Museum Catalog

The Vermont Historical Society houses over 25,000 objects relating to our State's history. Over the next five years all of these items will be digitally documented and placed in this catalog for public use. Items are presented in topical exhibits as well as categorical groupings. Please check back regularly as items will be added monthly. This catalog also houses the Vermont Women's History Database and the Vermont Black History Database.

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Belt
Name/Title
Belt
Lexicon
Description
Circular, solid-silver belt with gold shield clasp. The belt is engraved with a floral pattern that covers the outer surface. The front shield is chased with a floral border engraved with the inscription, "Champion of the World, presented by the citizens of New York". The belt is inscribed with the names of the previous world champions from 1877, 1880, 1884, and 1887 (John McMahon).
Acquisition
1977.40
Relationships
McMahon, John (1841-1911)
Person or Organization
Place
Bakersfield
Town
Franklin County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
1887
Schuyler, Hartley & Graham
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Silver, Brass
Entry/Object ID
1977.40
Context
Won by John McMahon of Bakersfield, VT, 1887.
Box
Name/Title
Box
Lexicon
Description
Wooden box with finger-jointed corners. The box has a lid that hinges upward at the back with two small, metal hinges. There is a metal clasp at the center front, attached to the lid. The interior of the box is unfinished.
Acquisition
1959.58
Made/Created
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Wood
Entry/Object ID
1959.58.3
Context
Likely made in East Calais, Vermont
Bracelet
Name/Title
Bracelet
Lexicon
Description
Bracelet consisting of an intricately crocheted band and a jeweled clasp. The band is crocheted from several strands of straight, dark brown human hair. The clasp consists of a large, clear glass gem between two etched, gold-plated band caps. One cap attaches with a hinge, and the other attaches with an inserted tab. The back of the claps is engraved with the initials "LPF".
Acquisition
1937.5
Relationships
Fuller, Lena Edna (1875-1876), Ellis, Goldie Grace (1880-1954)
,
Made/Created
circa 1875
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Hair, Glass, Gold
Entry/Object ID
1937.5.2
Context
Likely worn by Goldie Grace Ellis of Montpelier, Vermont, in memory of her sister, Lena Edna Fuller, who died in infancy. While the hair in the bracelet is certainly from an adult, both hair and completed jewelry could be purchased commercially.
Bracelet
Name/Title
Bracelet
Lexicon
Description
Bracelet made of dark brown human hair. The ends are secured with gold mounts attached to a rectangular gold clasp engraved with the initials "C P". The hair is decoratively knotted using lacemaking or macrame techniques.
Acquisition
1952.16
Relationships
Place
Plymouth
Town
Windsor County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Materials
Hair, Gold
Entry/Object ID
1952.16.1
Context
Made from the hair of Clarissa Pollard of Plymouth, Vermont
Bracelet
Name/Title
Bracelet
Lexicon
Description
Bracelet woven out of dark brown hair. It is woven tightly in the center with large, round picots around the edges. The ends are bound with metal, and one clasp is engraved, "MT".
Acquisition
1963.44
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Hair
Entry/Object ID
1963.44.40
Bracelet
Name/Title
Bracelet
Lexicon
Description
Bracelet made of a woven tube of human hair. The clasps are no longer present.
Acquisition
1968.44
Relationships
Place
Hartford
Town
Windsor County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Hair
Entry/Object ID
1968.44.1
Bracelet
Name/Title
Bracelet
Lexicon
Description
Bracelet consisting of a plaited band and a jeweled clasp. The band is plaited from several strands of straight, dark brown human hair. The clasp consists of a large, pink glass gem with a blue enameled frame between two blue enamels mounts. One mount attaches to the gem with a hinge, and the other attaches with an inserted tab.
Acquisition
1954.11
Materials
Hair, Metal, Glass
Entry/Object ID
1954.11.3
Camera
Name/Title
Camera
Lexicon
Description
Glass plate camera that folds into a box. When folded, the camera resembles a small carrying case, completely covered in highly textured leather with a short carrying strap on the top. The back side (b) detaches at both the top and the bottom with metal protrusions that slide into clasps. Additionally, a hinged door is placed in the center of the back piece allowing access to the glass plate. The front opens by pressing two concealed buttons at the top of the case. Once open, the lens and its attached purple leather bellows can be slid onto an extendable wooden track. A marker on the proper left indicates the focal distance, and there is a level on the proper right. A perioscopal viewfinder sits to the proper left of the lens, and a wider viewfinders sits on top of the case. A small plaque under the lens bears in the inscription, "TELE-PHOTO CYCLE-POCO C/ROCHESTER OPTICAL & CAMERA CO."
Acquisition
2020.4
Relationships
Bosworth, George Ranney (1868-1915)
Person or Organization
Place
Berlin
Town
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
1890-1915
Rochester Optical & Camera Company
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Leather, Glass, Brass, Cardboard, Metal, Wood
Entry/Object ID
2020.4.2a-b
Context
Used by George R. Bosworth in Berlin, VT
Camera
Name/Title
Camera
Lexicon
Description
Glass plate camera that folds into a box. When folded, the camera slides into a small carrying case. The back side detaches at both the top and the bottom with metal protrusions that slide into clasps. Additionally, a hinged door is placed in the center of the back piece allowing access to the glass plate. Once open, the lens and its attached leather bellows can be slid onto an extendable wooden track. A small plaque under the lens bears in the inscription, "IMPROVED EMPIRE STATE MANUFACTURED BY ROCHESTER OPTICAL CO. Rochester, N.Y."
