American. <em>The Reuben Bliss House</em>, ca. 1754–1755. Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by the Samuel E. Haslett Estate Fund and the Alfred T. White Fund, 22.1936. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.1936_view3_SL5.jpg)

American. The Reuben Bliss House, ca. 1754–1755. Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by the Samuel E. Haslett Estate Fund and the Alfred T. White Fund, 22.1936. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.1936_view3_SL5.jpg)

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

How difficult is it to move an entire room from a house into a museum?

Very difficult! It's done by a whole team of curators, conservators, and technicians. Rooms are disassembled, pieces are labeled and numbered, and everything is very carefully packed for the move.

Then, once the room arrives, it has to be re-assembled, and decisions are made about things like new wallpapers or upholstery, of the old ones are too worn to be displayed. Oh, and lighting has to be installed, and labels need to be researched and written. It's a really laborious and time-consuming process, but fascinating and well-worth the effort!

Yup, definitely worth the effort!

Yes indeed! And we're lucky to have so many good historic interiors here.

In the period rooms from the 1700s and 1800s, why don't the wooden chairs have railings to put your hands on?

Some chairs were made with armrests. The ones that you see without arms are called "side chairs" and would be pushed against the wall until they needed to be used. In the 18th and 19th century, it was very common to entertain company in the home, so it was important to have many of these side chairs available. The lack of arms made it easier for women with large skirts to fit!

I really love the little models of the houses.

Those are great! I recently learned a little bit about the model maker. He had a fascinating life!

Albert Fehrenbacher was a master woodcarver from the Black Forest region in Germany. Taken prisoner during the Second World War, he spent five years in a Russian camp during which time he began work on a panoramic Nativity scene, designed to carry the message of peace and brotherhood for all.

Upon his release, he brought his Nativity scene to the United States, where it was shown in over 150 churches across the country. He was hired to work at several American museums, building models.

Grateful for the friendliness with which he was received in the United States, Fehrenbacher said, “This country, it has been good to me. I am happy in this work I do for the Brooklyn Museum." He apologized for “having much trouble with speaking English...but I hope I speak from heart to heart with my models.”

That is such a wonderful story. My father was born in a Russian camp during the war.

Wow, what a fascinating link.

Is this the original shape of the "saltbox"?

Yes, it is! The saltbox originated in New England and is a great example of American colonial architecture.

This model seems to have a "shed" roof addition. I thought the "saltbox" was just the rectangular building with the common rafters and 2 gable ends.

Correct, this house does indeed seem to have an added lean-to or shed addition on the far right!

Thanks, this is a very cool exhibit

The Reuben Bliss House

Decorative Arts and Design

CULTURE American

DATES ca. 1754–1755

COLLECTIONS Decorative Arts and Design

ACCESSION NUMBER 22.1936

CREDIT LINE Purchased with funds given by the Samuel E. Haslett Estate Fund and the Alfred T. White Fund

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION American. The Reuben Bliss House, ca. 1754–1755. Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by the Samuel E. Haslett Estate Fund and the Alfred T. White Fund, 22.1936. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.1936_view3_SL5.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 22.1936_view3_SL5.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 1980

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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