History through material culture.
Use search bar to find objects by historic event, time period or culture
Wig Curler- Stafford County, VA (3D)
Although George Washington did not wear a wig, over 200 wig curlers were found at his Ferry Farm home in Stafford County, Virginia.
Pennsylvania Long Rifle- Lancaster, PA (Video)
Lancaster County, PA had a long tradition of producing long rifles, but failed to make enough muskets for the American Revolutionary War.
Colonial Powder Horn- Ft. William Henry, NY
This powder horn was designed by John Bush, a Black provincial soldier who almost survived the siege at Fort William Henry.
18th Century Spring Lancet- Mansfield, CT
Doctors John Hunter and Benjamin Rush championed bloodletting as a cure for inflammation, however, opinions varied as to how often it should be done in a single day.
18th C. Cufflinks- Montpelier Plantation, VA
In Colonial America, men with means enhanced their buckles, buttons and cufflinks with paste jewelry.
18th Century Dice- St. Augustine, FL
This die was made from an animal's ankle bone, similar to the Spanish game known as Taba.
18th Century Brass Saw Blade- Fort Michilimackinac, MI (Video)
The 18th century saw has rounded teeth, which suggests that the tool was used to cut materials like soapstone or catlinite.
Abenaki Earring- Quebec, Canada
Earrings and nose rings were important additions to Abenaki outfits.
Blue Glass Bead-Fort Mose, FL (3D)
Archaeologists found this glass bead at Fort Mose in Florida. Fort Mose was the first free Black community in the territory that would become the United States of America.
Bone Needlecase- Burlington County, NJ (Video)
New Jersey archaeologists find a carved, bone needlecase that reflects African American craft and symbolism.
Grub Hoe- Prince George's County, MD
Grub hoes were most likely used to break the soil for tobacco plants, the primary cash crop for Maryland-based plantations.
Neck Stock Buckle- Boston, MA
Based on the number of nail-heads, this stock buckle can be dated to the mid to late 18th century, around the same time the Boston Common was occupied by British in 1775.
Connecticut Coppers- Fairfax County, VA
Connecticut Coppers were one of many state-minted coins released after the Revolutionary War and were distinct for the grapevines added to Liberty’s shield.