Acquisition
2009.51
Relationships
Chapman, Harry L. (1875-1967)
Person or Organization
Place
Windham
Town
Windham County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
1896-1905
Rochester Optical & Camera Company
Dimensions
Overall (extended)
Materials
Mahogany, Wood, Leather, Fabric, Brass, Glass
Entry/Object ID
2009.51.1a-e
Context
Used by Harry L. Chapman of Windham, Vermont
Campaign Button
Name/Title
Campaign Button
Lexicon
Description
Round white button with safety clasp and the blue inscription, "VERMONT RIGHT WITH READY/By Baraba Cummings, Springfield, Vt." At the center top is an image of a waving United States flag.
Acquisition
2012.50
Relationships
Reagan, Ronald Wilson (1911-2004)
Person or Organization
Made/Created
Cummings, Barbara
Artist
1980
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Metal, Plastic
Entry/Object ID
2012.50.23
Context
Produced for the presidential campaign of Ronald Reagan
Case
Name/Title
Case
Lexicon
Description
Tan leather rectangular camera case with two interior compartments for storing a camera and 6 glass plate negatives. The case has a short, leather handle at the top and two metal figure-8 attachments for a removable shoulder strap (no longer present). The case opens at the top and is secured at the center front with a metal clasp. The inside of the top piece bears the gold inscription, "Tele-Photo-Poco/G/Rochester Optical & Camera Co./Rochester, N.Y." The interior is lined in cotton.
B is a fragment, likely from the shoulder strap.
Use
Used to hold a glass plate negative camera and accessories
Acquisition
2020.4
Relationships
Bosworth, George Ranney (1868-1915)
Person or Organization
Made/Created
1890-1915
Rochester Optical & Camera Company
Dimensions
Materials
Leather, Metal, Cotton
Entry/Object ID
2020.4.4a-b
Context
Used by George R. Bosworth in Berlin, Vermont
Change Purse
Name/Title
Change Purse
Lexicon
Description
Small brown leather and velvet change purse with a metal top clasp.
Acquisition
1966.28
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Silk, Metal, Leather
Entry/Object ID
1966.28.14
Clasp
Interpretative Labels
Clasp, 1750-1774 Louis Charles Palin dit Dabonville (1700-1774) Montreal, French and British North America Silver Gift of Frederick M. Wiseman, #2017.3.12 Starting at first contact, Europeans traded metal and glass items to indigenous people in exchange for assistance, furs, food, shelter, and other necessities. This silver clasp or brooch was made specifically for trade by a known French silversmith living in Montreal. The clasp descended in an Abenaki family and was last worn by Abenaki Frederick Wiseman at the Vermont recognition ceremony in 2011.
Name/Title
Clasp
Lexicon
Description
Silver clasp or brooch with engraved and cut design. The clasp is in the shape of a circle with a hollow center. The central hole is rimmed with engraved sprigs. The outer edge and the middle are decorated with removed leaf shapes. The clasp is a hammered wire looped around a hold and spanning the center.
Acquisition
2017.3
Ethnography
Made/Created
Palin, Louis Charles (1700-1774)
Artist
1750-1774
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Silver
Entry/Object ID
2017.3.12
Context
Silver clasp made by French traders to trade with Indigenous Americans.
Corset
Name/Title
Corset
Lexicon
Clothing/Dress/Costume Details
Corset
Female
Description
White cotton corset that is stiffened with cording. It is boned at the center front and back openings. It secures in the front with metal clasps and laces at the back. Each narrow boning channel is flossed at the top and bottom with cream-colored thread.
Acquisition
1966.47
Made/Created
1878
Entry/Object ID
1966.47.66
Dominoes
Name/Title
Dominoes
Lexicon
Description
Rectangular brown leather case containing 22 red double-6 domino pieces with white pips. The case hinges open and secures at the center front with a metal clasp.
Acquisition
1953.3
Relationships
Chapin, William Horace (1855-1918), Chapin, Grace Frances Ordway (1874-1964)
Place
Chelsea
Town
Orange County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
circa 1890
Dimensions
Materials
Leather, Metal, Bone
Entry/Object ID
1953.3
Context
Given to William Chapin by Grace Ordway of Chelsea, Vermont, in 1890. Grace and William got married in 1899.
Drawing
Name/Title
Drawing
Lexicon
Description
A drawing of a clergyman with his hands clasped in prayer. He wears long robes and a cap. Signed only with “Paris 04.”
Acquisition
2021.36
Made/Created
Sprague, Fanny Knights Ide (1876-1942)
Artist
1904
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2021.36.26
Type of Drawing
Drawing
Name/Title
Drawing
Lexicon
Description
A woman sitting in a chair, full length. Her hands are clasped on her knee and she wears a white dress with puffy sleeves and her hair is up. She is cast in shadows. The chair is simple and not ornate. There is a sketch of one of her hands in the upper right hand corner. It is signed on the back and undated.
Acquisition
2021.36
Made/Created
Sprague, Fanny Knights Ide (1876-1942)
Artist
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2021.36.35
Type of Drawing
Drawing
Name/Title
Drawing
Lexicon
Description
A full length portrait of a woman shown in 3/4 view from behind. She wears a white blouse and a dark skirt and her hands are clasped behind her. It is signed in the bottom right corner.
