Using a little imagination, an unknown railroad hobbyist made this bridge using Carlisle & Finch track between 1900 and 1945. Similar to the company’s No. 57 cast iron bridge, this bridge uses track, wood, electrical wire and paint. The...
Blastoids, commonly known as "Sea Lillies", are ancient animals very similar to starfish. They had a long stem like structure and a system of “roots” to hold them in the sediment of the sea floor. They spent their lives slowly...
Cards; Card games; Nineteen thirties; Finance, Personal; Budgets, Personal
Ever worry your parents will run out of money before giving allowances? In a similar way, some people worried the government was spending too much money when this game was made in 1938. To have a balanced budget, the government can’t spend more...
This never-worn dress from 1956 was originally for sale at Zukors (part of a West Coast chain of women's ready-to-wear specialty stores) in San Francisco. It is very representative of the style of the time. If you’ve ever watched popular 1950s TV...
Taxis (Vehicles); Models and modelmaking; Bicycles; Khatmandu (Nepal); Khatmandu (Nepal) -- Social life and customs; Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Its streets are overcrowded with gasoline and diesel-run cars, motorcycles and auto-rickshaws, filling the air with pollution. Due to the overcrowding, many people travel by bicycle...
Africa, East; Tanzania -- Social life and customs; Nyamwezi (African people); Rites and ceremonies -- Tanzania; Tanzania -- Religion; Sculpture; Ancestor worship
The religion of the Nyamwese peoples of East Africa, like many traditional African religions, focuses upon a creator God and the eternal spirits of deceased ancestors. One central practice involves saying special prayers and making offerings to...
Toys; Dolls; Dollmaking; Jamaica; Jamaica -- Social life and customs; Handicraft -- Jamaica; 1990s
Handmade dolls like this are made by Jamaican women to keep, give as gifts to family and friends, or to sell at market. This doll was made in 1993 by Jamaican artisan Jean Wint, who developed her skill by making many dolls throughout her life....
Ukraine; Ukraine -- Social life and customs; Clothing and dress; Folklore -- Ukraine; Embroidery
This Ukrainian folk costume was given to an American host family by their Ukrainian exchange student, Maria. Folk costumes like this one are typically worn for special occasions and festivals. Traditionally, the blouse would be embroidered by the...
Cricket; Cricket -- Equipment and supplies; Sports uniforms; Uniforms; Games -- England; Games -- Australia; Games -- New Zealand; Games -- India
Cricket is a sport that is played throughout the world. It is most popular in England, Australia, New Zealand and India. Although it seems similar to baseball, in that it requires a bat and ball, the rules are different and much more complicated....
Headgear; Ghana; Ghana--Social life and customs; Togo--Social life and customs; Helmets; 1960s
Helmets like this one, called ipiedza, are worn by hunters and warriors among peoples of northern Ghana and Togo in Western Africa during festivals associated with hunting and war. The cow horns represent the large animal's power and strength. Used...
Badminton (Game); Badminton--Equipment and supplies
For thousands of years, people all over the world have played games. The modern sport of badminton closely resembles the game, Poona, played in India during the 1800s. In 1934, the International Badminton Federation began sponsoring tournaments....
Nesting dolls originated in Russia and were adopted by Polish folk artists. Unlike their more delicate, artistic Russian counterparts, sturdier Polish sets are considered children's toys. The "Hansel and Gretel" tale is similar to many...
Musical Instruments; Organ (Musical instrument); Reed organs; 1900s; Indiana
Sing along at home or church, but no piano nearby? This hand-cranked reed organ allowed families to play many popular tunes with one hand. Sounding similar to a music box, this organ traveled around Indiana with a traveling preacher about 1900. The...
Following World War II, home movie cameras became affordable for families across the United States. Cameras, like this 1951 Nizo Heliomatic, captured the exploits of the Baby Boomer children. Riding bikes, tap dancing, running around the yard, the...
China; Zodiac -- Folklore; Animals -- Folklore; Folklore -- China; Astrology, Chinese; Calendar, Chinese
The zodiac, the stars in the heavens divided into twelve main groups, originated in China. Sometimes referred to as the Asian Zodiac, or Chinese Zodiac, it is divided into 12 years, instead of the Western Zodiac of 12 months. According to Chinese...
Octant; Navigation; Nautical astronomy; 19th Century
An octant is a navigational tool that is similar to a sextant. It was used mostly to determine latitude at sea. It measures angles by observing the sun or stars and the horizon in reflecting mirrors. It is called an octant because the maximum angle...
