Browse Items (77 total)
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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, Kentucky, alternating with a commercial indigo print that was imported into the United States. The quilt, the oldest quilt in the Filson's collection, is more than 100 inches long on each side and was completely hand-stitched. Eliza married Thomas Sturgeon in 1816, who died seven years into their marriage in 1822. Eliza then took on the responsibility of managing their farm in addition to rearing her three young sons. Eliza enslaved seven people who provided crucial labor for the success of the farm and household. After her husband died, an unidentified enslaved woman helped Eliza manage the farm. In 1833, Eliza died from cholera leaving her three sons, all under the age of eighteen, to live with her brother. -
Mourning Quilt, circa 1882
Mourning quilt made by Elizabeth H. Bates Durrett (1831-1889) who lost one daughter, Florence Montgomery Durrett (1863-1869) at age six and a second daughter, Lily Bates Durrett (1859-1881) at the age of 21. The mourning quilt was made using material from her daughters' clothing. -
A Tudor Revival Christmas model
Mixed media model of a Tudor Revival home decorated for Christmas. The model was displayed in the Olde England on the Ohio exhibit at the Filson Historical Society in 2022-2023. -
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 was homespun from cotton grown on the farm of James Nicholls and Margaret Randolph Nicholls in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Whitework textiles were most prevalent in Kentucky between 1800 and the 1830s, and typically made by teenage girls. Elizabeth Randolph Nicholls Godman was aged fifteen when she made this coverlet. Likely the fiber for this coverlet was cultivated on the family farm. Elizabeth may have spun the fiber or taken it to a spinner (free or enslaved person), and then turned it over to a professional weaver in her community. Elizabeth would have then hand stitched the elaborate embroidered design. -
George Washington Inaugural Centennial Medal.
Front and back view of a George Washington Inaugural Centennial Medal that was given out to those who participated in the centennial parade in New York City. -
Piece of tow linen, circa 1813
A piece of tow linen (has a coarse texture) used for a bedtick, a bag shaped mattress stuffed with feathers and straw. Likely the fiber for this coverlet was cultivated on the family farm. Another textile from this family came with a note stating that according to family narrative that the flax was grown, spun, and woven by enslaved persons on the Winton Plantation. Elizabeth and/or an enslaved person may have spun the fiber at home, then it was likely turned over to an enslaved weaver. -
Memorial Ribbon for Prince Albert (1819-1861)
Silk ribbon memorializing the death of H.R.H. The Late Prince Consort. "The Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. The world and they that dwell therein." Contains images of Beatrice, Helena, Louisa, Victoria and Alice. "Coventry, 1863." -
Beaded Mourning Bonnet
Black crepe beaded bonnet, most likely worn in mourning. Possibly worn by Mary Brigham Robinson after the death of her husband Stuart Robinson in 1881. -
Deep Mourning Dress
Black silk dress, most likely worn during a phase of deep mourning. -
Half Mourning Dress
Black and purple silk dress with jet detailing, most likely worn during a phase of half mourning. -
Mourning Bodice
Black silk bodice with crepe embellishments, most likely worn during a phase of deep mourning. -
Mourning Fan
Black silk fan with carved guards, most likely part of a mourning ensemble. -
Mourning Gloves
Black net fingerless gloves with elastic wrist and tassels. Most likely part of a mourning ensemble. -
Mourning Parasol
Black and grey silk parasol, most likely part of a mourning ensemble. Belonged to Mrs. Zack Phelps (Amy Kaye) b. 1862, d. 1901 -
Mourning Sleeves
Black crepe detachable sleeves with netted lace cuffs. Most likely worn with a black crepe bodice as part of a mourning ensemble. -
Velvet Mourning Bonnet
Black velvet bonnet, most likely worn as part of a mourning ensemble. -
Straw Mourning Bonnet
Black straw bonnet with black silk ties and purple crepe embellishment. Most likely worn as part of a mourning ensemble, belonged to member of the Greene family. -
Mourning Gloves worn to Abraham Lincoln Funeral and Letter
Gloves worn by Andrew J. Ballard who attended the funeral of Abraham Lincoln as part of a Kentucky Delegation sent by the governor to the funeral. -
Mourning Brooch with Hair
Mourning brooch containing hair of a member of the Miller-Bohannan-Bullitt family. -
Mourning Brooch with Hair
Mourning brooch with gold lettering "In memory of." Contains hair of members of Bohannan-Miller-Bullitt families