Cultures & Communities - Overview
Furniture, cooking wares, clothing, works of art, and many other kinds of artifacts are part of what knit people into communities and cultures. The Museum’s collections feature artifacts from European Americans, Latinos, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, African Americans, Gypsies, Jews, and Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. The objects range from ceramic face jugs made by enslaved African Americans in South Carolina to graduation robes and wedding gowns. The holdings also include artifacts associated with education, such as teaching equipment, textbooks, and two complete schoolrooms. Uniforms, insignia, and other objects represent a wide variety of civic and voluntary organizations, including youth and fraternal groups, scouting, police forces, and firefighters.
"Cultures & Communities - Overview" showing 297 items.
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1853 Yale Engine Company's Quilt
- Description
- The inscription found on this quilt identifies its origins. Within a wreath cut from a printed cotton chintz on one block is inked: “Ladies’ Donation / to the Fireman’s Fair / Yale Engine Co. No. 1 / South Reading / July 1853.” Quite likely a group of women devised the quilt making project to raise funds for the Yale Engine Company. A new engine house was erected in South Reading, Massachusetts, in 1853.
- Two blocks in particular indicate the pride the community had in its ability to be prepared for fires. One has an appliquéd and embroidered fire engine marked “Yale 1.” The other block, all embroidered, has a ladder, hook, hose, the date "1853," and inscription: "Yale Engine Company No. 1 / South Reading." As reported in the Official Program of the Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Settlement and Incorporation of Ancient Redding” May 1894: “In 1852, by vote of the town, came a handsome new, double-decker fire-engine, resplendent in finish of rosewood and trimmings of polished brass . . . . The new machine was from Jeffers’ works at Pawtucket, R.I., and was named ‘Yale Engine, No. 1,’ in grateful recognition of a large gift . . . from Burrage Yale, Esq., whose tin pedler’s carts were for many years known all over New England." It was further reported that, "'The Yale’ distinguished herself in many fields, and saved much property from destruction. She is still [1894] retained by the town . . . and regarded with respect and appreciation."
- All but five of the thirty 15½-inch blocks that comprise this quilt have geometric motifs made by cutting folded cloth. These were made from the same roller printed cotton fabric and appliquéd to a white ground. One block is pieced in a popular pattern, “Star of Bethlehem.” The inclusion of an American flag block contributes an element of patriotism. The blocks are joined in a quilt-as-you-go method. Each one is appliquéd, pieced or embroidered; then lined and quilted; bound with a narrow red-ground print; and finally, joined to make the quilt.
- Burrage Yale, whose contributions to the community of South Reading, Massachusetts, were many, was born in Meriden, Connecticut, on March 27, 1781. At an early age he set out to help his family as a peddler of tinware. In 1800 he came to Reading, Massachusetts, and within a few years had settled there and founded a soon-thriving business manufacturing and dealing in tinware.
- A man of strong convictions, he was profiled by Lilley Eaton in his 1874 Genealogical History of the Town of Reading. Burrage Yale was known as “polite, dignified, and hospitable, a friend and patron of education and liberal toward public improvement.” He was also “. . . a shrewd and accomplished business man . . . . accused of being proud, haughty and ambitious . . . unmerciful to his debtors.”
- According to Eaton, “he once rendered himself so odious to a portion of the people . . . that on a certain night he was hung in effigy . . . and then consumed in a great funeral pyre, amid the shouts of the crowd; and . . . upon a board nailed high upon the oak, these words in epitaph: ‘This great and mighty lord, he is no more!’”
- While Burrage Yale may not always have been gracious or generous, he apparently contributed a significant-enough sum to the fire fighting cause in his community that a fire engine, fire house and later an avenue bore his name. His wife, Sarah Boardman (1786-1844), was one of the early female teachers in South Reading. She was described by Lilley Eaton as “. . . a faithful teacher, and our memory of her in that capacity is most pleasant. In after-life she was ever a most worthy and valuable woman.” When Burrage Yale died September 5, 1860, the fully uniformed firefighters of the Yale Engine Company marched in his funeral procession.
