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… 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. The paddles separated the hard… Hank of wool from Buchanan, Kentucky. Sheep were among the early domesticated animals brought to Kentucky. Home production of wool increased during… This letter from David Davis to Thomas Bodley mentions one Fanny Malone being paid for mending and washing shirts for him. Letter from Eleanor E. Clark requesting the recipient to use the enclosed linen to make a border for a bed quilt. Linen coverlet belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. Elizabeth married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died only seven years into their marriage.…Bars quilt
Bedcover (white on white), 1800-1825
Bedspread with trapunto design, 1800-1825
Bill for Annie Christian from Robert Parker, 25 June 1788
Coverlet, circa 1816
Flax Paddle, circa 1800
Hank of wool
Letter from David Davis to Thomas Bodley, 7 January 1796
Letter from Eleanor Clark, 9 February 1798
Linen coverlet, 1800-1825
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, circa 1800
Iron dutch oven, circa 1790
Iron Spider Pot, circa 1790
Teakettle, circa 1800
Teaspoon, circa 1810