Acquisition
2021.36
Made/Created
Sprague, Fanny Knights Ide (1876-1942)
Artist
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2021.36.78
Type of Drawing
Figurine
Name/Title
Figurine
Lexicon
Description
Unglazed white ceramic figure showing a child kneeling on a pillow. The child is shown wearing a chemise that has fallen off the shoulders and sits bunched above the child's waist. The hands are clasped between the child's thighs. The bottom is marked "171" in pencil.
Acquisition
1959.61
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Ceramic
Entry/Object ID
1959.61.13
Fob
Name/Title
Fob
Lexicon
Description
Watch fob with a hair chain. The chain is formed from crocheted loops of either horse hair or human hair. One end has a metal clasp, and the other end has a metal bar attached to a short length of metal chain.
Acquisition
1967.152
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Hair, Metal
Entry/Object ID
1967.152.7
Fob
Name/Title
Fob
Lexicon
Description
Metal watch fox with a central filigree disk. It has a chain looped around the disk with clasps at either end.
Acquisition
1967.68
Materials
Metal
Entry/Object ID
1967.68
Hatbox
Name/Title
Hatbox
Lexicon
Description
Shaped leather travel case for a hat. The case has a round base, and the sides flare outward to the concave lid. A leather strap forms a handle across the width of the top. Another leather strap lays across the lid perpendicular to the handle and hangs over the front side to insert into a brass clasp.
Acquisition
1976.9
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Leather, Brass
Entry/Object ID
1976.9.10
Knee Buckles
Name/Title
Knee Buckles
Lexicon
Description
Metal knee buckles. The borders consist a circle and an hourglass shape intertwined to form an oval. The latch bar has a two-pronged, U-shaped latch on one side, and an inward-facing two-pronged oval clasp on the other.
Acquisition
1937.7
Relationships
LaFayette, Marquis de (1757-1834), Williams, David (b. 1788)
Place
Royalton
Town
Windsor County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Metal
Entry/Object ID
1937.7.1a-b
Context
Said to have been worn by David Williams at the reception and dinner held in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette's visit in Royalton, Vermont, in 1824.
Medicine Case
Name/Title
Medicine Case
Lexicon
Description
Black leather doctor's bag with short handles and brass clasp. The bag contains paper envelopes, glass vials, glass bottles, and a metal tube filled with various drugs.
Acquisition
1966.44
Relationships
Whitmore, John (1819-1885)
Person or Organization
Place
Hebron
City
New Hampshire
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
circa 1855
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Leather, Glass, Paper, Brass
Entry/Object ID
1966.44.1
Context
Used by Doctor John Whitmore in Hebron, New Hampshire.
Membership Pin
Name/Title
Membership Pin
Lexicon
Description
Silver hexagonal lapel pin with a safety clasp on the reverse. The front is molded with a stag's head in the center of an enameled green circle with the words, "CAMP MAPLE KNOLLS". The back is marked, "sterling". The pin was originally attached to a square piece of cardboard printed with the words, "STERLING SILVER".
Acquisition
2006.17
Relationships
Camp Maple Knolls
Person or Organization
Place
Northfield
Town
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
1961-1962
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Silver
Entry/Object ID
2006.17.1
Context
Camp Maple Knolls for Boys was located in Northfield, Vermont, from 1953 until 1963.
Membership Ribbon
Name/Title
Membership Ribbon
Description
"NEA LIFE MEMBER" badge with pin attached. (a) Octagonal gold pin with engraved image of a schoolhouse with capitol dome in background. Printed across top: "Life Member" and at bottom: "N E A" Gold content engraved on back. Pin and safety clasp attached. (b) Purple ribbon with gold lettering: "NEA LIFE MEMBER"
Acquisition
2004.72
Relationships
National Education Association, Souther, A. Fern (1907-2004)
Place
Burlington
City
Chittenden County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Dimensions
Materials
Gold, Ribbon
Entry/Object ID
2004.72.11a-b
Context
NEA stands for National Education Association. Pin belonged to A. Fern Souther (1907-2004) who was born in Orleans, VT, grew up in Lowell, VT, was an elementary school teacher in Burlington, VT.
Mug
Name/Title
Mug
Lexicon
Description
Dark blue ceramic coffee mug decorated with gold. The gold decoration consists of a rectangle across the bottom of the mug that says "SHARE POWER" with a semicircle at the center with an illustration of two clasped hands and the words, "CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION".
Acquisition
2014.51
Relationships
Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, Green Mountain Power
Place
Rutland
City
Rutland County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
circa 1990
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Ceramic
Entry/Object ID
2014.51.7
Context
Central Vermont Public Service Corporation (CVPS) was at one time the largest electricity supplier in Vermont
Old Gal
Name/Title
Old Gal
Type of Painting
Lexicon
Description
This portrait depicts an elderly woman seated in a green Windsor armchair with a yellow cushion, while a pink cushion rests against the chair's back. She is dressed in a blue dress with a white collar, accompanied by a darker blue jacket or sweater. Her head is adorned with a black hat decorated with pink flowers, secured by a loose black ribbon beneath her chin. The woman's hands are clasped together in her lap, and she wears a serious expression on her face. The background of the portrait is gray, and the artwork is unframed.
Acquisition
2006.46
Artwork Details
Oil
Small, Zana (1863-1952)
Made/Created
Wright, Stanley Marc (1911-1996)
Artist
circa 1938
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2006.46.5
Web Links and URLs
Paper Doll
Name/Title
Paper Doll
Lexicon
Description
Paper doll cut from a clothing catalog. It is printed in black and white and shows a woman in a thigh-length coat and skirt. She is wearing a hat with a upturned brim and pointed crown. The coat secures across the front with four long frog clasps.

