Antique Spotlights
A History of Christmas Tree Ornaments 
Over the years, Christmas ornaments have evolved from simple, paper pouches to elaborate hand blown glass figurines.
Antique Spotlight -- Depression Glass 
Although it was sold cheaply -- or even given away! -- Depression Glass is a popular collectible today.
Antique Spotlight – 19th Century Dollmakers
Male and female dollmakers in the 19th century had different ideas about what a doll should be. Plus learn more about the Doll & Miniature Museum of High Point in High Point!
Antique Spotlight – 20th Century Dolls
Innovations in the early 20th century created several new kinds of dolls, as well as new marketing techniques. Also, learn more about the dolls on view at the Heritage Village Museum near Cincinnati!
Antique Spotlight – Bavarian China
Comparable to Limoges in France and Staffordshire in England, Bavarian china showcases wares from the center of Germany’s pottery industry.
Antique Spotlight – Children’s Day
Children´s Day was created by the toy industry to...you guessed it! Sell more toys! Also, learn about the dolls currently on display at the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Antique Spotlight – Coverlets
Many museum collections contain beautiful examples of 19th century coverlets.
Antique Spotlight – Dolls in the Victorian Age
Doll play was transformed in the Victorian era. Plus, read about two exciting doll displays at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center!
Antique Spotlight – Dolls Today
Television commercials revolutionized the way toy makers sold dolls. Also, learn more about the doll collection on display at the National Museum of the American Indian!
Antique Spotlight – Dolls vs. Other Amusements
Did children really play with dolls as much as we think they did? How did boys play with their dolls? Plus, learn more about a new doll exhibit at the Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum!
Antique Spotlight – Early American Dolls
Learn more about the first dolls in America! The Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City is also highlighted.
Antique Spotlight – Early China
Some of the earliest china exported to the United States included Gaudy Dutch, Adams, Victorian Chelsea, and Spatterware.
Antique Spotlight – Glossary of Doll Terms
Before you begin collecting antique dolls, there are some terms you should know. In this final doll article in our series, the Strong Museum of Play is featured. The museum´s collection is the largest and most comprehensive in the United States!
Antique Spotlight – How Did Girls Play with Dolls?
Girls played with their dolls in unexpected ways. Read on to learn more about doll funerals and other "unique" dollplay. Plus, learn all about the 400 dolls on display at the Shelburne Museum.
Antique Spotlight – Irish Beleek, Nippon, Noritake
Our final article in this series explores the history of the finest china from Ireland and Japan.
Antique Spotlight – Limoges China
Many people assume Limoges is a manufacturer of china. Did you know its NOT?
Antique Spotlight – Majolica
Majolica china is known for its boldly colored natural themes. People either love it or hate it!
Antique Spotlight – Staffordshire Pottery
Just like Limoges, Staffordshire refers to a region in England. Over the years, many different manufacturers have created beautiful china in Staffordshire
Antique Spotlight – The Ford Model A
The Model A made its public debut on December 2, 1927, replacing the Model T. Many museum car collections feature a Model A.
Antique Spotlight – Victorian Hair Jewelry
No, I’m not talking about jewelry you wear in your hair. I’m talking about jewelry that’s MADE out of hair!
Antique Spotlight – Wedgwood and Royal Doulton
Wedgwood and Royal Doulton are two of the most prominent Staffordshire china manufacturers.
Antique Spotlight: American Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry is highly collectable and is one of the most popular items purchased at antique shops. How much do you know about the history of American costume jewelry?
Brides in the 1930s, 1940s, & 1950s
Fashion changed a lot after the stock market crash through World War II. But in the Postwar Ear, luxury in bridal fashion returned! This is the seventh in a series of articles about the evolution of bridal fashion, featuring museums with wedding gowns currently on display.
Brides in the Civil War Era
The hoop skirt was all the rage in the Civil War era. Learn more about bridal fashion in the 1860s! This is the fourth in a series of articles about the evolution of bridal fashion, featuring museums with wedding gowns currently on display.
Brides in the New World
Learn more about early American brides, from Native Americans to the Colonial Era. This is the second in a series of articles about the evolution of bridal fashion, featuring museums with wedding gowns currently on display.
Classic Cars – A Museum in Your Garage!
Car collecting is a wonderful hobby, and a great investment.
Early Brides
Explore the early history of weddings, beginning with our prehistoric ancestors through the Medieval Era. This is the first in a series of articles about the evolution of bridal fashion, featuring museums with wedding gowns currently on display.
Groninger Museum Fine Lace 19th Century Dress
This article, written by guest author Susan Kramer, examines a beautiful 19th century lace dress.
How To Handle & Store Your Glass & China
What is the safest way to display, handle, and store your precious glass and china? Here are some tips on how to keep your breakables safe.
Identifying Glass and China Makers' Marks
Have you ever wondered what that funny symbol on the bottom of Grandma’s favorite teacup means? Learn more about identifying glass and china makers’ marks!
Identifying Glass and China Patterns
Matching your glass or china to a known pattern can be difficult. Here are some tips to get you started!
Late Victorian Brides
Those Civil War era hoops skirts were transformed into bustles in the 1870s and 1880s, followed by the absurd leg-o-mutton sleeves of the 1890s! This is the fifth in a series of articles about the evolution of bridal fashion, featuring museums with wedding gowns currently on display.
Modern Brides
Modern bridal fashion has run the gamut, but traditional themes still reigned supreme! This is the eighth in a series of articles about the evolution of bridal fashion, featuring museums with wedding gowns currently on display.
Queen Victoria’s Wedding
Queen Victoria revolutionized wedding fashion when she chose a simple white gown instead of royal regalia. This is the third in a series of articles about the evolution of bridal fashion, featuring museums with wedding gowns currently on display.
Turn of the Century and Flapper Brides
Conservative turn of the century fashion gave way to radical changes with the Flapper brides! This is the sixth in a series of articles about the evolution of bridal fashion, featuring museums with wedding gowns currently on display.
Victorian Mourning Customs
Many museum collections include artifacts related to 19th century mourning rituals. The Victorians believed an outward display of mourning was a sign of respect for the deceased.
White House Weddings
Our own version of royalty is the American Presidency. Explore some of the weddings that have taken place in the White House. This is the final article in a series about the evolution of bridal fashion, featuring museums with wedding gowns currently on display.
Top Ten Articles
Previous Features
Site Map
Content copyright © 2018 by . All rights reserved.
This content was written by . If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Kim Kenney for details.
