2013 Finalist National Medal for Museum and Library Service

Collection Highlights

Portrait of an Unidentified Woman
ca. 1700-1725
1952.80
Oil on canvas
Artist/Maker: Unidentified Artist

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Luce Center

Bass drum

Bass drum
Object name 
Bass drum
Date 
1836
Related People 
Original Owner: Harvey B. Dodworth
Related People 
Former Owner: Olean H. Dodworth
Related People 
Former Owner: J. W. Eldridge
Medium 
Wood, hide, rope, leather, metal, paint
Dimensions 
Overall: 21 1/4 x 34 in. ( 54 x 86.4 cm )
Description 
Bass drum with red painted wooden cylinder and drumheads made of animal hide; yellow painted wooden rims pierced with holes for rope lacing, which is reinforced with metal bands with leather tabs; cylinder painted with figures (said to be members of Dodworth Band in Antebellum uniform) oriented vertically with respect to rims, with banner surmounted by shield above, and inscriptions, "DODWORTH'S" and "CORNET BAND."
Credit Line 
Gift of the Chicago Historical Society
Object Number 
1950.271
Marks 
painted in black: on original drumhead: "DODWORTH, NEW YORK" painted: on cylinder: "DODWORTH'S / CORNET BAND"
Gallery Label 
According to information supplied by the donor, this drum was used for over 50 years by the Dodworth Band, which was established in 1825 by his father, Harvey B. Dodworth (1790-1876). According to the donor's affidavit, the drum was carried on the battlefield at Bull Run and struck twice by Confederate bullets, used in Ford's Theater the night of Lincoln's assassination, and in funeral ceremonies afterward. Further details of its history are recorded in the accession records.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.