The back shows a text descriptions of suits with line drawings of skirt suits seen from the back.
Acquisition
1967.156
Made/Created
circa 1920
Materials
Paper
Entry/Object ID
1967.156.12
Paper Doll Dress
Name/Title
Paper Doll Dress
Lexicon
Description
Printed paper coat dress for a paper doll. The red coat is trimmed with brown fur and has a large black frog clasp at the center front. The back is labeled in ink, "Winter Girl."
Acquisition
2004.72
Relationships
Souther, A. Fern (1907-2004)
Person or Organization
Place
Burlington
City
Chittenden County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Materials
Cardboard
Entry/Object ID
2004.72.131f
Context
Owned by A. Fern Souther of Burlington, Vermont.
Paper Doll Dress
Name/Title
Paper Doll Dress
Lexicon
Description
Blue and yellow Edwardian dress for a paper doll. The pink-skinned arms are bare and clasped in the front. The back shows a portion of a sales catalog page.
Acquisition
2004.72
Relationships
Souther, A. Fern (1907-2004)
Person or Organization
Place
Burlington
City
Chittenden County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Materials
Paper
Entry/Object ID
2004.72.129b
Context
Owned by A. Fern Souther of Burlington, Vermont.
Pelerine
Name/Title
Pelerine
Lexicon
Clothing/Dress/Costume Details
Cape
Female
Description
Cream or pale green pelerine with lace collar. The short cape opens at the center front and has no clasps to secure it closed. The hem extends downward dramatically at the center front. There is a wide fall collar of self fabric, and a multi-layered ruffle of lace netting around the neckline and front opening (left side). The pelerine is lined and stiffened with heavily starched buckram gauze.
Acquisition
1963.62
Relationships
Mason, Caroline Betsy Weaver (1807-1841)
Person or Organization
Place
Plymouth
Town
Windsor County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
circa 1830
Entry/Object ID
1963.62.2b
Context
Worn by Caroline Betsy Weaver of Plymouth, Vermont
Pince-Nez
Name/Title
Pince-Nez
Lexicon
Description
Metal framed pince-nez glasses with clear oval lenses. The nose clasp is cushioned with cork. They are accompanied by a black leather case embossed with an illustration of an eyeball surrounding the label, "DR. HICKS OPTICAL CO. 137 CENTRAL ST. LOWELL, MASS."
Acquisition
1965.57
Made/Created
Dr. Hicks Optical Company
Dimensions
Overall (case)
Materials
Metal, Glass, Leather
Entry/Object ID
1965.57.2a-b
Political Button
Name/Title
Political Button
Lexicon
Description
Vermont Women are Valuable in dark blue letters on a white background. The center has a dark blue background with a white bird and the female symbol. The pin on the back is of the clasp variety.
Acquisition
2015.50
Made/Created
1974-1987
Dimensions
Materials
Metal
Entry/Object ID
2015.50.12
Context
Rita K. Edwards, the donor of this pin, was on the staff of the Governor's Commission on the Status of Women and active in the women's rights movement in the 1970s. In advance of the Vermont Women's Town Meeting in 1977, Rita Edwards and Faire Edwards (not related) of the Vermont Gray Panthers came up with this pin. An account in the Burlington Free Press on March 2, 1977, gives a brief history of the pin and the event.
Political Button
Name/Title
Political Button
Lexicon
Description
Yellow/green button/pin reading "Vermonters/ Organized for/ Clean-Up/ JOIN US". In lower center are 4 images: Chemistry bottle, test tube, an oil drum(?), and 3 smoke stacks with fumes. The writing is in calligraphy. The words are arranged so the letters VOC fall one above the other. Pin has safety clasp.
Acquisition
1985.18
Relationships
Vermonters Organized for Clean-Up
Person or Organization
Place
Williamstown
Town
Orange County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
Dimensions
Materials
Plastic, Metal
Entry/Object ID
1985.18.1
Context
The organization, Vermonters Organized for Clean-up" was incorporated on April 19, 1984 as an environmental protection business. It is listed in 2020 as inactive. It's official address was Williamstown, also the address for its two directors, Theresa Freeman and Marianne Miller.
Promotional Button
Name/Title
Promotional Button
Lexicon
Description
Barre/ The Granite Center 1895-1995 pin. White pin with blue graphics of a male granite cutter with tools in hand central. Around him is an oval of text "1895 BARRE 1995 THE GRANITE CENTER" With a safety clasp pin back.
Acquisition
1995.22
Relationships
Place
Barre City
City
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
1995
Dimensions
Materials
Plastic, Metal
Entry/Object ID
1995.22
Context
Here is some history to explain the tag "The Granite Center" associated with Barre, Vermont, provided by the Barre Granite Association. (http://barregranite.org/BGAmobile/index.php/pid/5)


" Barre Gray Granite was used extensively in the early 1800’s for millstones, paving stones and home and building construction. It was at that time that Robert Parker became Barre’s first professional quarryman and the first granite manufacturer. Slowly, but steadily the granite industry grew, causing Barre’s population to expand to 2,012 by the year 1830. A few years later the industry would get a tremendous boost with the contract for a new Vermont Statehouse to be built of Barre Gray granite in Montpelier, VT. It was the first major building project to use Barre granite. Then, in 1875, the railroad came to town, giving Barre access to the markets of the world.

