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Unknown Maker, American

Know-Nothing Party Banner

Maker

Unknown Maker, American

Culture

American

Title

Know-Nothing Party Banner

Year

ca. 1850

Medium

  • Printed cotton plain weave

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

  • Printed cotton plain weave

Materials

cotton

Dimensions

61 cm (24 inches) (length)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Constance Wharton Smith

Object Number

58.165.21

Type

  • Textiles

Exhibition History

Former Glory
Jul 27, 2018 – Jan 20, 2019

Label copy

This work-which at first glance seems to refer to Indigenous Americans-was sponsored by the Know-Nothings, a semi-secret political party active in the mid-1800s. Racist, anti-immigrant, and anti-Catholic, the Know-Nothings were U.S.-born Protestants who proposed a 21-year residency requirement for citizenship and preventive measures against “foreigners” holding public office. The party ended soon after its founding, as members became divided on the issue of slavery.

George Washington is printed here in tribute to 18th-century American Whigs who fought for independence from Britain. Know-Nothings similarly believed they were patriotic in their 19th-century fight to protect the U.S. from outsiders. More than 160 years later, this administration continues the promotion of xenophobia and exclusivity.

Image use

The images on this website can enable discovery and collaboration and support new scholarship, and we encourage their use.

Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, American
Know-Nothing Party Banner, ca. 1850
Printed cotton plain weave
61 cm (24 inches) (length)
Gift of Mrs. Constance Wharton Smith 58.165.21

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