Quilt / Coverlet Late 19th – early 20th Century Cotton Maker Unknown JJ.1999.71 This quilt contains a great example of a pattern often associated with the Underground Railroad. According to legend, the “bear paw” design either indicated that runaway slaves should follow a mountain trail to keep them hidden from view or suggested they follow an actual bear’s trail which would…
Posts By: Heather Iannucci
Mystery Object for May 6
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? What do you think this object was used for? Does this look like anything we use today? If so, what?…
Object of the Day – May 5
Knife Boxes c.1790 Mahogany veneer, metal, silver Likely English JJ.1958.64.1 and .2 These knife boxes were made around 1790 and are made of mahogany veneer. It is possible that these were original to the Jay family as a letter from Sarah Jay’s sister Catherine refers to a bill for knife cases, with knives include….
Mystery Object for May 5
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions for you to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? Who might have used this object? What do you think this object was used for? Yesterday’s Mystery…
Object of the Day – May 4
Shoe Buckles c.1780 Silver, Steel JJ.1982.86.1-.2 These shoe buckles belonged to John Jay, and were likely purchased while Jay was in Europe for the Treaty of Paris negotiations. The buckle portions are steel, with the rim being made of silver. A four-faceted design can be found on each buckle. Shoes in the 18th century…
Mystery Object for May 4
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? Why does this object have two magnifying glasses? What do you think this object was used for? Does this object…
Object of the Day – May 3
Letter from Harriet Myers to John Jay II Stephen Myers and his wife Harriet were abolitionists and agents of the Underground Railroad through the 1830’s-1850’s. Stephen was also the editor of multiple abolitionist newspapers such as The Northern Star and The Impartial Citizen. Both Harriet and Stephen corresponded with John Jay II on matters related…
Mystery Object for May 3
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, why do you think it has a handle? Do you see a picture on this object? If so, what is it of? What do you think this object…
Mystery Object for May 2
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? What shapes do you see when you look at this object? What do you think this object was used for?…
Object of the Day – May 2
Stephen Peloquin (c.1665-1730) c. 1703 Oil on Canvas Artist Unknown JJ.1982.90 Stephen Peloquin was originally from La Rochelle, France. In 1703, he married Augustus Jay’s sister, Francoise Jay, and together they had 5 children (including Marianne, whose portrait we also have). As a French Huguenot, he and his family fled to Bristol, England after the…
Sarah Jay’s Fan
Fan 1760-1780 Ivory, paper, brass, velum, nacre, watercolor paint JJ.1958.115 This 18th century fan is thought to have belonged to John Jay’s wife, Sarah Jay (1756-1802). Most of our information about the origin of this fan comes from the opinions of outside curators, all from museums with extensive fan collections. Based on the photos sent…
Object of the Day – May 1
Piano Forte c.1821-1836 Rosewood, satinwood, ivory, brass New York, Dubois and Stoddart JJ.1958.146 This piano is a creation of early 19th century piano makers Dubois and Stoddart, a New York manufacturing firm. William Dubois & Robert Stoddart began manufacturing pianos as a firm in 1821. Stoddart was a very skilled manufacturer from London, where…
Mystery Object for May 1
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? What shapes do you see when you look at this artifact? What do you think this artifact was used for?…
Mystery Object for April 30
Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? What shapes do you see when you look at this object? What do you think this object was used for? Yesterday’s Mystery Object was a Shredder It is made of mostly wood and…
Object of the Day – April 30
Dorothy and William Jay Iselin on their father, Arthur’s, back Bedford House 1910 JJ.1980.140.6.a You may view the Object of the Day Archives HERE
Object of the Day – April 29
Silk Top Hat 19th century Satin JJ.1969.35 A typical looking men’s top hat from the 19th century. The fine Satin material suggests that this was possibly a more luxurious hat for the era. Perhaps worn by Col. William Jay while riding in the Bedford countryside. You may view the Object of the Day Archives HERE
Mystery Object for April 29
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Who do you think might have used this object? What do you think this object was used for? Do we use any tools like this today? Yesterday’s Mystery Object was a Sponge….
Object of the Day – April 28
Fan 1760-1780 Ivory, paper, brass, velum, nacre, watercolor paint JJ.1958.115 This 18th century fan is thought to have belonged to John Jay’s wife, Sarah Jay (1756-1802). The leaf of the fan is painted with a watercolor pastoral scene while the sticks and end guards are made of ivory and nacre, also known as mother…