In the 1880’s, Barre experienced a technological boom. Emery L. Smith, who later became the first mayor of Barre City, pioneered new quarrying technology, including a permanent derrick, electrically detonated explosives, the steam drill and the pneumatic plug drill. Electricity came to the region in 1885, giving rise to power cutting, polishing, surfacing, carving and stone transferring with overhead cranes.

With rapid growth in the granite industry, immigrants began flooding into Barre, and by 1890 the population had more than to 6,790. The first workers to arrive were Scots, followed by Italians, Scandinavians, Spanish, English, Irish, Greeks, and French-Canadians. When an order for 10 million hand-cut paving stones for the city of Troy, New York, was received, this gave Barre’s granite industry a big boost in the 1890’s. At that time about 40 quarries were cutting granite, primarily for monuments and memorials, and by 1902 Barre became the Granite Center of the World, with 68 quarries producing granite valued at more than $1.5 million."
Promotional Button
Name/Title
Promotional Button
Lexicon
Description
Metal pin, painted white with green lettering and graphics. Pin back has a safety clasp. Face reads: "Vermont/GREEN UP/VOLUNTEER"
white, green
Acquisition
1989.58
Relationships
Green Up Day
Event
Vermont Green Up, Inc.
Person or Organization
Materials
Metal
Entry/Object ID
1989.58.2
Context
The first Green Up Day was held on April 18, 1970. In a letter written in 1984, former Gov. Deane Davis explained the origin for the now annual event. Robert Babcock, reporter for the Burlington Free Press, came to Davis after being appalled at the roadside litter that appeared as the snow melted in March 1969. He suggested to Davis that the state should sponsor a clean-up day. Davis liked the idea and set up a planning committee. Rather than rush to hold the event in 1969, the committee scheduled it for 1970. Babcock got a leave from the newspaper to work full-time on planning the event. For the first event, the interstate was closed from 9 a.m. to noon.
Besides a copy of Davis' account, there are materials about the fifth anniversary in 1983 of the state's 1978 bottle return law.
Purse
Name/Title
Purse
Lexicon
Description
Small, black velvet purse with silver-toned metal beaded embroidery. The purse is decorated with a design of an urn of flowers above two leaves or branches. The bottom is edged with fringe formed of the same beads, and the sides are decorated with tassels of the same beads. The top opening is secured to a metal clasp that is attached to a silver chain.
Acquisition
1974.2
Relationships
Eschenheimer, Ina Carlyle Gabree (1893-1973)
Person or Organization
Place
Montpelier
City
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
circa 1900
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Silk, Silver
Entry/Object ID
1974.2.4
Context
Used by a relative of Ina Eschenheimer in Montpelier, Vermont
Purse
Name/Title
Purse
Lexicon
Description
Small beaded purse or handbag. The white, gold, and silver colored glass beads are stitched to yellow fabric in a bow and leaf design. The top opening is finished with a silver clasp, and there is a silver chain.
Acquisition
1988.25
Relationships
McKee, Marguerite Edson (1893-1989)
Person or Organization
Place
Montpelier
City
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Silver, Silk, Glass
Entry/Object ID
1988.25.9
Context
Owned by Marguerite Edson McKee of Montpelier, Vermont.
Purse
Name/Title
Purse
Lexicon
Description
Black satin purse with short strap and rhinestone and gold clasp. Inside is lined with black silk, are there are two side pockets.
Acquisition
1988.25
Relationships
McKee, Marguerite Edson (1893-1989)
Person or Organization
Place
Montpelier
City
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Silk, Metal, Glass
Entry/Object ID
1988.25.12
Context
Owned by Marguerite Edson McKee of Montpelier, Vermont.
Purse
Name/Title
Purse
Lexicon
Description
Silver mesh evening bag with silver clasp and chain handle.
Acquisition
1988.25
Relationships
McKee, Marguerite Edson (1893-1989)
Person or Organization
Place
Montpelier
City
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Silver
Entry/Object ID
1988.25.13
Context
Owned by Marguerite Edson McKee of Montpelier, Vermont.
Purse
Name/Title
Purse
Lexicon
Description
Small cream-colored purse that is heavily beaded in very delicate glass beads interspersed with a very finely woven and stitched floral designs. The front side of the purse is heavily embellished with a flower, leaf and vine design and the back side of the purse is simpler with only a design of a bow. The top of the purse is metal and attaches with a clasp that opens and closes. A metal chain hangs across the top and attaches at either end to opposite sides of the purse.
Use
Accessioned into the Kent collection, but in the 1990s, all objects found in Kent house were added to the gift number. Objects will these high end numbers are from that group.
Acquisition
1976.43
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Silk, Glass, Metal
Entry/Object ID
1976.43.278
Context
No known VT connection.
Richard G. Wood
Name/Title
Richard G. Wood
Type of Painting
Lexicon
Description
Oil painting, showing a middle-aged white man with brown hair. He is shown sitting from the waist up with his crossed legs visible at the bottom edge. He has his hands clasped in his lap. He is wearing a suit consisting of a dark blue jacket, vest, and pants, a white shirt, and a blue tie. The man has light brown hair and blue eyes. The background is blue with a beige curtain in the back left. The painting is within a gilded wood frame.
Acquisition
1967.170
Artwork Details
Oil
Wood, Richard George (1900-1967)
Made/Created
Gravis, Margaret
Artist
circa 1940
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
1967.170.1
Context
Richard G. Wood was a former director of the Vermont Historical Society.
