Collection Highlights
The Indian: The Dying Chief Contemplating the Progress of Civilization
1856
1875.4
White marble and wood
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Banner: Bronx Exempt
Title
Banner: Bronx Exempt
Object name
Banner
Date
1816-1865
Medium
Cotton, silk ribbon
Dimensions
Overall: 23 1/2 x 82 1/2 in. ( 59.7 x 209.6 cm )
Description
Blue cotton banner painted red, yellow and gold letters, "BRONX EXEMPTS" with a gold scroll beneath; yellow metallic trim along the scalloped edges; metallic (oxidized) fringe along the bottom edge; blue silk sibbons along the top edge; backed with yellow cotton.
Object Number
INV.12325
Marks
painted: center: "BRONX EXEMPTS"
Gallery Label
In 1816, the Common Council of New York City encouraged enlistment in fire companies by exempting firemen from jury duty and service in the militia. This is where the term Exempt in association with the fire department in New York developed from. In 1865, the volunteer fire departmen was replaced with professionals, disbanding the volunteer ward, most of which 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.