Artifact of the Week: Harmonica Piece

Archaeologists recovered this harmonica reed plate from Downtown San Diego. The site housed a working class population during the late Victorian period (c.1880-1915).

Although life has its challenges for the inner-city working class, they were able to find time for recreation and entertainment. This harmonica piece indicates that the inhabitants of Block 112 had some leisure time and enjoyed spending it making music.

Date: Post-Contact Period (300 ya – present)
Material Class: Metal

Want to learn more? Visit the exhibit Block 112: The Untold Story of San Diego’s Working Class in the 1800s currently on view at the Center.