Museum Objects
Indigenous, free, and enslaved people who lived in the First American West left behind artifacts that were part of their everyday lives. These objects were shaped by physical and social needs as well as available resources and technology. These items provide insight into complex cultural traditions, physical environments, labor structures, and socio-economic systems. By examining a bed linen made in the Kentucky frontier, insight can be gained into the types of crops cultivated, gender roles, domestic life, the market economy, and free and enslaved skilled labor on the frontier. It is important to consider whose items were kept, why they were preserved, and how they came into the collection.
Quilt belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. The quilt has strips of hand-woven cloth believed to have been made locally in Jefferson County,… Handwoven, linen bedcover belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. Elizabeth married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died only seven years into their… Handwoven, linen bedcover belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. Elizabeth married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died only seven years into their… Handwoven, linen bedcover belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. Elizabeth married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died only seven years into their… Handwoven, linen bedcover belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. Elizabeth married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died only seven years into their… Cotton bedspread belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. Elizabeth married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died only seven years into their marriage.… Bill from Lexington merchant Robert Parker to Mrs. Annie Christian for purple calico, light ground chintz, brocaded tiffney, fustian, coarse linen,… Raised embroidery whitework (also known as candle wicking) coverlet with a tufted basket and grape design. The family narrative states the coverlet… Flax paddles were used for scutching, part of the process for 'dressing' flax, or getting it prepped for spinning. Flax is one of the oldest… Hank of wool from Buchanan, Kentucky. Sheep were among the early domesticated animals brought to Kentucky. Home production of wool increased during…Bars quilt
Bedcover
Bedcover
Bedcover
Bedcover (white on white)
Bedspread (trapunto design)
Bill for Annie Christian from Robert Parker, 25 June 1788
Coverlet
Flax Paddle
Hank of wool
Basting spoons were used to baste (pour juices or melted fat over meat during cooking in order to keep it moist), as well as for stirring and serving.… The Dutch oven and its hook were brought to Bourbon County, Kentucky, from Frederick County, Maryland, by the Liter family before 1800. In addition to… The spider pot was brought to Bourbon County, Kentucky, from Frederick County, Maryland, by the Liter family before 1800. During this period, cooking… This teakettle was brought to Bourbon County, Kentucky, by the Liter family before 1800. Tea isn't immediately thought of as an 'American' staple,… Early style teaspoon with egg-shaped bowl and slender handle widening to a modified coffin style. Undecipherable monogram on end of handle. "SA"…Basting Spoon
Iron Dutch Oven
Iron Spider Pot
Teakettle
Teaspoon
