The Decorative Arts Trust commemorates the United States Semiquincentennial with a celebration of 250 historic objects from across the country.

We invite you to explore this online collection of meaningful and impactful objects that represent independence, identity, and community. Although this resource is by no means comprehensive, we hope you enjoy exploring how objects can tell the story of America and encourage you to explore material culture collections online and in person at the wealth of institutions located throughout our nation.

Covered Jar

Covered Jar

Maker Unknown Date of Creation 1670–90 Location Made in Amsterdam; Used in Rhode Island Materials Ceramic Institution Rhode Island Historical Society Credit Line N/A Accession Number 1909.2.1 Photo Credit Rhode Island Historical Society This fluted covered jar in...

Covered Jar
Made in Amsterdam; Used in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Historical Society

Explore by Category
Highlighting 18th-Century Massachusetts

Robe a l’Anglaise
Possibly Massachusetts
Springfield Art Museum

Gin Bottle
Used in Salem, Massachusetts
Peabody Essex Museum
Hatchment
Boston, Massachusetts
New England Historic Genealogical Society
Wedding Gown
Massachusetts
Historic New England

Chest-on-Chest
Dorchester Lower Mills, Massachusetts
Yale University Art Gallery

Sons of Liberty Bowl
Boston, Massachusetts
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Explore by Location
(markers approximate)