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- "Liberty and Justice for All?," October 11, 1987 -
- October 11, 1987
- Collections - Artifact
"Liberty and Justice for All?," October 11, 1987
- Drawing of General George Washington, circa 1850 - George Washington had been a revered celebrity in life. After his death in 1799, he became an enduring symbol of the American struggle for liberty and a reminder of what one person can achieve. This hand-colored drawing depicts Washington in military uniform, commemorating his leadership during the Revolutionary War.
- 1775-1783
- Collections - Artifact
Drawing of General George Washington, circa 1850
George Washington had been a revered celebrity in life. After his death in 1799, he became an enduring symbol of the American struggle for liberty and a reminder of what one person can achieve. This hand-colored drawing depicts Washington in military uniform, commemorating his leadership during the Revolutionary War.
- Powder Horn, 1777 - Lightweight, inexpensive, waterproof, and plentiful, hollowed animal horn was ideal for carrying gunpowder. These functional tools of war also became canvasses for creative expression. Engraved powder horns survive as both documents of their owners' experiences and unique pieces of colonial American art. The patriotic images and lettering on this example were probably copied from a currency note of the time.
- 1777
- Collections - Artifact
Powder Horn, 1777
Lightweight, inexpensive, waterproof, and plentiful, hollowed animal horn was ideal for carrying gunpowder. These functional tools of war also became canvasses for creative expression. Engraved powder horns survive as both documents of their owners' experiences and unique pieces of colonial American art. The patriotic images and lettering on this example were probably copied from a currency note of the time.
- Letter Signed by George Washington to Israel Putnam, October 15, 1777 - George Washington led the Continental Army as commander-in-chief during the American Revolutionary War. On October 15, 1777, Washington signed this letter discussing two recent events -- the loss of Fort Montgomery and a victory over British General Burgoyne -- in New York, where Major General Israel Putnam was stationed. Just two days later, Burgoyne surrendered his army to American forces.
- October 15, 1777
- Collections - Artifact
Letter Signed by George Washington to Israel Putnam, October 15, 1777
George Washington led the Continental Army as commander-in-chief during the American Revolutionary War. On October 15, 1777, Washington signed this letter discussing two recent events -- the loss of Fort Montgomery and a victory over British General Burgoyne -- in New York, where Major General Israel Putnam was stationed. Just two days later, Burgoyne surrendered his army to American forces.
- Curtain Tiebacks, 1790-1820 - These brass and enamel curtain tiebacks feature George Washington's portrait. They were manufactured in England for export to the United States. Wealthy Americans would have anchored living room or library curtains with these pieces as an expression of admiration and support for the Revolutionary War hero and first president of the new republic.
- 1790-1820
- Collections - Artifact
Curtain Tiebacks, 1790-1820
These brass and enamel curtain tiebacks feature George Washington's portrait. They were manufactured in England for export to the United States. Wealthy Americans would have anchored living room or library curtains with these pieces as an expression of admiration and support for the Revolutionary War hero and first president of the new republic.
- American Revolution Bicentennial Mug, 1976 - Across the nation in 1976, innumerable events - from parades and fireworks displays to television programs and sporting events - marked the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Patriotic Americans celebrated enthusiastically, donning red, white, and blue and purchasing commemorative souvenirs like this mug, whose design mimics traditional cross-stitch embroidery.
- 1976
- Collections - Artifact
American Revolution Bicentennial Mug, 1976
Across the nation in 1976, innumerable events - from parades and fireworks displays to television programs and sporting events - marked the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Patriotic Americans celebrated enthusiastically, donning red, white, and blue and purchasing commemorative souvenirs like this mug, whose design mimics traditional cross-stitch embroidery.
- George Washington's Camp Chest, 1783 - Many high-ranking officers of the American Revolution carried camp chests, called canteens, for dining while encamped with their armies. This canteen belonged to General George Washington. It enabled him to take meals on the battlefield in a manner befitting his rank as commander-in-chief -- with tea, liquor, freshly ground nutmeg and other spices, candles, and relatively fine tableware.
- 1783
- Collections - Artifact
George Washington's Camp Chest, 1783
Many high-ranking officers of the American Revolution carried camp chests, called canteens, for dining while encamped with their armies. This canteen belonged to General George Washington. It enabled him to take meals on the battlefield in a manner befitting his rank as commander-in-chief -- with tea, liquor, freshly ground nutmeg and other spices, candles, and relatively fine tableware.
- Portrait of Thomas Jefferson -
- circa 1805
- Collections - Artifact
Portrait of Thomas Jefferson
- George Washington Commemorative Cup from Centennial Exhibition, circa 1876 - The first official World's Fair held in the United States celebrated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Around ten million people visited Philadelphia during the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876. Many returned home with mementos of the exposition, such as this cup depicting the nation's first president among patriotic imagery.
- circa 1876
- Collections - Artifact
George Washington Commemorative Cup from Centennial Exhibition, circa 1876
The first official World's Fair held in the United States celebrated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Around ten million people visited Philadelphia during the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876. Many returned home with mementos of the exposition, such as this cup depicting the nation's first president among patriotic imagery.
- Commemorative Spoon Holder, "Declaration of Independence: 100 Years Ago," 1876 - Glassmakers from around the world, including forty-seven American firms, mounted exhibitions at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Gillinder and Sons of Philadelphia constructed an entire working factory. Visitors could watch Gillinder craftsmen blow, press, engrave, and cut glass souvenirs celebrating the 100th anniversary of American independence. This example features an icon of national freedom, the Liberty Bell.
- 1876
- Collections - Artifact
Commemorative Spoon Holder, "Declaration of Independence: 100 Years Ago," 1876
Glassmakers from around the world, including forty-seven American firms, mounted exhibitions at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Gillinder and Sons of Philadelphia constructed an entire working factory. Visitors could watch Gillinder craftsmen blow, press, engrave, and cut glass souvenirs celebrating the 100th anniversary of American independence. This example features an icon of national freedom, the Liberty Bell.