When the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family premiered in 1971, it came at a time of significant social upheaval in America. Civil rights protests, the women’s lib movement, and the Vietnam War were defining issues of the era, and Watergate was on the horizon. The show captured this turbulent period through its iconic characters: Archie Bunker, the outspoken conservative dad from Queens; Edith, his sweet and naïve wife; Gloria, their daughter; and Mike Stivic, their liberal son-in-law, affectionately known as “Meathead.” Much of the show’s humor emerged from the clashes between Archie and Mike.
In addition to its comedic moments, All in the Family tackled serious issues such as race relations, women’s rights, menopause, cancer, the draft, and hate crimes. It was notable for addressing topics that were rarely seen in sitcoms, including homophobia and personal trauma. If it weren’t for the Bunkers, the TV landscape would look quite different today, with shows like Roseanne, Modern Family, and black-ish drawing inspiration from their pioneering format.
Archie Bunker’s Chair: A Cultural Icon
Archie Bunker’s chair, a worn brown wing chair that was the centerpiece of the Bunker’s living room, has become a symbol of the show’s impact. This chair, along with Edith’s smaller companion seat, was originally a $10 thrift-store find that perfectly fit the blue-collar ambiance of the Bunker household. As the show became a massive hit, the chair became an iconic element of the series, famously associated with Archie’s gruff and often controversial statements.
In 1978, Norman Lear, the show’s creator, donated Archie’s chair and Edith’s chair to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of History and Technology, marking the first time the museum had acquired an entertainment artifact. However, shortly after this donation, CBS decided to bring the show back for a final season, leading to the production of replica chairs at a cost of $15,000—a testament to the show’s lasting impact and the inflation of TV production costs.
A New Home for Archie’s Chair
Today, the chairs are housed in the National Museum of American History, formerly known as the National Museum of History and Technology. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of historical, political, cultural, and industrial artifacts. Visitors can view items such as the First Ladies’ gowns, the original Star-Spangled Banner, and the Woolworth’s lunch counter that was pivotal in the civil rights movement.
In December 2022, the museum will launch a new exhibition titled “Entertainment Nation,” which will feature artifacts from various realms of entertainment including movies, theater, TV, music, and sports. The exhibit will explore how entertainment reflects and influences national conversations about identity and culture. Among the artifacts on display will be items like Prince’s Yellow Cloud guitar, Mia Hamm’s soccer jersey, Indiana Jones’s fedora, the original Kermit the Frog puppet, the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, and a costume worn by Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton.
The Smithsonian has indicated that the exhibition will be dynamic and ever-changing over the next 20 years, so it’s likely that Archie Bunker’s chairs will be part of this evolving display. While Archie might have grumbled about moving his chair to a different room, he’d likely be pleased to know it remains a cherished part of American cultural history—just as long as Meathead doesn’t sit in it!
For more information on visiting the museum and the upcoming exhibit, you can read the full article here.
