The Stories Behind the American Heritage Series
Since 2011, Cracker Barrel has released an American-themed skillet during their American Heritage Sale each spring. Lodge designs and manufactures these skillets right here in the USA, with each skillet featuring a patriotic design, like a national moment, historic figures, or coin. The pieces are especially popular from Memorial Day to July Fourth and most collectors know they must secure their skillet before they sell out —which is all part of the collecting fun!
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2011
American Eagle Skillet
Initially, Cracker Barrel only planned to sell the American Eagle Skillet to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. The design is inspired by a skillet that was first released in 2001 to honor the lives lost in the September 11 attacks and features an eagle and flag design similar to the original skillet. The skillet struck a chord with collectors, and Cracker Barrel decided to work with Lodge to create the Statue of Liberty Skillet the following year and has continued releasing a new skillet annually.
2015
Buffalo Nickel Skillet
The American Heritage Series includes two coin-inspired skillets: the 2015 Buffalo Nickel Skillet and the 2022 Lady Liberty Skillet. The Buffalo Nickel is inspired by a coin that was produced in the early 1900s, and because the US Government cannot copyright its own products, the design was available for use. The Lady Liberty skillet is based on the Walking Liberty United States half-dollar coin designed by Adolph A. Weinman—a 20th-century sculptor and engraver.
2016
Liberty Bell Skillet
Excluding the 2016 Liberty Bell Skillet, all of the designs are created by graphic designers at Lodge, in collaboration with Cracker Barrel. As a team, they continue to come up with exciting ways to celebrate American history, with decorative and functional items that can be passed down for generations. The American Heritage Series skillets are exclusive to Cracker Barrel and can be purchased in-store or online.
2017
Abraham Lincoln Skillet
The series also includes three skillets with historical figures. Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be featured. The design for the 2017 skillet was first pitched as the Lincoln penny but ultimately shifted to reflect the Lincoln Memorial. The series later featured Paul Revere in 2019 and George Washington in 2020.
