Discovery Series Ornament – Wisconsin

The Discovery Series Ornament Wisconsin is a release for the Badger State, known for its lakes, farming roots, and strong sense of community.

Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848, after decades as a territory attracting immigrants from Germany, Scandinavia, and Poland who established farms and communities. The state’s name derives from a Native American word meaning “gathering of the waters,” reflecting its abundant rivers and lakes. Wisconsin’s economy flourished through dairy farming, brewing, and manufacturing, earning the nickname “America’s Dairyland” as cheese and milk production became synonymous with the state.… Read more

Discovery Series – Arkansas

Discovery Series Arkansas is a mug for the “The Natural State”, known for its forests, rivers, and deep roots in folk music and outdoor culture.

Arkansas became the 25th state on June 15, 1836, with a name derived from a French interpretation of a Quapaw Indian word meaning “land of downriver people.” The territory’s early economy relied on cotton plantations in the fertile Delta region and timber harvesting in the mountainous north. The discovery of bauxite deposits brought industrialization during World War II, while the 1957 desegregation crisis at Little Rock Central High School thrust Arkansas into the national spotlight.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Oklahoma

For some reason, the buffalo image is my favourite detail in the design of the Discovery Series Ornament Oklahoma.

Oklahoma became the 46th state on November 16, 1907, following a unique history as “Indian Territory” where the federal government forcibly relocated dozens of Native American tribes during the 1830s-1850s. The Land Run of 1889 opened former Indian lands to white settlement, with tens of thousands of settlers racing to claim plots in a chaotic scramble that gave Oklahoma its “Sooner” nickname.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Arkansas

The Discovery Series Ornament – Arkansas is an espresso mug for the State where rolling hills, crystal-clear rivers, and Southern charm come together in the Natural State.

Arkansas became the 25th state on June 15, 1836, with a name derived from a French interpretation of a Quapaw Indian word meaning “land of downriver people.” The territory’s early economy relied on cotton plantations in the fertile Delta region and later timber harvesting in the mountainous north. Arkansas remained primarily rural and agricultural through much of its history, though the discovery of bauxite and the development of aluminum production during World War II brought industrialization.… Read more

Been There – Sarawak

The Been There Sarawak is a mug for the largest state in Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo and known for its deep rainforests, rich indigenous heritage, and dramatic natural landscapes. Historically ruled by the Brooke dynasty, the so-called White Rajahs, Sarawak developed a unique cultural identity shaped by trade, migration, and strong indigenous traditions. The mug design reflects this heritage by blending iconic landmarks, traditional arts, wildlife, and local cuisine into a single visual story.

– The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building stands out as one of the state’s most recognizable landmarks.… Read more

Been There – Penang

The design of the Been There Penang mug celebrates the broader history and identity of the state of Penang, long known as one of Malaysia’s most important trading hubs and cultural crossroads. Established in the late 18th century, Penang played a key role in regional commerce, migration, and cultural exchange between East and West. The design thoughtfully incorporates a depiction of Penang Island, anchoring the artwork in the place where much of the state’s historic and modern life has flourished.… Read more

Discovery Series – Iowa

Discovery Series Iowa joins the ornament that I reviewed recently.

Iowa became the 29th state on December 28, 1846, carved from territory acquired through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The state’s fertile prairies attracted waves of European immigrants, particularly Germans and Scandinavians, who established farming communities throughout the 19th century. Iowa’s agricultural bounty earned it the nickname “Food Capital of the World,” with corn and soybean fields dominating landscapes and hog production leading the nation. From its role in presidential politics through the first-in-the-nation caucuses to its position as America’s agricultural heartland, Iowa embodies Midwestern values of hard work, community, and productive land use.… Read more

Discovery Series – Rhode Island

Discovery Series Rhode Island is a mug for the state that entered the Union on May 29, 1790, as the 13th and last of the original colonies to ratify the Constitution, having initially resisted due to concerns about federal power. Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 as a haven for religious freedom after his banishment from Massachusetts Bay Colony, Rhode Island became a refuge for dissenters seeking tolerance. Despite being America’s smallest state at just 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island played an outsized role in the Industrial Revolution with Samuel Slater’s water-powered textile mill launching American manufacturing in 1793.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Alaska

Discovery Series Ornament Alaska is the release for the largest U.S. state, known for its vast wilderness, dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Alaska joined the United States on January 3, 1959, as the 49th state and the largest by land area, purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million in what was initially called “Seward’s Folly.” Indigenous peoples, including the Inupiat, Yup’ik, Aleut, Tlingit, and Athabascan, have called this land home for thousands of years before Russian fur traders arrived in the 18th century.… Read more

Discovery Series – Minnesota

Discovery Series Minnesota is a mug for a state that became part of the United States on May 11, 1858, carved from territories shaped by Ojibwe and Dakota indigenous nations before European settlement. French fur traders arrived in the 17th century, followed by waves of Scandinavian and German immigrants in the late 1800s who established farms and communities across the prairies and forests. The state’s economy flourished through lumber, flour milling powered by St. Anthony Falls, and iron ore mining from the Mesabi Range that fueled American industry through two world wars.… Read more

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