Royall Tyler
Name/Title
Royall Tyler
Type of Painting
Lexicon
Description
Oval miniature in gold frame. Domed glass front and back. Portrait of Royall Tyler wearing a high collared black coat and powdered wig with hair pulled back. Long silver sideburns.
Case is brown leather with a push button clasp. The gold velvet interior of the bottom is built up with a recessed area to fit the miniature. The lid is lined in beige satin.
Acquisition
2010.29
Relationships
Tyler, Royall (1757-1826)
Person or Organization
Artwork Details
Watercolor
Made/Created
1790-1820
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2010.29.1
Senator George Edmunds
Name/Title
Senator George Edmunds
Photograph Details
Edmunds, George Franklin (1828-1919)
Crayon Enlargement
Lexicon
Description
This oval portrait depicts a man who appears to be middle-aged. He is wearing a white shirt, a black stock or bowtie, a vest, and a jacket. He has a high forehead and a full beard. Additionally, he is wearing a pocket watch, which is attached to a chain that is clasped in the buttonhole of his vest. An ornament on the fob is heart-shaped in design.
Acquisition
1938.11
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
1938.11.1
Shoe Buckles
Name/Title
Shoe Buckles
Lexicon
Description
Silver-toned metal shoe buckles. The buckles are rectangular with rounded edges. The borders consist of two stripes of metal connected evenly with round dots. The latch bar has a two-pronged, U-shaped latch on one side, and an inward-facing two-pronged quadrilateral clasp on the other.
Acquisition
1948.7
Relationships
Civil War
Event
Waldo, Joseph Warren
Person or Organization
Place
Royalton
Town
Windsor County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
19th Century
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Metal
Entry/Object ID
1948.7.2a-b
Context
Worn by 2nd Lieutenant Joseph W. Waldo of Royalton, VT who served in Co. A, 16th Vermont during the Civil War.
Shoes
Name/Title
Shoes
Lexicon
Description
Small, brown leather Mary Jane style shoes sized for a young child. Each shoe secures at the ankle with a strap held by a silver clasp. The insole is stamped with the word "FRANCE". The sole is soft leather. One shoe is missing its sole.
Acquisition
1966.47
Entry/Object ID
1966.47.61a-b
Sketch
Name/Title
Sketch
Lexicon
Description
A drawing of a man sitting in a chair with his hands clasped and his legs spread slightly apart. He wears a long coat and long pants and appears to have white/light hair. He is looking down at the ground between his feet. Signed in the bottom right corner and undated.
Acquisition
2021.36
Made/Created
Sprague, Fanny Knights Ide (1876-1942)
Artist
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2021.36.7
Type of Drawing
Skirt Lifter
Name/Title
Skirt Lifter
Lexicon
Description
Black-painted metal tension clasp with an applied hand. The clasp is shaped like a safety pin and culminates in two round loops. The far end is attached to a short length of chain that culminates in a bent metal bar.
Use
Used to hold up skirt trains.
Acquisition
1954.24
Relationships
Place
Montpelier
City
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Metal
Entry/Object ID
1954.24.3a-b
Context
Owned by a member of the Dewey family in Montpelier, Vermont
Snowshoe Bindings
Name/Title
Snowshoe Bindings
Lexicon
Description
Pair of snowshoe bindings consisting of a shaped plastic base and cotton webbing straps. The base is shaped with vertical extensions on both sides and a tab that curls over the toe. There are two straps, both of which are adjustable with plastic clasps. One strap strings through the toe tab and connects to the front side extensions. The other strap connects to the back side extensions and is much longer than the front strap. The base is labeled, "TUBBS" and "TD|91".
Acquisition
1995.3
Relationships
Osgood, William
Person or Organization
Place
Northfield
Town
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
1985-1995
Tubbs Snowshoes
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Plastic, Synthetic
Entry/Object ID
1995.3a-b
Context
Used by William Osgood of Northfield, Vermont.
Sporran
Name/Title
Sporran
Lexicon
Description
Horsehair covered leather pouch with a chased silver top clasp. There are two black horsehair tassels on the front of the bag, and it is attached at the back to a narrow leather strap.
Acquisition
2009.41
Ethnography
Relationships
Chalmers, Francis, Jr. (1893-1985), Black, John L. (1934-2008)
Place
Barre Town
Town
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
circa 1920
J. D. Mackay
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Leather, Silver, Horsehair
Entry/Object ID
2009.41.1c
Context
Owned by Frank Chalmers, Jr. of Barre, Vermont, and later John L. Black, Jr. of Barre, Vermont.
Susan Elizabeth Griggs Dewey
Interpretative Labels
Susan Elizabeth Griggs Dewey Unknown Montpelier, VT Oil on canvas Gift of Emily Shipman Howland Gay, #A-577 Dr. Julius Dewey (1801-1877) practiced medicine in Montpelier, Vermont until the 1840s when he founded the National Life insurance company. What started out as a one-man operation soon turned into a major, national corporation still in operation today. His son, Admiral George Dewey, went on to fame in the Spanish American War. Susan Dewey was Dr. Dewey's third wife.
Name/Title
Susan Elizabeth Griggs Dewey
Type of Painting
Lexicon
Description
Oval portrait of a woman seating wearing a blue gown with a pink central bodice and black, fur shawl. Her dark hair is curled close to her head and held in a chin-length style and she has a small smile. Her dress is embellished with self-fabric ruffles along the center edges. She is draping her right arm on a white marble table and loosely clasping her hands in front of her.
