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.

Black and white print of a large room filled with young men engaged in a variety of initiation pranks. Hazing devices include: blindfolds, dunce caps, tub of water, women's clothing, white sheets, an animal head, Greek helmet, musical instruments, etc.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white print of a large room filled with young men engaged in a variety of initiation pranks. Hazing devices include: blindfolds, dunce caps, tub of water, women's clothing, white sheets, an animal head, Greek helmet, musical instruments, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1862
publisher
Chatfield, Charles C.
maker
Punderson & Crisand
Giles, John Lawrence
artist
Sargent, C. A.
ID Number
DL.60.2436
catalog number
60.2436
accession number
228146
Chromolithographed certificate for German Order of the Harugari (a fraternal organization). Print composed of text surrounded by vignettes and fraternal order symbols.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Chromolithographed certificate for German Order of the Harugari (a fraternal organization). Print composed of text surrounded by vignettes and fraternal order symbols.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
maker
Herline & Hensel
ID Number
DL.60.2405
catalog number
60.2405
accession number
228146
This full-length, hand-colored print depicts a young man wearing a badge on a ribbon around his neck that hangs to his waist. He is holding a scroll with a pledge of temperance.
Description
This full-length, hand-colored print depicts a young man wearing a badge on a ribbon around his neck that hangs to his waist. He is holding a scroll with a pledge of temperance. The pledge reads, "No brother shall make, buy, sell or use as a beverage any spirituous or malt, liquors, wine, or cider." There is heavy red drapery with a tassel hanging behind him.
This print was produced by James S. Baillie, who was active in New York from 1838 to 1855. James Baillie started as a framer in 1838, and then became an artist and lithographer in 1843 or 1844. He discovered how to color lithographs while working as an independent contractor for Currier & Ives in the mid1840s. He was a prolific lithographer and colorist for Currier & Ives, and his prints were extremely popular with a wide distribution. James Baillie spent his later years concentrating on painting instead of lithography.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1848
depicted
Sons of Temperance
maker
Baillie, James S.
ID Number
DL.60.2937
catalog number
60.2937
accession number
228146
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall with a painted portrait of Samuel Ringgold in the center framed in gold. Red banners with gold trim flow around the portrait that read “RINGGOLD/HOSE Co.” in gold paint. The company’s initials “RHC” are painted in gold script on the back of the hat. The owner’s initials “H.M.” are inside an outline of a shield on the crown of the hat. This hat was likely used by a member of the Ringgold Hose Company No. 33 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1847 and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. While many firefighting companies chose past heroes of the Revolution and Early Republic as their namesakes, others selected contemporary military and political figures. Samuel Ringgold was a hero of the Mexican-American War best known for his innovations in artillery deployment. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Palo Alto in 1846.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1846
associated
Ringgold Hose Company
depicted (sitter)
Ringgold, Samuel
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0115
catalog number
2005.0233.0115
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used by a member of the Germantown Hose Company No. 37 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, organized in 1848 and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The fire hat has been painted red overall, and the front of the hat has the text “GERMANTOWN/HOSE” painted in gold around a golden number “1” on a black background surrounded by a golden sunburst. This represents the fact that it was the first hose company organized in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, a separate municipality before it was consolidated into the city in 1955. The date “1848” is painted in gold with black shadowing on the back of the hat.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
associated
Germantown Hose Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0050
catalog number
2005.0233.0050
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall with the text “WASHINGTON / 1796” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The back of the hat has the number “14” painted in gold with stylized lines above and below the number. The owner’s initials “S.J.” are painted on the crown of the hat in gold. A note inside the hat indicates these initials may stand for a volunteer named S.C. Johnson. The Washington Fire Company No. 14 was founded on January 3, 1796 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the west side of Eleventh Street. It operated as a hand engine fire company and acquired a steam fire engine in 1865. It served as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
associated date
1796
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0093
catalog number
2005.0233.0093
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat dates to the second half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with a central painting of Pennsylvania’s coat of arms. Within the central shield are images of a ship, a plow, and three sheaves of wheat, representing commerce, labor and the importance of agriculture respectively. The shield is flanked by two horses, with a red banner outlined in gold with the text "Virtue, Liberty & Independence" written in gold. The back of the hat has the number “12” painted in gold, with a gold outline of a keystone. Something has been peeled off of the crown of the hat, leaving a distressed mark. The hat is similar in style to object number 2005.0233.0077, but it belonged to a member of the Pennsylvania Engine Company No. 12 of San Francisco, California. The company was founded in the burgeoning Western city in 1852 by veteran firefighters from Philadelphia who chose to wear the traditional uniforms of their home city.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0100
