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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Environmental Button
- Description
- This button urges people to find alternatives to driving, such as using public transportation, riding bicycles, or walking.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 2003.0014.0060
- catalog number
- 2003.0014.0060
- accession number
- 2003.0014
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Environmental Button
- Description
- This button was used to encourage students at Kent State University in Ohio to ride the campus bus in order to minimize auto pollution.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 2003.0014.0036
- accession number
- 2003.0014
- catalog number
- 2003.0014.0036
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Environmental Button
- Description
- The group "Bike for a Better City" encouraged New York commuters and lawmakers to view bicycling as a means for everyday transportation. The organization, founded in 1970 by Barry Fishman and Harriet Green, called for the establishment of special bike lanes to make city biking safer.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Fishman, Barry
- ID Number
- 2003.0014.0051
- catalog number
- 2003.0014.0051
- accession number
- 2003.0014
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Environmental Button
- Description
- This button was likely produced in reaction to an oil embargo that occurred in 1973-1974. The embargo caused gas shortages, leading to higher prices and gas rationing, and resulted in long lines at the gas pumps. This button suggests one possible response to the embargo.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Badge-A-Minit
- ID Number
- 2003.0014.0013
- accession number
- 2003.0014
- catalog number
- 2003.0014.0013
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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