Acquisition
1989.23
Relationships
Dewey, Julius Yemans (1801-1877)
Person or Organization
Artwork Details
Oil
Dewey, Susan Elizabeth Griggs (1816-1886)
Made/Created
circa 1860
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
1989.23.3
Context
Susan Dewey lived in Montpelier and was the mother of Spanish-American War hero Admiral George Dewey.
T-Shirt
Name/Title
T-Shirt
Lexicon
Description
Whit t-shirt printed at the center front chest with a logo consisting of two clasped hands within an oval. The oval has cow spots. It is surrounded by the words, "KaReLiA-vErMoNt / BrOtHeRs & SiStErS / BuSiNeSs ExChAnGe / FoUnDeD mAy 1991".
Acquisition
1991.66
Relationships
,
Made/Created
1991
Dimensions
Size large
Materials
Cotton
Entry/Object ID
1991.66.1
Context
The Karelia-Vermont business exchange was a partnership set up by the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation and the Soviet Information Service. It consisted of 24 people from Karelia touring businesses across Vermont.
Tassel
Name/Title
Tassel
Lexicon
Clothing/Dress/Costume Details
Tassel
Silk
Metal
Description
Green silk graduation tassel. The tassel has braided strands and a gold clasp at the top with a gold charm. The charm is round and is stamped with a laurel wreath border and a bell in the center with "76" on it to commemorate the United States' Bicentennial.

Worn by a member of the Class of 1976 at their graduation from the Austine School.
Acquisition
2024.16
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2024.16.49
Context
Austine School for the Deaf Brattleboro, VT
Tassel
Name/Title
Tassel
Lexicon
Clothing/Dress/Costume Details
Tassel
Silk
Metal
Description
Cream-colored silk graduation tassel. The tassel has braided strands and a gold clasp at the top with a gold charm. The charm has the year "66" enclosed in a rectangle with a decorative drop at the center of the bottom edge.

Worn by a member of the Class of 1966 at their graduation from the Austine School.
Acquisition
2024.16
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2024.16.48
Context
Austine School for the Deaf Brattleboro, VT
Tassel
Name/Title
Tassel
Lexicon
Clothing/Dress/Costume Details
Tassel
Silk
Metal
Description
Green and white silk graduation tassel. The tassel has braided strands and a gold clasp at the top with a gold charm. The charm is the number "10" in stylized script for the Class of 2010.

Worn by a member of the Class of 2010 at their graduation from the Austine School.
Acquisition
2024.16
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2024.16.50
Context
Austine School for the Deaf Brattleboro, VT
Toilet Kit
Name/Title
Toilet Kit
Lexicon
Description
Rectangular black leather case that unfolds to reveal several interior compartments. The main compartment is a leather-covered tin box with dividers that contains a miniature basket made from a hazelnut, two combs, an emery book, a crochet hook, and a glass needle. The two other sections of the case consist of central straps stitched at regular intervals to create channels, and protective flaps at the top and bottom.

The case secures with a round brass clasp. To open, the center button is pulled downward with no key.
Acquisition
1953.9
Relationships
Pollard, Susanna Maria Taylor (1845-1875)
Person or Organization
Place
Ludlow
Town
Windsor County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
Materials
Leather, Brass, Tin
Entry/Object ID
1953.9.1a-s
Context
Owned by Susy Taylor Pollard of Ludlow, Vermont
Toilet Kit
Name/Title
Toilet Kit
Lexicon
Description
Boxed gift set containing grooming objects for a baby. The box consists of a base and a hinged lid; the lid makes up the top and sides of the box and hinges open from the back. The top is labled, "Baby Toilet." The interior is lined with light blue satin. The base is shaped to hold the objects inside, including clasps that are hidden beneath the lining fabric. Contained within the box is a cylindrical powder box with an illustration of a white baby wearing pink, a white hair brush with soft white bristles, and a white comb with 2 widths of teeth.
Acquisition
1966.47
Materials
Leather, Silk, Celluloid
Entry/Object ID
1966.47.57a-e
Tribute to Vermont (study 3)
Name/Title
Tribute to Vermont (study 3)
Lexicon
Description
The drawing is on brown paper. On the entire picture there is a grid. Numbers line the vertical axis, they go up to 25 in red ink then start over from 1 in yellow ink. On the vertical axis there are letters up to G. When these two axis meet they create a square inch box; these boxes are all along the picture. In the far left corner there is a scene of Native Americans paddling a canoe, and to their left is supposedly Samuel de Champlain. To the right of the Native American scene is a picture of a man with his fist raised wearing a colonial hat. Below him there is a man chopping wood and two horses pulling something. To the right of these scenes the sketches get darker in shade. There is a picture of a church with hands clasped in a prayer position. To the churches right there is a picture of a man and woman holding each other. Under them is a man holding a piece of paper, and below this man is a picture of the state house. To the right of the state house there is a large scene of sap collecting. Two trees frame this scene. To the right and a bit above that scene there is the front of a building, below the building there is a group of people, some of them are waving their hands. Next to the group of people and the building, on the right, there is a tree, to the right of the tree begins a new scene. This scene is of farmers. Miking cows, taking care of horses. Above the farm scene there is a granite workers scene. A man waving his hand to another man working in the granite quarry. To the right of these two scenes is another tree. To the right of that tree, in the upper right corner is a scene of a college graduation. Below that is a drawing of people skiing.
