Work - Overview
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.
"Work - Overview" showing 14 items.
Page 1 of 2
Fire Helmet, "Hibernia"
- Description
- The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
- This leather fire helmet was made by William H. Wilson of New York, New York in the mid-19th century. The helmet’s crown is painted green and its eight combs are painted gold. The underside of the helmet’s brim is painted red. A metal eagle’s head frontpiece holder is mounted onto the top of the crown, which holds a leather frontpiece that reads “HIBERNIA/1.” The Hibernia Fire Engine Company was one of the oldest fire companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1752 by Protestant Irish colonists. The green and gold colors on the helmet reflect this heritage.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- manufacturer
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0203
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0203
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Helmet, "S.G."
- Description
- The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
- This hat was manufactured by William H. Wilson of New York, New York in the 19th century. The helmet has a frontpiece holder shaped in the form of a fox and displays the founding date of the company—“1845”—in gold lettering on the rear brim. The initials “SG” also appear on the back of the crown, possibly indicating the initials of the wearer. The front crown displays stamped lettering that reads “JBT 36,” but the meaning is unknown.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- manufacturer
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0217
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0217
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Helmet, "James Jenkin"
- Description
- The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
- This leather fire helmet was made by William H. Wilson of New York, New York in the late 19th century. The black helmet has four prominent combs with a metal lion frontpiece holder mounted on the crown of the helmet. The helmet lacks a frontpiece, making attribution difficult. A paper label inside the helmet reads “James S. Jenkin’s Lehigh, Rainbow, and Eagle Vein Coal Depot, 9th and Wallace Sts., Philadelphia.” The hat is stamped with the initials “J.S. J. II” probably referring to James Jenkins.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- late 19th century-early 20th century
- manufacturer
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0219
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0219
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Helmet, "Assistant Chief"
- Description
- The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
- This leather fire helmet was made by William H. Wilson of New York, New York during the mid-to-late 19th century. The white helmet has four main combs painted red, with painted gold triangles in each segment. The rear brim has the date “1772”, and the underside of the brim is painted red. A leather eagle-shaped frontpiece holder is attached to the crown of the helmet. The frontpiece has a central image of three crossed speaking trumpets, with the text “Asst./CHIEF” above the trumpets. The painted frontpiece is in poor condition.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- manufacturer
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0231
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0231
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece "Columbia Hose TS"
- Description (Brief)
- The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
- This leather frontpiece was made by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York, likely around the mid-19th century. The frontpiece reads “COLUMBIA/HOSE/VII/ITSJ.” The initials “TSJ” are likely the owner’s initials. The Columbia Hose Company was founded in New York City in 1806.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1428
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1428
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, "Northern Liberty Hose & Steam"
- Description (Brief)
- The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
- This leather frontpiece was made by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York sometime between 1860 and 1870. The leather frontpiece is painted black, with gold stitching around the rim. A painted red banner at the top of the frontpiece reads “NORTHERN LIBERTY” and the bottom painted red banner reads “HOSE & STEAM” in gold text. The frontpiece has a large stitched blue number “4” in the center and a lower cartouche originally had the leather initials “TRJ” inside, but the “RJ” is now missing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- before 1871
- maker
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1438
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1438
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, "Wannalanget Malden"
- Description (Brief)
- The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
- This leather frontpiece was made by William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York around 1885. The black leather shields has golden leather lettering on a dark red background that reads “WANNALANGET/1/MALDEN/CEM.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1885
- maker
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1441
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1441
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, “Duquesne 3”
- Description (Brief)
- The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
- This leather frontpiece was made by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York between 1895 and 1900. The dark brown leather frontpiece has a banner at the top with soiled white leather letters that read “DUQUESNE.” There are two small recessed cutouts at the bottom of the frontpiece with the leather initials “FA” inside. This likely stands for "Fire Association". This frontpiece may come from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1895-1900
- maker
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1495
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1495
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, “1st Assistant Engineer PFD JHMcI”
- Description (Brief)
- The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
- This leather frontpiece was made by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York around 1875. The white leather frontpiece has two recessed red banners with tan leather lettering that reads “1st ASSISTANT/ENGINEER.” Below, two recessed cartouches with scalloped edges and black backgrounds have white leather letters that read “PFD/JHMcI” inside.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1875
- maker
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1496
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1496
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fire Helmet, "Assistance 8 F.M.K."
- Description
- The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
- This leather fire helmet was made by William H. Wilson of New York, New York in the mid-to-late 19th century. The frontpiece on this helmet was made by the Migeod Company. The black helmet has four combs painted gold and a metal eagle frontpiece holder mounted to the helmet’s crown. The frontpiece reads “Assistance/8/FMK.” The raised initials "F.M.K." likely identified the owner of the helmet.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- retailer
- John M. Migoed & Son
- manufacturer
- Wilson, William H.
- maker
- Migeod Company
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0139
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0139
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
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