Buried within the collection of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History exists an astonishing group of historical relics from the pre-Revolutionary War era to the present day, many of which have never been on display. Donated to the museum by generations of souvenir collectors, these ordinary objects of extraordinary circumstance all have amazing tales to tell about their roles in American history. Souvenir Nation presents fifty of the museum's most eccentric items. Objects include a chunk broken off Plymouth Rock; a lock of Andrew Jackson's hair; a dish towel used as the flag of truce to end the Civil War; the microphones used by FDR for his Fireside Chats; and the chairs that seated Nixon and Kennedy in their 1960 television debate.

Object Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things. For as long as people have traveled to distant lands, they have brought home objects to certify the journey. More than mere merchandise, these travel souvenirs take on a personal and cultural meaning that goes beyond the object itself. Drawing on several millennia of examples-from the relic-driven quests of early Christians, to the mass-produced tchotchkes that line the shelves of a Disney gift shop-travel writer Rolf Potts delves into a complicated history that explores issues of authenticity, cultural obligation, market forces, human suffering, and self-presentation. Souvenirs are shown for what they really are: not just objects, but personalized forms of folk storytelling that enable people to make sense of the world and their place in it.' Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic. Souvenir features illustrations by Cedar Van Tassel

Souvenirs are part of global and local travel and tourism in all corners of the world. This book portrays souvenirs as expressions of culture and as triggers of cultural change. The volume provides critique and theorisation of souvenirs of places, people and experiences in the context of lives lived at the margins of society, politics, tourism flows and urbanisation. Case studies in sustainable tourism illustrate dynamic ways that consumers and suppliers use souvenirs to respond to, resist and (re)interpret global and local influences upon cultures across informal, hybrid and formal economies.

First published in 1968, this classic work remains the basic reference book for collectors and fanciers of American spoons. Now offered in a new edition, it will be a welcome resource in your library. Spoons themselves originated in prehistoric times, when shells performed their function for the inhabitants of southern Europe, but spoons as commemorative items began with the Niagra Falls Suspension Bridge Spoon patented by Myron H. Kinsley in 1881. Soon their popularity spread as ideal mementos for practically every conceivable event, personage, or natural wonder. Ranging from expensive sterling silver sets to fifteen cent mailorder spoons, the variety of design, quality and interests reflected in this richly illustrated book is truly impressive.

Language is a Girl's Best Friend -- "Germany and Our Mutual Fascination"--Where the Boys Are 1960-61 -- "Where The Boys Are" 1985 -- "Where The Boys Are" 2009-10 -- No Oscars for Boys -- Nashville-My Home Away From Home -- "Connie at the Copa" -- "This Is Your Life" -- "Darin at the Copa" -- Blame It On My Youth, Francis Albert -- "Oi" (Way) Marie-My Two Maries -- My Aunt Marie and Me -- Follow The Boys - Do I Have To? -- My Dream Home -- Some Like It Not -- "Viva Las Vegas" -- He's A Nice Guy, That Rickles -- "Nice To Meet You, Too, Frank" -- The Sinatra I Knew -- Bobby Darin, Sandra Dee, Charlie Maffia and Me -- "Over the Rainbow" (With Garland) -- "How You Gonna Keep 'Em Down? Uncle Ray: "Cut the Shit, Princess!" -- Las Vegas, the Mob and a Little Girl from Jersey -- The Godfather and Me -- "A Rrrreally Big Shoo ..." -- "I'm Glad I Waited For You" -- Index

A delightful tale that helps children discover that they are uniquely gifted by God to serve Him and others.

The author shares the highlights of his life and career and shows his paintings of barns, farmhouses, and fields in New England and adobe houses and pueblos in New Mexico.