Natural Resources
The natural resources collections offer centuries of evidence about how Americans have used the bounty of the American continent and coastal waters. Artifacts related to flood control, dam construction, and irrigation illustrate the nation's attempts to manage the natural world. Oil-drilling, iron-mining, and steel-making artifacts show the connection between natural resources and industrial strength.
Forestry is represented by saws, axes, a smokejumper's suit, and many other objects. Hooks, nets, and other gear from New England fisheries of the late 1800s are among the fishing artifacts, as well as more recent acquisitions from the Pacific Northwest and Chesapeake Bay. Whaling artifacts include harpoons, lances, scrimshaw etchings in whalebone, and several paintings of a whaler's work at sea. The modern environmental movement has contributed buttons and other protest artifacts on issues from scenic rivers to biodiversity.
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Multiblade Folding Knife
- Description
- This knife could be described as the Mother of all Swiss Army knives. If you count the miniatures inside the tortoise shell handle covers, it has 100 “blades.” They include pocket knife blades of every style imaginable, a serrated blade, two dagger blades, several different types of shears and scissors, an auger, a corkscrew, two saws, a lancet, button hook, cigar cutter, tuning fork, pens and mechanical pencils, mirror, straight razor, and a functional .22-caliber five-shot pinfire revolver. The one modern convenience it doesn’t seem to have is a bottle opener, but the bottle cap as we know it wasn’t invented until 1892.
- This knife wasn’t really meant to be carried. Knives like this were made exclusively for exhibition to highlight the cutlers’ art. They were so difficult to make they were only attempted by the most notable firms with the most talented artisans. They could be seen at various fairs and industrial expositions during the nineteenth century. This particular knife was made in Solingen, Germany about 1880 for J. S. Holler & Co.’s cutlery store in New York City. It was used it to display the fine craftsmanship available to their customers. At the time, German cutlery firms were attempting to establish themselves in the American market, which was dominated by the firms of Sheffield, England. The workmanship and complexity of this knife make it one of the finest examples of the cutlers’ art in America.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1880
- associated dates
- 1867-1906
- owner
- Holler, John S.
- ID Number
- 1986.0101.03
- catalog number
- 1986.0101.03
- accession number
- 1986.0101
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Woodruff File Cabinet, Late 19th Century
- Description
- The 19th Century saw the growth in the number of the large business such as railroads, finance and telegraph companies. Government was also a large consumer of these systems. As these companies grew larger, new systems to collect and preserve communications such as letters, documents, and orders were created. New systems were created to accommodate this need.
- Changes in filing began in the mid 1800s. Prior to this time a registry method was used where the document was noted in a log book and then folded twice and bundled with other documents in chronological order--easy for a small company to retrieve but not so for a large multi-divisional company.
- This file cabinet was manufactured by the Woodruff Manufacturing Company of Washington DC in the late 19th Century. It is a combination of the bundled document and the vertical file. It is primarily made of oak and used for filing folded documents. There are 6 rows of 8 drawers totaling 48 drawers. Each drawer has a brass bracket on the outside which holds a card which would identify what is in the drawer. Inside each drawer is a support which slides along a metal track to hold the document bundles upright and in place.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- late 19th century
- maker
- Woodruff Mfg. Co., Inc.
- ID Number
- 1989.0346.01
- catalog number
- 1989.0346.01
- accession number
- 1989.0346
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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carding machine, part
- Description
- Samuel Slater’s cotton carding machine, built in 1790, was based on the English system of machine carding, which he introduced in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Samuel Slater, considered the father of the American cotton industry, came to America in 1789 from England. He acquired his knowledge of textile machinery in England as an apprentice in the Arkwright system of carding and spinning cotton. His cotton carding machine is only one of two pieces of original Slater machinery still in existence.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1790
- maker
- Slater, Samuel
- ID Number
- TE.T11196.000
- accession number
- 13137
- catalog number
- T11196.000
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Garner Print Works Sample and Cost Record Book
- Description
- John Oldfield, Assistant Manager of the Garner Print Works in Garnerville, New York, kept a series of record books that date between 1844 and 1880. The notebooks contain samples of cloth produced by the mill on one page, with quantities and the costs of dyeing or printing on the facing page—this notebook covers the years 1877-1878. Garnerville was originally called Calicotown, but was renamed after the Garner family, which owned the print works from 1838 to 1909. In the late nineteenth century the family’s textile companies produced more printed fabrics than any other print works in the U.S.
