Americana

The term “Americana” often brings to mind familiar symbols of life in the United States, from apple pie and baseball to small-town parades and family snapshots. Yet Americana is more than a collection of national icons. It is a continually evolving idea shaped by the diverse people, communities, and experiences that make up the nation.

Spanning the years 1850 to 1950, this exhibition explores American life through photography during a century of profound change. As the country was transformed by the Civil War, industrialization, mass immigration, and two world wars, photography became increasingly accessible. Affordable studio portraits and personal cameras allowed more people than ever before to record their lives and share their stories.

Drawn from the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection, the exhibition features a wide range of photographic objects, including daguerreotypes, tintypes, stereoviews, real photo postcards, photomontages, and snapshots. Made by both professional and amateur photographers, these images capture everyday moments, personal histories, and community traditions. Together, they offer a rich and varied portrait of the United States and invite visitors to reflect on how photography has shaped—and continues to shape—our understanding of American identity.