Collection Highlights
The Game of Playing Department Store
1898
2000.715
Cardboard, wood, paper
Support the New-York Historical Society
Help us present groundbreaking exhibitions and develop educational programs about our nation's history for more than 200,000 schoolchildren annually.
Museum Collections
Luce Center
Banners
Object name
Banners
Date
1816-1865
Medium
Cotton canvas
Dimensions
a: 17 3/4 x 275 in. ( 45.1 x 698.5 cm )
b: 15 1/4 x 268 in. ( 38.7 x 680.7 cm )
Description
Two cotton canvas banners hand painted in black and red letters, "MORRISANIA EXEMPT FIREMEN."
Object Number
INV.12329ab
Marks
painted: all over: "MORRISANIA EXEMPT FIREMEN."
Gallery Label
In 1816, the Common Council of New York City encouraged enlistment of men in the fire companies by exempting firemen from jury duty and service in the militia. This is where the term Exempt developed in association with the fire department in New York. In 1865, the volunteer fire department was replaceed with professional, disbanding the volunteer wards, most of whom were associated with Tammany Hall and much of the political corruption in the first half of the 19th century in New York City.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