- date made
- 1877-1878
- ID Number
- 1984.0486.06
- catalog number
- 1984.0486.06
- accession number
- 1984.0486
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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This Union Cause
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1962
- associated date
- 1862
- affiliated union
- United Auto Workers
- maker
- United Auto Workers
- ID Number
- 1988.0701.07
- catalog number
- 1988.0701.07
- accession number
- 1988.0701
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Oil Pipes
- Description
- Oil Pipes by Rus Arnold, gelatin silver print.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Arnold, Rus
- ID Number
- 2013.0327.0020
- catalog number
- 2013.0327.0020
- accession number
- 2013.0327
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Gas Machine Cylinder
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1920
- Associated Date
- 1920
- maker
- Hoppe, E. O.
- ID Number
- 2013.0327.0036
- catalog number
- 2013.0327.0036
- accession number
- 2013.0327
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Bobbin Winder from the Torchon Lace Company
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1902-1919
- associated date, when made
- 1902-1916
- patent holder
- Lewis, Sylvester G.
- maker
- Torchon Lace Company
- ID Number
- 2016.0048.02
- accession number
- 2016.0048
- catalog number
- 2016.0048.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Round skateboarding sticker is white with 'Schmitt Stix True Craftsmanshp Skateboards' printed in black in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.01
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.1
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Round skateboarding sticker is white with a yellow center and 'Schmitt Stix True Craftsmanshp Skateboards' printed in black in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.02
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.2
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Round skateboarding sticker is white with 'Schmitt Stix' printed in black and yellow in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards. Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.03
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.3
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Lock shaped skateboarding sticker is yellow and black with 'Silly Stix' printed in black at the top of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.04
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.4
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Rectangular shaped skateboarding sticker is a shiny silver with 'Schmitt Stix The Ultimate Rails' printed in black in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.05
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.5
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Rectangular shaped skateboarding sticker is white with 'Schmitt Stix The Ultimate Rails' printed in pink in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.06
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.6
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Rectangular shaped skateboarding sticker is light pink with black speckles throughout and 'Schmitt Stix The Ultimate Rails' printed in black in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.07
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.7
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Rectangular shaped skateboarding sticker is light grey with black speckles throughout and 'Schmitt Stix The Ultimate Rails' printed in black in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.08
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.8
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Rectangular shaped skateboarding sticker is neon orange with a green monster gripping prison bars and 'Schmitt Stix Lucero' printed in black and blue in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.09
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.9
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Rectangular shaped skateboarding sticker is white with 'Schmitt Stix' printed in black and yellow in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1990s
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.10
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.10
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Rectangular shaped skateboarding sticker is red with a blue gargoyle in the center and 'Schmitt Stix Bryce Kanights Pro Model' printed in black and white in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1988
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.11
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.11
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Schmitt Stix sticker
- Description (Brief)
- Rectangular shaped skateboarding sticker is black with orange and yellow paint splatter and 'Schmitt Stix' printed in black in the center of the sticker. Paul Schmitt of PS Stix, owns and operates one of the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing companies in the United States and is known to many in the industry as 'Professor Schmitt". For almost 30 years Schmitt’s company has been considered an innovative leader in design and manufacturing of high quality skateboards.
- Skateboard stickers have always played an important role in skateboard advertising especially in the late 1980s and early 90s when small skate companies were emerging. Skate companies used this inexpensive and visually appealing media to advertise their companies, board models, skate contests, and skate teams. The stickers were often offered free through magazine offers and at skate shops where the most sought after were kept behind the counter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- user
- Schmitt, Paul
- ID Number
- 2013.0224.09.12
- accession number
- 2013.0224
- catalog number
- 2013.0224.09.12
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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- Industrialization 9029
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- Art 725
- Scovill Manufacturing Collection 620
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- Industry & Manufacturing 9029
- Work and Industry: Manufacturing 4815
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- Mining Lamps 347
- The Hans C. Syz Collection 327
