Clothing & Accessories

Work, play, fashion, economic class, religious faith, even politics—all these aspects of American life and more are woven into clothing. The Museum cares for one of the nation's foremost collections of men's, women's, and children's garments and accessories—from wedding gowns and military uniforms to Halloween costumes and bathing suits.

The collections include work uniforms, academic gowns, clothing of presidents and first ladies, T-shirts bearing protest slogans, and a clean-room "bunny suit" from a manufacturer of computer microchips. Beyond garments, the collections encompass jewelry, handbags, hair dryers, dress forms, hatboxes, suitcases, salesmen's samples, and thousands of fashion prints, photographs, and original illustrations. The more than 30,000 artifacts here represent the changing appearance of Americans from the 1700s to the present day.

David Powell, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, designed this button for the Philadelphia Earth Week Committee on the occasion of the first Earth Day in 1970. The button was made by Horn Badge Co. of Glenside, Pennsylvania.Currently not on view
Description
David Powell, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, designed this button for the Philadelphia Earth Week Committee on the occasion of the first Earth Day in 1970. The button was made by Horn Badge Co. of Glenside, Pennsylvania.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1970
maker
Edward Horn Co.
ID Number
1993.3186.05
catalog number
1993.3186.05
nonaccession number
1993.3186
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. The occasion was first conceived by Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, as a national day of observance for environmental problems.
Description
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. The occasion was first conceived by Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, as a national day of observance for environmental problems. Millions of people participated in events across the country, while thousands of schools held special educational sessions, all dealing with environmental concerns. Earth Day has since become an annual event, celebrated worldwide.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1970
maker
Edward Horn Co.
ID Number
1993.3186.08
nonaccession number
1993.3186
catalog number
1993.3186.08
Several types of renewable energy sources are available as alternatives to non-renewable, carbon-based fuels. This button advocates the use of solar energy to generate electricity.
Description (Brief)
Several types of renewable energy sources are available as alternatives to non-renewable, carbon-based fuels. This button advocates the use of solar energy to generate electricity. It was distributed in 1978 by Solar Action, the Washington, D.C.-based organization that helped to organize Sun Day (3 May 1978.) For many people, the 1970s energy crisis was a call to action to change how electricity was generated and used. Making the choice to “go solar”—and encouraging others to do the same—reflected growing optimism about the potential of clean, accessible solar energy.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1978
maker
Edward Horn Co.
ID Number
2003.0014.0400
accession number
2003.0014
catalog number
2003.0014.0400
The peace sign was created in 1958 as part of the British nuclear disarmament movement. The image combines the letters “N” (nuclear) and “D” (disarmament) from the semaphore (flag signaling) alphabet.
Description
The peace sign was created in 1958 as part of the British nuclear disarmament movement. The image combines the letters “N” (nuclear) and “D” (disarmament) from the semaphore (flag signaling) alphabet. During the 1960s and 1970s the sign became a ubiquitous symbol in the United States for a multitude of causes, including the peace and civil rights movements. On this button, the symbol has been made into a tree, evoking concern and care for the environment.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1970
maker
Edward Horn Co.
ID Number
1993.3186.07
nonaccession number
1993.3186
catalog number
1993.3186.07
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. The occasion was first conceived by Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, as a national day of observance for environmental problems.
Description
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. The occasion was first conceived by Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, as a national day of observance for environmental problems. Millions of people participated in events across the country, while thousands of schools held special educational sessions, all dealing with environmental concerns. Earth Day has since become an annual event, celebrated worldwide.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1970
maker
Edward Horn Co.
ID Number
1993.3186.04
catalog number
1993.3186.04
nonaccession number
1993.3186

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