Ancient lamps, originally crafted of clay and, in later centuries, of iron, copper and bronze, burned grease, fish oil, or fat. The wicks were composed of twisted cloth scraps. When lighted, the lamps produced smoke and frequently dripped or spilled. The Betty Lamp was designed to eliminate the problems associated with these early lamps.
The Museum is pleased to have received the donation of a Betty Lamp. This lamp was the most commonly used lamp in America from colonial times until the 1850s, when it was replaced by the kerosene tubular wick lamp.
