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 471 items.
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Presentation Trumpet, "Washington Engine Co."
- 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 speaking trumpet was presented by the Philadelphia Engine Company No. 18 of Boston to Philadelphia’s Washington Engine Company in 1832. The trumpet is made of brass, with a tin mouthpiece and an upper half sheathed in leather. A purple cord with tassels is attached near the mouthpiece, though it is of a later date than the trumpet itself. The brass trumpet is missing its bell, but the shaft is engraved with the inscription “Presented by the Philadelphia Engine Co. No. 18 of Boston to the Washington Engine Co. of Philadelphia, 1832." The Philadelphia Engine Company was founded in 1825 on Beacon Street, near Boston Common. Soon after this trumpet was made, the company changed its name to Lafayette and eventually disbanded in 1851. The Washington Engine Company was founded in Philadelphia in 1796 and would remain active until the city changed over to a municipal fire department in 1872.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1832
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0821
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0821
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Presentation Trumpet, "James F. Gaffney"
- 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 silver plated speaking trumpet was presented to James F. Gaffney and dates from the mid to late 19th century. The trumpet has a plain surface with beaded bands around the mouthpiece and upper and lower bulges in the trumpet. There is an egg and dart pattern stamped around the bell of the horn. Two gilded eagles’ heads are attached to the trumpet holding rings in their beaks that are connected by a braided purple cord with tassels on the end. There are decorative incisions around an engraving that reads “Presented to James F. Gaffney by his Friends for his Good qualities as a Fireman and his Virtues as a citizen.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1860
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0822
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0822
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Presentation Trumpet, "Washington Fire Engine Company"
- 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 silver plated speaking trumpet was presented to the Washington Fire Engine Company by the Jovial Club of Paterson, New Jersey in 1860. The trumpet is engraved with ivy and flowers around the entire trumpet and has an inscription inside an oval cartouche framed by tree branches. This inscription reads, "Presented by the Jovial Club of Paterson, N.J. to Washington Fire Engine Company No. 3, February 22, 1860." The braided orange cord with tassels is attached to the trumpet by rings in the shape of fire hats. In September of 1862 many members of the Washington Fire Engine Company formed Company A in the 25th Regiment of the New Jersey Volunteers.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1860
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0823
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0823
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Presentation Trumpet "Fireman's Exempt Association"
- 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 silver plated speaking trumpet was presented to the Firemen’s Exempt Association by the Liberty Steam Fire Engine Company, both of Paterson, New Jersey in 1890. The three sections of the trumpet are connected by bulging bands with decorated engravings. The upper section of the trumpet has a floral engraving. The center section of the trumpet has an oval cartouche containing an inscription that is surrounded by floral engravings. The inscription reads “Presented by Liberty S.F.E. Co. No. 7 to the Firemen’s Exempt Assoc. 1890, Patterson, N.J.” The bell of the trumpet has an engraving of a fire engine that is surrounded by floral engravings. An orange braided cord with tassels is attached to the trumpet by rings going through miniature fire helmets. The Firemen’s Exempt Association was a group formed to foster camaraderie between volunteer firemen after they had ceased participating in active duty, and fraternal visits between active fire companies and veterans groups were common practice in 19th century fire service.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1890
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0824
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0824
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Presentation Trumpet, "Neptune Engine Company"
- 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 silver plated trumpet was presented to the Neptune Engine Company by the citizens of Paterson, New Jersey through Josiah P. Doremus in 1867. The trumpet has three sections. The lower bell bears an engraved image of a steam powered fire engine. The center portion is an inscription framed by engraved decorative foliage that reads “Presented to Neptune Engine Company No. 2 by Citizens of Patterson, N.J. through Josiah P. Doremus. Sept 2nd 1867.” The upper section has a variety of decorative engravings. Josiah Doremus was a prominent businessman in Paterson, New Jersey during the middle of the 19th century.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1867
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0825
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0825
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Presentation Trumpet, "Hibernia Fire Company"
- 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 trumpet was presented to John M. Nesbitt of the Hibernia Fire Company by the Insurance Company of North America. The trumpet has decorative bands around the bell’s rim and the upper and lower portion of the trumpet. The bell also features a decorative band with a floral motif. The middle portion of the trumpet has an oval inset featuring high relief of a helmed Greek figure shown in profile view. There is a winged horse on the figure’s helmet and the oval inset is surrounded by decorative floral engravings. The other side of the trumpet has a diamond-shaped silver inlay with an inscription that reads “Presented by the Insurance Company of North America to John M. Nesbitt Esqr. of Hibernia Fire Company, Philadelphia.” A brown braided cord is attached to the trumpet by rings that are held by eagles’ beaks. John Maxwell Nesbitt was the first President of the board of directors for the Insurance Company of North America in 1792, as well as a member of the Hibernia Fire Company.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1800
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0826
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0826
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Presentation Trumpet, "Neptune Guard"
- 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 trumpet was presented to the Passaic Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey by the Neptune Guard of Newark, New Jersey on October 30th, 1876. The trumpet has an overall floral motif surrounding the various inscriptions and engravings. The bell of the trumpet features an engraving of a steam fire engine on one side and an engraving of an overlapping fireman's hat, trumpet, hook, and fire swab on the other. The center portion of the trumpet bears an inscription inside a shield-shaped frame that reads “Presented to Passaic Engine Co. No. 1 of Paterson by the Neptune Guard of Newark, Oct. 30th 1876, Frank Daly, Capt.” On the opposite side of the trumpet there is an engraving of a crossed hook and ladder. There are two rings that would have been used to attach a cord to the trumpet. The Neptune Guard was a musket corps composed of members from the Neptune Hose Company of Newark, New Jersey that was in operation around the middle of the 19th century.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1876
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0827
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0827
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Presentation Trumpet, "Weccacoe Fire Company"
- 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 trumpet was presented to the Weccacoe Fire Company of Camden, New Jersey by the citizens of Camden, New Jersey in 1837. The trumpet is in two sections, the shaft has a crenulated edge at the base with a raised leaf band. The trumpet has a stippled background overall, with raised floral engravings throughout. A shield bears the inscription “Presented to Weccacoe Fire Company by Citizens of Camden, N.J. October 5th 1837.” Below the inscription is an image of a fire house (possibly Weccacoe’s) engraved in an oval cartouche. The trumpet has two hooks that would have been used to attach a cord. The Weccacoe Fire Company operated in Camden, New Jersey from 1800 to 1854.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1837
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0828
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0828
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Presentation Trumpet, "Henry K. Woodruff"
- 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 presented to Henry K. Woodruff by the Independence Hose Company of New York in 1862. The trumpet is divided into three sections with two rings that allow for a cord to be attached. The trumpet bears an inscription that reads “Presented by Independence Hose Company, No. 3, New York, to Foreman Henry K. Woodruff 1862.” The Independence Hose Company No. 3 was organized on November 19, 1832. Woodruff was the foreman of the Independence Hose Company from 1862 until the company disbanded in 1865.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1862
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0829
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0829
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Presentation Trumpet, "Weccacoe Hose Co."
- 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 trumpet was presented to the Weccacoe Hose Company of Camden, New Jersey by the Ramblers Club Number One. The silver horn is divided into three sections, with an inscription on the center section that reads “Presented to/ Weccacoe Hose Co./ by the/ Ramblers Club No. 1/ May 2nd 1852.” A leather strap is attached to the trumpet by two rings. The Weccacoe Hose Company operated in Camden, New Jersey from 1800 to 1854. Rambling clubs began in the 19th century as an excuse for people to escape the industrializing city and walk around nature.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1852
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0830
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0830
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center