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.

Corner Chair, 1765–85, Eastern Virginia, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Corner Chair
Eastern Virginia
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Explore by Category

Time’s Ticking! Highlighting Clocks

Wall Clock
Newport, RI
Newport Historical Society

Dwarf Case Clock
Watervliet, New York / South Union, KY
South Union Shaker Village

Fretwork shelf clock
Wabaunsee County, Kansas
Kansas Museum of History

Tall Case Clock
Annapolis, Maryland
Collection of Historic Annapolis, Inc.

Tall Case Clock
Natchez, MS
Historic Natchez Foundation
Tall case clock
Philadelphia
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Tall Case Clock
Raleigh, North Carolina
Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation

Tall Clock
Wilmington, DE
Biggs Museum of American Art

Explore by Location
(markers approximate)