Martha Mug

10 oz. Ceramic mug.

My America - Progressive Mothers and their quest for liberation. 
Exhibit:October 11, 2025 through September 8, 2026 Heinz History Center - Barensfeld Gallery 1212 Smallman Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Martha stands, hands on hips, round glasses perched on her nose, clearly enjoying the spectacle she has created by wearing what many still referred to as men's attire. Her mischievous smile suggests she found the shocked expressions on the faces of passersby more than a little amusing. The unwavering courage of this buxom German immigrant was no match for the easily offended. The collared shirt, tie, and knickers she wore were a declaration—a refusal to be confined by others' expectations of womanhood. Martha understood something fundamental about America that many native-born citizens missed: this land's promise wasn't just about opportunity, but about the freedom to be yourself beyond the constraints of tradition. "In the old country, there were rules for everything. In America, we make our own rules." The Saxony Germany coat of arms anchors her to roots she never forgot, while the vibrant red and white stripes of her adopted flag frame her future. This visual tension mirrors Martha's life—honoring her German heritage while embracing America's promise of reinvention. The census document behind her lists seven children who inherited her playful defiance, along with her husband Ernst's steady support.

Exhibit:October 11, 2025 through September 8, 2026 Heinz History Center - Barensfeld Gallery 1212 Smallman Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222