Government, Politics, and Reform
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln are all represented in the Museum's collections—by a surveying compass, a lap desk, and a top hat, among other artifacts. But the roughly 100,000 objects in this collection reach beyond the possessions of statesmen to touch the broader political life of the nation—in election campaigns, the women's suffrage movement, labor activity, civil rights, and many other areas. Campaign objects make up much of the collection, including posters, novelties, ballots, voting machines, and many others. A second group includes general political history artifacts, such as first ladies' clothing and accessories, diplomatic materials, ceremonial objects, national symbols, and paintings and sculptures of political figures. The third main area focuses on artifacts related to political reform movements, from labor unions to antiwar groups.
2,043
Page 1 of 205
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Model of Bucyrus-Erie Stripping Shovel
- Description
- In 1960, the Bucyrus-Erie Company of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, presented this 14-inch-high, scale model of what was to become the world's largest stripping shovel to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Later that year, the President transferred this gift to the Smithsonian Institution. The Bucyrus-Erie Company had custom-designed this monster machine for the Peabody Coal Company. Bucyrus-Erie engineers anticipated that they would need two years to manufacture the behemoth, and an additional six months to assemble it at the site of the open-pit mine. (They planned to ship the machine's parts in over 250 railcars.) When finished, the shovel would weigh 7,000 tons, soar to the roofline of a 20-story building (some 220 feet high), and be able to extend its enormous 115-cubic-yard dipper over 460 feet, or about the length of an average city block. (The dipper's capacity would equal that of about six stand-sized dump trucks.) Fifty electric motors-ranging from 1/4 to 3,000 horsepower-would power the shovel, which was designed to be controlled by a single operator, perched in a cab five stories high. Publicists for Bucyrus-Erie called this the "largest self-powered mobile land vehicle ever built."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1960
- recipient
- Eisenhower, Dwight D.
- maker
- Bucyrus-Erie Company
- ID Number
- MC.317688
- catalog number
- 317688
- accession number
- 231557
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Fox and Geese Game Board
- Description
- This 9-inch square board with 32 holes was made for playing Fox and Geese, a game of strategy between two players. The 19 pegs representing geese and a single longer peg for the fox are long gone from this particular board made in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Fox and Geese was among the games played by fishermen during idle times on sailing schooners working in the North Atlantic fisheries. This board was part of a display on “Habits of Fishermen,” at the International Fisheries Exhibition in London in 1883. Other games in the display, all from Gloucester, included cards, a checkerboard, backgammon, and a diamond puzzle.
- The rules of play for Fox and Geese are simple: one player controls the fox, while the other controls the geese. The fox can move in a straight line in any direction and, as it jumps over geese, the geese are removed from the board. To win, the fox must break through the entire line of geese. The geese are only allowed to move forward or sideways. To win, they must corner the fox so it cannot move.
- The Oxford English Dictionary cites a 1633 reference to the game from a play called Fine Companion by Shackerley Marmion: “Let him sit in the shop . . . and let him play at fox and geese with the foreman.” The game was played in colonial America and, with minor variations, well into the 19th and 20th centuries.
- This game board was one of several items donated to the Smithsonian by Capt. George Merchant Jr., of Gloucester.
- Date made
- 1883
- ID Number
- AG.057950
- catalog number
- 057950
- accession number
- 12158
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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No. 5 Field Case Surgical Set
- Description
- The case is made of rosewood with brass trim, and has two sliding brass closures. The interior is lined with purple velvet material. It has four molded sections including two trays which lift out of the case for the 44 instruments.
- The case contains the typical assortment of surgical instruments, mainly knives and bone forceps for the amputation of limbs, fingers and toes. The instruments include: four large amputation knives, seven smaller knives and a hook, a trocar and cannula, a trephine and handle a tourniquet, artery forceps and two retractors. The tray at the top contains two saws, bone forceps, tweezers, a chisel and a bullet forceps. The long graduated curved instruments in the bottom tray are urethral sounds for the detection of bladder and kidney stones.
- Damage from a minnie ball to an arm or a leg could be extensive, creating gaping holes, shattering bones, and tearing muscles. Over 250,000 wounds from bullets and almost 30,000 amputations were recorded during four years of war. It was often more prudent to amputate the limb before infection set in.
- Interestingly the case also contains eleven rare admittance cards from the Medical College of Ohio. They are made out to John B. Cline of Bentonville, Indiana for the years 1850-1851 and 1852-1853. At this time medical school was only a two year program. Students wishing to become doctors would purchase admittance cards directly from each member of the faculty. Also included in the case is a hand-written letter dated February 26th, 1853 to J. B. Cline from L. M. Lawson, dean of the Medical School informing him of the successful completion of his medical studies. Medical courses at the time included lectures on chemistry and pharmacy, obstetrics, and the Diseases of Women and Children. The Medical College of Ohio was established about 1819, and eventually is absorbed by the University of Cincinnati in 1896.
- According to the donor the set came into the possession of his father, Dr. George Osler of Cincinnati, Ohio about 1946 when he bought up the practice of a Dr. Perrin. John B. Cline was born in France September 8, 1826 and died December 4, 1899 in Perin’s Mills, Ohio. He was married to Martha Ann Perin (1832-1912). Thus the connection to the Dr. Perrin whose practice was sold to the donor’s father. The Records of the Association of Acting Surgeons of the United States Army 1891, notes that Dr. Cline was appointed acting assistant surgeon in 1862, and served on the hospital staff in Dennison and Cumberland General Hospitals. He mustered out May 31, 1864.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1861-1864
- associated dates
- 1861-1864
- issuing authority
- United States Army
- company owner
- Tiemann, George
- maker
- George Tiemann & Company
- ID Number
- COLL.SURGKIT.000001
- catalog number
- 1991.0858.01
- accession number
- 1991.0858
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Surgical Kit
- Description
- This surgical set belonged to John Maynard Woodworth, M.D. (1837-1879), the first Surgeon General of the United States. Its sheer size (77+ instruments), suburb craftsmanship, and comprehensive armamentarium make this surgical set unique.
