The Howard W. Smith, Jr. Silver Collection forms the core of the museum’s collection of locally made silver. This remarkable collection of 18th- and 19th-century silver from Alexandria and District of Columbia silversmiths was donated to the Museum in 2004 by the estate of Howard W. Smith, Jr., and was the focus of an exhibit, An Alexandria Legacy: The Howard W. Smith, Jr. Silver Collection, which ran from November 26, 2004 - March 27, 2005. Comprised of a variety of silver wares made in Alexandria from 1790 to 1850, the collection includes almost 600 pieces. It has added significantly to the knowledge and appreciation of local silversmiths and their work. Howard W. Smith, Jr., an Alexandria native and resident, was a collector and scholar of Alexandria-made silver for most of his life. His remarkable collection includes pieces made by Adam Lynn, John Pittman, Charles Burnett, John Adam, William Adam, William A. Williams, Mordecai Miller, John Gaither, Benjamin Barton, John Potter, and James Galt. Forms include tea sets, beakers, serving wares, ladles, and sugar tongs. An extensive collection of flatware also features the work of many lesser-known makers from the District of Columbia, and it includes forks, which are rare in early 19th century American silver flatware, as well as spoons.