American Banking

Survey the 200-year history of American banking, from the Colonial barter system to 20th century electronic banking. Included is a receipt dated in 1743; scale scoops used in weighing gold dust; examples of the earliest checks and bank notes; objects typical of an early bank interios, and stage coach artifacts.  

There are also two Cases of the Month devoted to this exhibit on the first floor. One case features the original ledger from the Riggs National Bank showing Abraham Lincoln's personal account during the Civil War period. The second contains banking memorabilia from the 1700s to the present. Included are the State of Rhode Island's charter for the founding, in 1791, or the Providence Bank, and from the Bank of America, a scale and scoop used to weigh gold in California during the gold rush.

Catalogue