Does this toy zeppelin remind you of the blimps that fly over football stadiums or other special events? Named after German aviation pioneer Ferdinand Zeppelin, these airships were state of the art air transportation from the early 1900s until...
Horseshoe crabs are actually more closely related to spiders then crabs. Their tail is not a weapon; it is used to help flip it right side up if it should get turned over and acts as a rudder as it moves through the sand. These animals are classic...
The mineral Auichilite is found on outcrops over iron ore deposits in arid, or extremely dry, climates. The original iron ore is leached out, forms an “armored hat” over the deposit, and then Auichilite forms, many times leaving traces of the...
The giant clam is the largest mollusk in the world. While this specimen is only 12 inches long, some may reach a length of over 48 inches and weigh well over 500 pounds. Both sides of the shell are heavily fluted and have interlocking teeth. These...
The Polar Bear is unmistakable in its off white coat, and can be found in the Arctic Ocean coast and ice flows. It is a very good swimmer, and while it might not seem possible, it is a very fast runner over short distances and can even outrun a...
Dolls; toys; Japan; Dolls -- Japan; Japan -- Social life and customs; International relations; Cultural relations
In 1927, children in the United States sent over 12,000 dolls, with voices that said mama," to Japanese school children as a gesture of friendship. Japan responded by sending Miss Shimane and her sisters as a thank you. First, a national...
Kites; China; China -- Social life and customs; China -- Folklore; Kites -- China
The first kites were probably flown in China more that 3,000 years ago. Like this kite, they were made by stretching silk over bamboo frames. Kites continue to be an integral part of Chinese culture today. Each year, people all over China celebrate...
Japan; Japan -- Social life and customs; Netsukes; Horses in art; Zodiac; Mammoths
Netsuke were first worn in Japan in the 17th century. They were invented because traditional Japanese robes had no pockets. Men who wore them needed a place to keep personal belongings such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, and medicines. They...
The first kites were probably flown in China more than 3,000 years ago. Like this kite, they were made by stretching silk over bamboo frames. Each year, people all over China celebrate Kite Festivals on the 9th day of the 9th month of the Chinese...
On February 12, 1947 over twenty three tons of extraterrestrial material fell over eastern Siberia. This particular specimen from that fall shows thumb-like depressions known as “regmaglypts," and ragged, twisted edges. This came from the...
Paleo-Indians; Paleo-Indians -- Implements; Indians of North America -- Implements; Indians of North America -- Antiquities; Implements, utensils, etc.
As early as 11,000 years ago, the first people to inhabit the Americas were making tools to hunt for food. Tools were chipped from stone, called chert. Over time, people learned where the best sources of chert were located and traveled or traded to...
This puzzle was made from one block of wood! To assemble this three dimensional puzzle, one carefully layers the puzzle pieces inside the largest block. Carefully cutting each layer, this puzzle repeats two simple figures, a person and a dog, over...
Known as a candlestick desk telephone, this 1920s phone was a popular model in homes across the country. Alexander Graham Bell first patented a machine that recorded speech sounds over electric wires in 1876. Newer technologies including push...
Telegraph; Telegraph -- Equipment and supplies; 1900s; Telegraph keys
The telegraph is just one of many forms of communication using signals. In this case, electrical signals are sent over a wire. The telegraph operator depresses the large round lever using Morse Code to send the message. This instrument, made about...
Hanukkah; Menorah; Jews -- History -- 586 B.C.-70 A.D.
First celebrated more than 2,000 years ago, Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Jews over the Syrians and the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When the Jews first re-entered the temple, they only found enough oil to keep the...
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865; Soldiers -- United States -- History -- 19th century; Soldiers; United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865; United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Equipment and supplies;...
The Civil War soldier’s essential equipment was made of leather. The cartridge box was slung over the left shoulder on a leather sling and held 40 rounds of ammunition. The brass “US” was to help weigh the flap down. The cap pouch was hung on...
Beginning in 1912, Indiana painter and author, William A. Bixler (1876-1961,) began painting pictures of James Whitcomb Riley’s “Old Swimmin’ Hole” in Greenfield, Indiana. At the time, students all over the country were raising money to...
Castles seem to hold a special spell over children in America. Without a real nearby medieval fortress, children use toys like this one to experience a building only seen in movies. Imagining this castle full of dashing knights and beautiful...
Mirrors; China; China -- Social life and customs; China -- History -- Ming dynasty, 1368-1644
Over the past 3,000 years, mirrors have become more than just a grooming aid in the Chinese culture. Mirrors, through the years, were also used as tokens of love, political gifts, and burial items for the afterlife. They were usually owned by the...
Gautama Buddha; Wood-carving; Sculpture; China; China -- Social life and customs; 1900s
The Chinese thought that soft pillows robbed the body of vitality, so their pillows were made of wood, leather, and ceramic materials. Some were even filled with herbal remedies to cure disease, turn white hair black, restore lost teeth, and...