- This quilt, so carefully worked, is an example of efforts by women of South Reading, then a small rural New England town, to work together to provide for their community.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1853
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 1995.0011.04
- accession number
- 1995.0011
- catalog number
- 1995.0011.04
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Delaware Company Cape
- Description
- Some early American firefighters wore capes for protection, ornamentation, and identification. The stiff oil cloth protected their shoulders and upper body against fiery embers and water, and the decorative painting served to identify company members at chaotic fire scenes or on parade. The capes were often painted by local sign painters, some skilled artists like John A. Woodside, who also painted the company’s hats and banners and decorated their fire engines. Many of the capes in the firefighting collection display patriotic names and symbolism, reflecting themes important to 19th century volunteers, as well as the pride they felt in the early founding date of their fire company.
- This oil cloth cape is painted blue, with the company name “Delaware” in gold with black shading and the date "1821" in gold with red shading. The company number "4" is at each end of the cape in gold with black shading. The cape was most likely from the Delaware Fire Company based in Trenton, New Jersey, founded in 1821. The cords on this cape are still intact and show how these rather heavy capes would be tied around the fireman’s neck.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1840-1850
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0122
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0122
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Engine Plate, "American 5"
- Description (Brief)
- At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
- This nickel-plated brass engine plate has “AMERICAN” and the number “5” engraved into the face that is filled with black enamel. There are small incised lines curving around the “5” and above “American.” There are holes at the top and corners of the plate, which allowed the plate to be attached to the engine. This engine plate may have adorned the engine of the American Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 5 of Lancaster, Pennsylvania during the late 19th century.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0918
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0918
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Engine Plate, "Columbia"
- Description (Brief)
- At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
- This metal plate was used by the Columbia Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the 19th century. This rectangular plate with scalloped corners bears the text “COLUMBIA” in black block shadowed letters. The initials “R A” are inscribed in script below “Columbia.” The sides of the plate have holes with bolts in them, showing where the plate would be attached to the engine.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0919
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0919
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Engine Plate, "Delaware 1761"
- Description (Brief)
- At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
- This brass fire engine plate was used by the Delaware Fire Company. Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1761, the company was originally named for King George III. The rectangular brass plate has black recessed lettering that reads “DELAWARE 1761.” The plate has been mounted on to a wooden board for display.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1840
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0920
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0920
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Engine Plate, "20"
- Description (Brief)
- At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
- The Diligent Fire Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania used this engine plate during the early 19th century. This curved metal engine plate has "20" engraved in the center of the obverse and "Diligent" engraved on reverse. The plate has holes in the four corners that allowed it to be attached to the engine.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0921
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0921
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Engine Plate, "Eagle Hook and Ladder"
- Description (Brief)
- At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
- This trapezoidal metal engine plate of the Eagle Hook and Ladder Company bears a central image of a crossed fireman’s hook and ladder behind the number “1” and is surrounded by the text “EAGLE/ORGANIZED 1838.” The plate was made for the Eagle Hook and Ladder Company in 1850, and has holes in each corner showing where it was previously attached to an engine.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1850
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0922
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0922
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Engine Plate, "Franklin"
- Description (Brief)
- At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
- This rectangular fire engine plate with scalloped edges features the deeply engraved text “Franklin” in the center. There are holes at both ends, showing where it was attached to the machine. “Built by” is engraved in smaller text above “Franklin” and “C.E. Hartshorn N.Y.” is engraved below. Charles E. Hartshorn built a variety of fire fighting apparatus in New York City during the mid-to-late 19th century.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1838
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0924
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0924
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Engine Plate, "Goodwill Hose"
- Description (Brief)
- At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
- This engine plate likely belonged to the Goodwill Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was founded on March 1, 1834. The plate has raised lettering with gold coloring that reads “GOODWILL HOSE” over a red background. The back of the plate has two bolts and nuts that allowed it to be attached to the engine.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0925
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0925
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Engine Plate, "Hibernia"
- Description (Brief)
- At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
- This nickel-plated brass engine plate was used by the Hibernia Fire Engine Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1752. The arching plate has the text “HIBERNIA” engraved in wide shaded calligraphic letters. The sides of the plate have holes showing where the plate would have been attached to the engine. The ends are engraved with ornamental acanthus leafs around the holes. The Hibernia Fire Engine Company was one of Philadelphia’s largest and oldest companies, and used several different engines and apparatus during its history.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- mid 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0926
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0926
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center