This is called a “great chair” because it has arms. Originally, all the slats at the back were alike, but time and use have altered them. In 17th and 18th century New England, many families had only one chair, which was often designated for the head of the household. Other members sat on stools or they stood. This chair was given to Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, Massachusetts, by Esther (Harding) Dickinson.