Pres. Garfield memorial

Object NameTumbler

Date1880

MediumNon flint glass

Dimensions3 1/2 x 3 1/8 in. (8.9 x 7.9 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Glass

Credit LineGift of Fred Phelps. In the Iowa Quester Glass Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2007.267

Status

On view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextJames A. Garfield served as the 20th president of the United States in 1881, holding office for only a few months before Charles J. Guiteau assassinated him. Born in 1831 in Ohio, Garfield rose from poverty to become a teacher, college president, and Union general during the Civil War, which helped launch his political career. He then served many years in Congress as a Republican, supporting civil rights for formerly enslaved people and advocating for education, economic reform, and civil service reform. Guiteau shot Garfield during his presidency, and he died from complications of the wound, making his term one of the shortest in U.S. history. Glass commemorative objects in the collection date from his brief presidency and honor his service after his death.

Locations