- Illustrated by
- Currier and Ives, American, 1834 - 1907
- Published by
- Koehler, Joseph, American, 1893 - 1912
- Date
- ca. 1900
- Medium
- lithographic ink on paper
- Dimensions
- L x W: 13 x 17 in. (33 x 43.2 cm)
- Description
- A full color chromolithographic print titled The Darktown Fire Brigade - Slightly Demoralized. The racist caricature depicts a broken wagon with a fire hose on its side on a bridge. Men are fighting in the water, on the bridge, and in the background. A donkey is standing on its hind legs in the center of the image. To the right of the donkey a fireman is holding a broken bugle. Another man is trying to start his coat on fire. Copyright information, the publisher and the title are printed in black ink under the image. Printed on the bottom left corner is “CURRIER & IVES SERIES, No. 12.” Printed below the title is “I know we'd make em take water!”
- Statement
- Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
- Place printed
- New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Racist and Stereotypical Objects
- Type
- chromolithographs
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2012.57.5
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




