Bicentennial

Object NamePlate

Manufacturer Imperial Glass Company (American (Bellaire, OH), 1901 - 1984)

Date1976

MediumNon-flint clear pressed glass

Dimensions3/4 × 9 × 9 in. (1.9 × 22.9 × 22.9 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Glass

Credit LineGift of Jacquelyn, member of #871 Captain Greeley Quester, and Ronald Smith. In the Iowa Quester Glass Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2016.871

Status

On view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextAmericans celebrated the Bicentennial in 1976, marking the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and prompting nationwide reflection on the country’s history, ideals, and identity. The Farm House Museum opened its doors on July 4, 1976, as a public museum and national historic site. Organizers began preparing for the Bicentennial years in advance, culminating in a yearlong series of events that included parades, exhibitions, concerts, and historical reenactments across all fifty states. Red, white, and blue imagery filled public spaces, and the federal government sponsored major projects such as the Bicentennial Exposition and tall ship gatherings in major ports. Unlike earlier commemorations, the Bicentennial encouraged broad public participation, prompting communities, schools, and cultural institutions to interpret the nation’s past in their own ways, including restoring historic sites. The Bicentennial also left a lasting imprint on American culture and material life. Manufacturers produced countless commemorative items—from coins, stamps, and medals to glassware, textiles, and household goods—reflecting both patriotism and consumer culture. At the same time, Americans celebrated during a period of social change and political uncertainty following the Vietnam War and Watergate, which prompted more inclusive and critical interpretations of history. As a result, the Bicentennial blended celebration with reflection, reinforced national unity, and opened space for conversations about diversity, democracy, and the unfinished work of the American experiment.

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