- The rosewood and brass case with six interior trays for instruments were probably a presentation piece given to him around the time Woodworth became Surgeon General. Most of the instruments are stamped, "W.F. FORD, N.Y." and "SHEPARD & DUDLEY, N.Y." From 1871 to 1874, William F. Ford, Frederick M. Shepard, and Francis D. Dudley formed a short lived partnership. These dates coincide with Woodworth tenure as Surgeon General from March 29, 1871 to March 14, 1879.
- The instruments are housed in a Rosewood case with a brass plated escutcheon, engraved medallion, and quoins at the corners. The case contains six wooden trays molded to accommodate specific instruments and lined with rust-colored suede and burgundy satin.
- Tray one contains the following instruments: probang, tongue holder, tongue tie, two pairs of forceps, needle holder, tweezer forceps, silver trachea tube, trocar with silver cannula, eighteen knives including bistouries and scalpels, and double and single hooks. Tray two contains: tourniquet, bow saw, two pair of bone forceps, artery forceps, pair of handles for the chain saw, two chains, lifting-back saw, hook, bistourie knife, metacarpal saw, three Liston amputation knives, two Catling amputation knives, two silver ophthalmic probes and broken silver trachea tube. Tray three contains: eight pair of bone forceps, bone mallet, double-ended instrument, universal handle, Hay saw, two crown-type trephines, Galt trephine, and handles for the trephines.
- Dr. John Maynard Woodworth was born in western New York State on 15 August 1837. His family eventually moved to Illinois. For most of his adult life Chicago was his home base. He had a life long interest in natural history, museums, and learning. Woodworth studied pharmacy at the University of Chicago. He became the curator of the Chicago Academy of Science Museum and helped establish the Museum of Natural History at the University of Chicago.
- In 1861, Woodworth came to Washington, DC to help Spencer F. Baird, the Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, catalogue the Natural History Collections. He continued his association with the Smithsonian after he returned to Chicago to pursue his medical degree. On an expedition to Iowa he collected and donated to the national collections “shells, eggs &c.”. One year later he sent back to Washington reptiles and insects from Memphis, Tennessee. He was also one of the early donors to the National Library of Medicine.
- Upon completion of his medical degree in 1862 from the Medical College of Chicago, Woodworth became an Assistant Surgeon in the Union Army, eventually attaining the rank of Surgeon. He served with General William T. Sherman on his infamous “March to the Sea.” After the war Woodworth returned to Illinois to teach anatomy at the Chicago Medical School. In 1871, Woodworth returned to Washington as the first Surgeon General of the United States. He remained in that post until his death in 1879.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1870-1879
- 1871-1874
- owner
- Woodworth, John M.
- maker
- Ford, W. F.
- ID Number
- COLL.SURGKIT.000002
- accession number
- 1980.0349
- catalog number
- 1980.0349.09
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Abraham Lincoln Campaign Badge
- Description (Brief)
- This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
- This badge features a photograph of Abraham Lincoln in a brass oval frame. The badge was likely attached to a pin so it could be worn.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- depicted
- Lincoln, Abraham
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1068
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1068
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Ulysses S. Grant Campaign Badge
- Description (Brief)
- This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company around 1868. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer, and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
- The badge features a tintype photograph of Ulysses S. Grant set into a brass frame, which would have originally been attached to a pin and displayed on clothing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- depicted
- Grant, Ulysses S.
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1069
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1069
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Ulysses S. Grant Campaign Medal
- Description (Brief)
- This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1868. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer, and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
- Obverse: Bust of Ulysses S. Grant facing forward, the legend reads: GENERAL U. S. GRANT 1868.
- Reverse: Bust of Schuyler Colfax facing forward, the legend reads: SCHUYLER COLFAX 1868.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- depicted
- Grant, Ulysses S.
- Colfax, Schuyler
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1070
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1070
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Ulysses S. Grant Campaign Medal
- Description (Brief)
- This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1868. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer, and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
- Obverse: Bust of Ulysses S. Grant facing forward, the legend reads: GENERAL U.S. GRANT 1868.
- Reverse: Image of two branches and four stars, the legend reads: I PROPOSE TO FIGHT IT OUT ON THIS LINE IF IT TAKES ALL SUMMER.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- depicted
- Grant, Ulysses S.
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1071
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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George B. McClellan Medal
- Description (Brief)
- This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer, and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including campaign badges.
- Obverse: Bust of George B. McClellan facing forward. Legend reads, MAJ. GEN. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, U.S.A.
- Reverse: Eagle with a ribbon that reads “E Pluribus Unum” perched on the shield of the United States with the American flag is draped across a spear. The legend reads: MY COUNTRY I AM SWORN TO DEFEND.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- depicted
- McClellan, George B.
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1072
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1072
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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John A. Bell Campaign Medal
- Description (Brief)
- This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer, and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
- Obverse: Profile image of John A. Bell facing right. Legend reads: UNION CANDIDATE JOHN A. BELL/ 1860.
- Reverse: An image of an eagle with shield, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Legend reads: LIBERTY UNION AND EQUALITY.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- depicted
- Bell, John
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1073
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1073
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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