Draft Raffle Drum, c.1860-65.
Maker unknown; metal drum on wood platform.
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania Collection at the Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia.
Donor unknown, 1865.

President Lincoln first proposed a draft in early 1862 when the number of volunteers no longer met the military’s need for soldiers. He implemented a draft for nine months beginning in summer 1862 and again in 1863 and 1864. Local recruiters worked hard to meet their quotas which resulted in few Philadelphians serving because of the draft. As elsewhere in the North, the announcement of another draft was unwelcome and provoked strong reactions. Philadelphia did not experience draft riots such as those in New York City in summer 1863. Individuals and historical societies began collecting Civil War objects during the war. This object became part of what evolved into a major collection documenting the Philadelphia area’s role in this epic war. - Joseph Certaine

Industrial Sewing Machine and Table, c. 1911.
Singer Sewing Machines; wood, metal, and rubber.
Donated by Sheila Reich, 1995.

Machines like this could be found in large and small sewing and upholstery shops and factories in Philadelphia throughout the twentieth century. Although this type of sewing is not as much a part of the Philadelphia economy as it once was, commercial and industrial sewing continues to employ many people, especially immigrant women. The Lion Upholstery Furniture Company owned by the donor’s Eastern European immigrant parents Samuel and Edith Whitman used this machine in its shop. The company, located at 1252 North 52^nd Street from 1933 until 1970, was known for its high quality upholstery. - Barbara Klaczynska, History Department St. Joseph’s University

Real Estate Sale Sign, c. 1947-1955.
Maker unknown; wood and metal.
Donated by Greg Moore and Margaret Funderberg 1993.

Historically Black Philadelphians experienced more segregation in housing and public accommodations than white ethnic minority groups. Laws prohibiting racial discrimination in jobs, voting, and housing were not passed until the Civil Rights Acts of the 1960s. The quest to make these laws reality continues today. Philadelphia’s industrial and military facilities drew thousands of people here during World War II to work in war-related industries and services. This influx of people created serious housing shortages especially for moderate and low income people. The donors found this sign in their basement and recognized its importance to the city’s historical record. - Dr. George W. French