
Patent model for DuBois D. Parmelee, “Improvement in Artificial Legs,” U.S. Patent 37,737 (Feb. 10, 1863). Dubois Duncan Parmalee (1829-1897) was a chemist and inventor in New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
patent date
1863-02-10
maker
Parmelee, Dubois D.
ID Number
1978.0273.07
accession number
1978.0273
catalog number
1978.0273.07
patent number
37637
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-20
maker
Malm, Alexander
ID Number
GA.89797.223744
patent number
223744
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.223744
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic engraving machine with rotating engraver; the invention was granted patent number 167542. The patent details a mechanical device for copying and engraving a design on to wood.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic engraving machine with rotating engraver; the invention was granted patent number 167542. The patent details a mechanical device for copying and engraving a design on to wood.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-09-07
maker
Johnson, Roice W.
ID Number
GA.89797.167542
patent number
167542
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.167542
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing. Then the carriage withdrew with the paper, and it was lifted off by a sheet fly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
patent date
1855-01-02
ID Number
GA.89797.012183
accession number
89797
patent number
012183
catalog number
GA*89797.012183
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold for casting multiple pieces of type from a strip of matrices; the invention was granted patent number 40076.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold for casting multiple pieces of type from a strip of matrices; the invention was granted patent number 40076.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-22
maker
Davis, R. W.
Davis, D.
ID Number
GA.89797.040076
patent number
040076
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.040076
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Hann, Catherine
maker
King Research Inc.
ID Number
2005.0302.02
accession number
2005.0302
catalog number
2005.0302.02
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 187278. The patent describes a machine for the rapid production of replica type, from originals made for the purpose in a hard metal such as steel.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 187278. The patent describes a machine for the rapid production of replica type, from originals made for the purpose in a hard metal such as steel. The type could have raised or sunken letters, and a straight, concave, or convex surface for printing on flatbed or rotary presses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-02-13
maker
Howard, Anson M.
ID Number
GA.89797.187278
patent number
187278
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.187278
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 100059. The top sheet was lifted by suction cups, the table dropped a little, and jets of air completed the separation of the sheet from the pile.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 100059. The top sheet was lifted by suction cups, the table dropped a little, and jets of air completed the separation of the sheet from the pile.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-02-22
maker
Norelius, Oliver
ID Number
GA.89797.100059
accession number
089797
patent number
100059
catalog number
GA*89797.100059
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-separating apparatus which was granted patent number 9623. The machine was used to separate sheets and pass them to the press board by means of suction tubes, entirely replacing the human sheet feeder.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-separating apparatus which was granted patent number 9623. The machine was used to separate sheets and pass them to the press board by means of suction tubes, entirely replacing the human sheet feeder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-03-22
maker
Comby, John P.
ID Number
GA.89797.009623
accession number
089797
patent number
009623
catalog number
GA*89797.009623
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet delivery apparatus for a printing press which was granted patent number 214068. The patent details a sheet collecting and manipulating mechanism, with pasters, and folders, for high-speed delivery.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet delivery apparatus for a printing press which was granted patent number 214068. The patent details a sheet collecting and manipulating mechanism, with pasters, and folders, for high-speed delivery.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-04-08
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.214068
patent number
214068
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.214068
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand stamp which was granted patent number 18907. The patent describes a self-inking hand stamp that accepted ordinary printers' type.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand stamp which was granted patent number 18907. The patent describes a self-inking hand stamp that accepted ordinary printers' type.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-12-22
patentee
Jones, John M.
ID Number
GA.89797.018907
accession number
089797
patent number
018907
catalog number
GA*89797.018907
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting and distributing machine; the invention was granted patent number 85251. The patent details improvements to earlier patents taken out by Timothy Alden (1857), and Henry Alden and William Mackey (1866).
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting and distributing machine; the invention was granted patent number 85251. The patent details improvements to earlier patents taken out by Timothy Alden (1857), and Henry Alden and William Mackey (1866). This patent related to the distribution of type. It allowed for the use of any ordinary type in the distributer, instead of the special type required previously. The patent was assigned to the Alden Typesetting and Distributing Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-12-22
maker
Slingerland, John T.
ID Number
GA.89797.085251
patent number
085251
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.085251
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This brass trumpet was used by the Robert Morris Hose Company, who served in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1837 to 1871. The bell of the trumpet is silver plated and there are three silver bands around the trumpet’s shaft. Two rings are attached to the trumpet’s shaft to allow for a cord to be strung from the trumpet. An inscription on the trumpet reads “Robt. Morris H. Co. 1st line.” Robert Morris was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a major financier of the Revolutionary War. It was a matter of pride and rivalry amongst the engine companies to be the company that put “first water” on the fire. No doubt the phrase “1st line” is meant to spur the foreman to be the first hose company on the fire scene to attach their hose, also known as a line, to a hydrant and then to an engine, thereby enabling the engine company to put first water on the fire.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0848
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0848
Original artwork for the book, Two Little Miners, written by Margaret Wise Brown with illustrations by Richard Scarry, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1949. Two Little Miners is part of the Little Golden Books Civic Series.
Description (Brief)

Original artwork for the book, Two Little Miners, written by Margaret Wise Brown with illustrations by Richard Scarry, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1949. Two Little Miners is part of the Little Golden Books Civic Series. These books introduced young children to the everyday working man, fundamental occupations and essential public service jobs such as policeman, fireman and postman.

