The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects

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.

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Bars quilt

Quilt belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. The quilt has strips of hand-woven cloth believed to have been made locally in Jefferson County,…

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Bedcover (white on white), 1800-1825

Handwoven, linen bedcover belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. Elizabeth married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died only seven years into their…

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Bedspread with trapunto design, 1800-1825

Cotton bedspread belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. Elizabeth married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died only seven years into their marriage.…

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Bill for Annie Christian from Robert Parker, 25 June 1788

Bill from Lexington merchant Robert Parker to Mrs. Annie Christian for purple calico, light ground chintz, brocaded tiffney, fustian, coarse linen,…

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Coverlet, circa 1816

Raised embroidery whitework (also known as candle wicking) coverlet with a tufted basket and grape design. The family narrative states the coverlet…

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Flax Paddle, circa 1800

Flax paddles were used for scutching, part of the process for 'dressing' flax, or getting it prepped for spinning. The paddles separated the hard…

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Hank of wool

Hank of wool from Buchanan, Kentucky. Sheep were among the early domesticated animals brought to Kentucky. Home production of wool increased during…

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Letter from David Davis to Thomas Bodley, 7 January 1796

This letter from David Davis to Thomas Bodley mentions one Fanny Malone being paid for mending and washing shirts for him.

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Letter from Eleanor Clark, 9 February 1798

Letter from Eleanor E. Clark requesting the recipient to use the enclosed linen to make a border for a bed quilt.

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Linen coverlet, 1800-1825

Linen coverlet belonging to Elizabeth Tyler Sturgeon. Elizabeth married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died only seven years into their marriage.…

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Basting spoon, circa 1800

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.…

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Iron dutch oven, circa 1790

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…

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Iron Spider Pot, circa 1790

The spider pot was brought to Bourbon County, Kentucky, from Frederick County, Maryland, by the Liter family before 1800. During this period, cooking…

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Teakettle, circa 1800

This teakettle was brought to Bourbon County, Kentucky, by the Liter family before 1800. Tea isn't immediately thought of as an 'American' staple,…

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Teaspoon, circa 1810

Early style teaspoon with egg-shaped bowl and slender handle widening to a modified coffin style. Undecipherable monogram on end of handle. "SA"…