Acquisition
2016.39
Artwork Details
Pencil
Made/Created
Sample, Paul Starrett (1896-1974)
Artist
2016
Dimensions
Entry/Object ID
2016.39.4
Type of Drawing
Context
When National Life laid the cornerstone of its headquarters on the ridge overlooking Montpelier in 1958, their CEO approached well-known-muralist Paul Sample to create an iconic work of art to evoke the past, present, and future of Vermont as a centerpiece of the new structure. Sample worked closely with National Life to choose scenes and topics that reflected both Vermont's story and that of the company's rich Vermont roots. As he got closer to a final design, Sample produced scale drawings, called cartoons, of the mural in both pencil and paint for company approval. When he was ready to transfer the design to the full eight by fifty-foot canvas, he partitioned the final cartoon into numbered blocks to ease the enlargement of scenes. Notice how the composition and content of the mural changed from the bottom sketch to the top working design.

Paul Starrett Sample (September 14, 1896 – February 26, 1974) was an American artist who portrayed life in New England in the middle of the 20th Century with a style that showed elements of "Social Realism and Regionalism."

Sample was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1896. After having moved across the country with his family on several occasions, Sample attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. There he studied architecture and graduated in 1921 after a year in the Naval Reserve during World War I. While visiting his brother, Donald, at a sanatorium in Saranac Lake, New York, Sample contracted tuberculosis. He stayed for treatment of that disease in Saranac Lake for four years. There he met Sylvia Howland, whom he married in 1928.

At Saranac Lake, Sample studied drawing and painting under Jonas Lie. He then studied at the Art Students League of Los Angeles, and the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles, California. There his work reflected social issues connected with the Great Depression with two noted paintings in 1931. In 1926 Sample joined the faculty of the University of Southern California in the school of architecture, where he remained until 1938. In 1938, he returned to New Hampshire to become the artist in residence at Dartmouth College, a position which he held until 1962. In addition to his social and regional paintings, Sample produced artwork for various magazines during World War II.
Trinket Box
Name/Title
Trinket Box
Lexicon
Description
Trinket box made from birdseye maple. It has machine dovetailed joints, along with a metal hinge and clasp. Its exterior is coated with a light varnish, while the interior remains in its natural state.
Acquisition
1976.43
Relationships
Place
Calais
Town
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Wood, Metal
Entry/Object ID
1976.43.133
Context
Likely owned by a member of the Kent family of Calais, Vermont.
Tumbler
Name/Title
Tumbler
Lexicon
Description
White plastic cup printed with two long-faced beasts, one dressed in a suit, the other in a dress and veil, clasping hands through a large ring. The ring is printed with the words "JEFF" and "TRINI" with the word "AND" in the center. The date "AUGUST 6 1994" is across the bottom.
Acquisition
2011.29
Made/Created
Koren, Edward Benjamin (b. 1935)
Artist
1994
Comet
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Plastic
Entry/Object ID
2011.29.7
Wallet
Name/Title
Wallet
Lexicon
Description
Leather trifold wallet for holding a medal. At the center of the top flap is a small metal clasp in the shape of a horseshoe. The interior is labeled with the name, "GENL. WM. SMITH."
Acquisition
1952.11
Relationships
Civil War
Event
3rd Vermont Infantry, Smith, William Farrar (1824-1903)
Place
St. Albans City
City
Franklin County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Materials
Leather
Entry/Object ID
1952.11d
Context
Owned by Major General William "Baldy" Smith of St. Albans, Vermont
Wallet
Name/Title
Wallet
Lexicon
Description
Small red leather wallet with a red lining. It secures with a metal clasp at the center of a front flap. The label, "Mary A. Templeton, Montpelier, Vt." is printed inside the from flap. There are calling cards inside.
Acquisition
1980.5
Relationships
Templeton, Mary Ayers (1825-1913)
Person or Organization
Place
Montpelier
City
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Made/Created
circa 1845
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Leather
Entry/Object ID
1980.5.2
Context
Owned by Mary A. Templeton of Montpelier, Vermont.
Watch Chain
Name/Title
Watch Chain
Lexicon
Description
Gold-toned watch chain with round, hinged locket. There is a metal clasp at either end of the chain. Another short chain is attached on the long chain with an eye ring, allowing it slide along the long chain. The short chain terminates in a straight metal bar at one end, and a round, hinged locket on the other. The face of the locket is engraved with a shield and floral flourishes. It opens to reveal a glass- or mica-fronted frame that has not been filled. There is a partial link welding to the center of the chain. One clasped has the stamped mark, "SP", and the other clasp has a larger, illegible mark.
Acquisition
1967.98
Relationships
Dobey, Oliver (1856-1908)
Person or Organization
Place
Montpelier
City
Washington County
County
Vermont
State/Province
United States of America
Country
North America
Dimensions
Materials
Metal
Entry/Object ID
1967.98.2
Context
Owned by Oliver Dobey in Montpelier, Vermont
Watch Chain
Name/Title
Watch Chain
Lexicon
Description
Gold-toned metal watch chain. The links alternate between flat circles and twisted braid. There are two chain sections connected by two circular clasps.
Acquisition
1982.24
Relationships
,
Dimensions
Overall
Materials
Gold
Entry/Object ID
1982.24.88
Context
Likely owned by a member of the Goodhue or Coolidge families of Burlington and Plymouth, Vermont.

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