Scarry's physical depiction of the two miners and some of the elements depicted in the home scenes are reminiscent of immigrants from southern Europe. According to the online resource, eWV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, “individuals of Italian extraction constitute one of the most important ethnic groups in West Virginia’s population. Most of these Italian Americans date their connection with the state to ancestors who were recruited during the early years of the 20th century to serve the labor needs of West Virginia’s rapidly developing industrial economy. With more than 17,000 Italian immigrants in the state by 1910, they made up 30 percent of West Virginia’s foreign-born population.”

“The great majority of Italian immigrants were employed in the coal industry as pick-and-shovel miners. West Virginia mines were among the most mechanized in this country, but miners born in America or northern Europe generally operated the new machines and usually earned better money, while their counterparts from less favored regions did the handwork.”

Better known for his animal characters and the Busytown series, Richard Scarry (1919-1994) was one of the most prolific 20th-century authors and illustrators of children’s books. He attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston until he was drafted into the army during World War II. After the war, Scarry worked as a freelance artist and contracted with Simon & Schuster to work on the Little Golden Book series. His first illustrations appeared in Two Little Miners, a 1949 story written by Margaret Wise Brown. Scarry’s most popular Little Golden Book was Best Word Book Ever, published in 1963. He published more than 500 children’s books, most depicting animals who took on human characteristics.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1949
maker
Scarry, Richard
ID Number
1992.0634.072.04
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.072.04
The Hamons family business exemplifies the culture of roadside communities that sprang up as long-distance automobile travel increased. Carl and Lucille Hamons lived on Carl's mother's farm until the late 1930s, when they moved to the town of Hydro, Oklahoma.
Description
The Hamons family business exemplifies the culture of roadside communities that sprang up as long-distance automobile travel increased. Carl and Lucille Hamons lived on Carl's mother's farm until the late 1930s, when they moved to the town of Hydro, Oklahoma. In 1941 they used Carl's inheritance to purchase a gasoline station with seven tourist cabins at Provine, a sparsely settled crossroads on Route 66 one mile southwest of Hydro. Neighboring businesses included a Texaco station and the Hill Top Café. Carl drove a truck for a living, and Lucille operated the gas station and cabins. They lived in the second story of the gas station; Lucille prepared breakfast and sandwiches for travelers on a hotplate in the first story. Lucille lived in the gas station until her death in 2000.
Social interaction in communities like Provine differed greatly from traditional villages. Strangers on the move were brought together briefly in a remote, ephemeral setting. This was a culture of mobility; motor travel was the only reason for Provine's existence. In her autobiography, Lucille describes the isolation of her gas station home, her frequent interaction with travelers on Route 66, and her travel-oriented duties and services in addition to running the gas station and cabins. She helped travelers in financial straits by accepting objects for payment or by purchasing their cars and putting the travelers on a bus. During World War II, when rubber and metal were in short supply, she sold tires and parts stripped from the used cars that she had bought.
Lucille witnessed the second wave of migration on Route 66 in the early 1940s, when midwesterners sought defense jobs in California, as well as postwar vacation trips and household moves. In recent years, as interest in the historical and cultural aspects of Route 66 has grown, Mrs. Hamons has been celebrated as the "Mother of the Mother Road." Her gas station was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Cheryl Hamons Nowka, who was born in the second story of the gas station, created a Lucille Hamons web site in the mid-1990s.
date made
1941
maker
Gillingham Sign Company, Weatherford, Oklahoma
ID Number
2001.0327.01
accession number
2001.0327
This U-shaped clamp is made of wood with a metal spring. It was inspired by a sprung wooden clothespin and made for use in bow making and repairing. This clamp was previously used by American bow maker Arnold R. Bone.Arnold R.
Description

This U-shaped clamp is made of wood with a metal spring. It was inspired by a sprung wooden clothespin and made for use in bow making and repairing. This clamp was previously used by American bow maker Arnold R. Bone.

Arnold R. Bone (July 26, 1913 - August 9, 2001) was an engineer, inventor, gunsmith, string instrument bowmaker. He grew up in South Ryegate, Vermont, and graduated from Wentworth Institute in 1935. After graduation, Bone worked at Irwin Auger Bit Company in Wilmington, Ohio before returning to Wentworth to teach Navy machinist mates during World War II until 1944. The final part of his career, Bone worked at Dennison Mfg. Company in Framingham (now Avery Dennison) when he retired in 2000.

Arnold R. Bone held numerous patents at Dennison, including several for the Swiftacher, the device for attaching tags to clothing with a nylon filament. His ubiquitous fasteners are still used today. Bone applied his engineering and master craftsman skills to making string instrument bows, and also became one of the world's most respected experts on repair and restoration of fine bows. His customers ranged from young students to members of professional ensembles such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and bows were shipped to him from all over the world.

Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2002.0167.15
accession number
2002.0167
catalog number
2002.0167.15
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This brass and pewter speaking trumpet was used during the 19th century. The brass trumpet has two flat pewter bands around the upper and lower portion of the shaft. Two rings hang from the side of the trumpet’s shaft. The rings would be strung with a cord to create a strap for the trumpet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0884
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0884

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