Form and Function in Colonial America

Ceramics were an essential part of domestic life in early New England, supporting all aspects of food preparation, storage, dining and personal hygiene. Consisting of several thousand objects, our renowned collection represents the most popular types of historic ceramics used by colonial Americans, with an emphasis on Chinese export porcelain, English ceramics and Whately pottery including redware and stoneware. Uncover a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration from the beauty and function of ceramics in early America.

EXPLORE OUR EXTENSIVE CERAMICS COLLECTION:

• Experience historic ceramics in the context of everyday life in our museum houses, displayed in the carefully reconstructed settings in which these objects were used.

• View special collections in ongoing exhibitions of The Alistair Sampson Collection of English Creamware and Whately earthenware and stoneware, currently on display in the Flynt Center of Early New England Life.

• See thousands of ceramics pieces in the active storage facility on the second floor of the Flynt Center of Early New England Life, supplemented by an online catalog and on-site computer terminals.

• Learn about the collection, production techniques, materials and design styles of the period through guided tours, demonstrations and special events on early American pottery and porcelain.