Museums 101: A Collection of Home-Related Artifacts (Photo Diary)

During the eighteenth century, wealthy men who had travelled widely, would place the collection of curios from their travels in a special cabinet which became known as a Cabinet of Curiosities. The collection of objects was arranged at the whim of the owner. In the nineteenth century, public Cabinets of Curiosities became popular and out of these museums emerged. In the twentieth century museums began to focus more on explanation and interpretation rather than just displaying a collection of interesting artifacts. There are, however, a few museums in the twenty-first century which are still public Cabinets of Curiosities—lots of curiosities with limited explanation. One of these is the Miracle of America Museum in Polson, Montana. Shown below are some of the museum’s collection of home-related artifacts.

Home

Shown above is a 1910 White family rotary treadle (foot) powered sewing machine.

Alcohol

Consuming and making alcohol is an important part of American life.

Shown above are some devices for making alcohol and serving it.

More alcohol-related stuff.

Shown above are a couple of stills for making whiskey.

Boy Scouts

Campfire Girls