At the Hammond-Harwood House is a delightful 18th century English watercolor box bearing the label of William Reeves. The box is mahogany inlaid with satinwood. In the drawer are six […]
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Have you ever watched or read a historic drama that reflected the contemporary period in which it was made rather than the historic era it is set in? That is […]
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Once treasured items of an early 19th century home, barometers now provide a glimpse into technology of the past. Wheel barometers were invented in 1663 by English scientist Robert Hooke, and […]
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When King Charles II succeeded to the English throne after the defeat of the Puritans, he popularized games of all kinds including billiards, backgammon, nine pins, and chess. Enthusiasm for […]
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Curious museum visitors often ask about this interesting device. Unlike many historic objects that have a modern-day equivalent, the pole screen provides a snapshot of a specific era. Ornamental yet practical, these screens deflected heat […]
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Heading into the weekend, are you ready to try a new libation? If you are feeling adventurous you might want to try flip. Glasses like this one were traditionally used for the 18th […]
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June 19 is Juneteenth, the celebration of emancipation as it reached the final enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy in 1865. It took more than two years for news of Lincoln’s […]
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Unearthed on the Hammond-Harwood House property during an archaeological dig, this decorative plate was found in shards and carefully glued back together. It reveals how early 19th century dining looked when Frances […]
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This patriotic American-made mirror has wonderful verticality: the columns bring viewers’ eyes to the top, which features an intricate eagle and the motto E Pluribus Unum, out of many one. Although the painting technique […]
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The story behind an object can transport you to the past, and this ribbon is no exception. Beloved French general the Marquis de Lafayette embarked on a grand American tour, leaving […]
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