The Noah Webster Ring
 
In 1996, Sally Whipple, then Executive Director of the museum, decided to investigate the contents of the museum’s safe deposit box. The box was originally leased in 1975 and the fees had been continuously paid without question for over 20 years.

Inside the box was the “Noah Webster Ring”, and   what a wonderful discovery it was!  The ring had been generously donated to the museum by a direct descendent of Noah and Rebecca Webster, Mrs. Cornelia Shaw, who happened to also be a museum member.  
    
The ring may have been designed to commemorate Noah and Rebecca’s 25th wedding anniversary in 1814.  It may have been given as a token of affection. The ring, which is engraved on the inside “Noah Webster - Rebecca Webster,” is made of gold surrounded by eighteen seed pearls.  The most interesting part of the ring is what is found in its center. Intertwined hairs create a criss-cross pattern of light and dark locks.  One shade is a dark brown, thought to be that of Rebecca.  The other looks blond or grey and seems to have a red strain in it - presumably from Noah himself.  
    
It is possible that Noah had several rings made and gave one to each of his daughters.
    
The Noah Webster Ring is a perfect example of the 18th and 19th century trend to incorporate hair into the design of rings and other pieces of jewelry.  It also shows a personal side of Noah and his affection for his wife and family.
   
A reproduction ring is available in the Museum Shop as an example of what can be hand created by local jewelers. As Webster did, a loved one’s braided hair may be placed beneath the crystal, or an Amethyst or Garnet stone can be inserted.  For more information about purchasing a reproduction, please contact the Noah Webster House museum shop manager at 860.521.5362 x11.
    
The Noah Webster Ring is on display at the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society which is open Thursday-Monday from 1-4 p.m.