Philadelphia Archaeological Forum

July 2013 — Artifact of the Month

To Artifact of the Month Index
To PAF Home

Politics in the Home: The LIBERTY Tumbler

Artifact Record Photograph.
Image courtesy of Independence National Historical Park Archeology Lab.
(Click on picture for larger image.)

This clear glass tumbler, etched with the word “LIBERTY”, was discovered in 2001 during archaeological excavations in Independence National Historical Park. The tumbler prominently displays a political message; one that is particularly appropriate for our July artifact of the month. It dates to a time and place—late 18th century, Philadelphia—when the struggle for independence from England was a hotly contested issue. The owner of this glass was declaring their sympathy for the revolutionary cause. This was a message that would have been clearly understood by anyone who happened to see this tumbler gracing the owner’s table.

Preliminary, and still on-going, research suggests that this tumbler came from the Godfrey Minnick household. Minnick was a baker of German origin, who lived in Philadelphia during the formative years of the new nation. In the late 1780’s, Minnick and his family resided, and he operated a bake shop, on a property located at 53 N. 6th Street, midway between today’s Arch and Cherry Streets. This address is now located within the block occupied by the National Constitution Center (NCC).

The tumbler was discovered during archaeological excavations conducted in advance of the NCC’s construction. The LIBERTY tumbler was just one of a large collection of artifacts that were found in a brick lined privy (outhouse shaft) located in what was once the rear yard of the Minnick property.

The tumbler is made of clear, leaded, glass and was mouth-blown. The decorative message is wheel-engraved across the vessel’s outside surface. The tumbler, like the other objects found alongside it, come from a household whose members had fashionable, yet affordable, goods– “a polished exterior with a frugal core”, is how Independence Park’s Archeologists describe it.

Household items used to display political messages are occasionally found in archaeological sites and in museum collections. These include 18th century teapots decorated with the words ‘No Stamp Act’, and 19th century teapots, wallpaper, and curtaining decorated with abolitionist sentiments. Today we continue to prominently depict our political loyalties using many mediums including designs on T-shirts, decorations on coffee mugs, and statements on bumper stickers.

Write up contributed by Jed Levin, Independence National Historical Park, and Patrice L. Jeppson.

Artifact Index…
back to main page…

by admin