The vast holdings of the New-York Historical reflect and reveal the full breadth of the American experience. But how can we articulate that experience with things? What makes an experience uniquely “American” and what makes a moment from the past a unique “experience”? The objects featured in this book encapsulate stories of achievement, faith, and strength as well as anger, despair, and loss.

Countless objects vying for attention include Jupiter Hammon, An evening thought, (1760) the first poem published by an African American in North America; Clara Driscoll’s Dragonfly table lamp (ca. 1900-1906); George Washington’s camp bed (ca. 1775-1777) and the complete archive of Robert A Caro’s writings.