catalog number
2005.0233.0100
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall with the text “GLOBE/1820” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The letter “G” is painted in gold on the back of the hat. The crown of the hat has an illustration of an eagle perched on a globe, with a banner in its beak that reads “W.R.” (likely the owner’s initials). The Globe Fire Engine Company No. 30, located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was founded on May 22, 1820 and incorporated March 9, 1847. The company took its name from the nearby Globe Mills, a factory where some of its members were employed. Founded as a hand engine company, it acquired a steam fire engine in 1863 and operated as steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1820-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0047
catalog number
2005.0233.0047
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted light blue, with an image of a spread-winged eagle in front of a sunburst gripping a red banner in its talons that reads “COLUMBIA HOSE COMPANY” in gold. The imagery on this hat is very similar to other fire hats in the collection—2005.0233.0029 and 2005.0233.0034—pointing to a common artist or local artistic style. The company’s initials “CHC” (Columbia Hose Company) are painted in gold calligraphic script on the back of the hat. The owner’s initials “J.M.I.” are painted in gold on the crown of the hat. The Columbia Hose Company No. 8 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was founded in 1806, on the block of 7th and Cherry Streets and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The bald eagle was adopted by the Continental Congress as the national symbol of the United States in 1782 and was a frequently used icon among early American volunteer fire departments.
date made
1810-1860
associated
Columbia Hose Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0030
catalog number
2005.0233.0030
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The front of the hat has the text “Union Fire Co.” in gold on an arching banner over a painted gold shield with the painted number “1” at the center. The back of the hat has the date “1747” flanking fasces, though lacking the fasces’ commonly depicted axe. The fasces, a bundle of wooden sticks, were a classical Roman symbol for the power of the state, as well as denoting strength through unity. This symbol would have been used by early American volunteer firefighters to link the young country to the republican ideals of the past, as well as a symbol of their unity.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
associated
Union Fire Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0104
catalog number
2005.0233.0104
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “PENNSYLVANIA/HOSE” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The crown of the hat bears the owner’s initials “C.H.M.” surrounded by a wreath, both painted in gold. The back of the hat features a painted image of fire hydrant in gold flanked by the initials “FA." This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817. The Pennsylvania Hose Company was founded around July of 1818.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0076
catalog number
2005.0233.0076
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was made by George G. Stambach of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the middle of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “NORTHERN / No. 1 / LIBERTY” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The back of the hat features a faded painted image of wooden fire hydrant in gold flanked by the initials “FA". This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817. The crown of the hat bears the date “1756” in gold paint. The Northern Liberty Fire Company was founded on May 1, 1756, in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. At the time, the Northern Liberties were a separate municipality, and this fire company was the first of its kind for that area. The hat’s maker, George Stambach, was a resident of the Northern Liberties as well. The Northern Liberty operated as a hand engine company and acquired steam fire engines in 1859 and 1864. It served as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
associated
Northern Liberty No. 1
maker
Stambach, George Geist
ID Number
2005.0233.0106
catalog number
2005.0233.0106
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used by a member of the United States Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania organized 1826 and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The hat is painted black overall with an image of Lady Liberty holding a liberty pole with Phrygian cap on top and her arm over a United States shield that reads “Liberty.” The image is framed in an oval cartouche bordered in gold. There is a gold trimmed banner on either side of the central image that reads “UNITED STATES” in gold. The back of the hat has a gold image of a fire hydrant with protruding hose, and the text “HOSE / US” arching above in gold. The crown of the fire hat has the owner’s initials “T.J.” painted in gold.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1807-1850
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0089
catalog number
2005.0233.0089
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall with the golden text “PERSEVERANCE / HOSE / COMPANY” on the front of the hat. The back of the hat has the number “5” set into a golden sunburst. The crown of the hat has the owner’s initials “J.P.W.” painted in gold. The Perseverance Hose Company No. 5 was established on May 27, 1805 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
associated
Perseverance Hose Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0080
catalog number
2005.0233.0080
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall, with a portrait of George Washington painted inside a golden oval surrounded by green foliage. The text “Washington Co.” is arching above the portrait in gold paint. The back of the hat has the date “1820” in gold paint surrounded by a gold oval. The Washington Bucket Company was founded in 1820 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the company’s initials “W.B.” are on the top in gold block letters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1820s
associated
Washington Co.
depicted
Washington, George
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0094
catalog number
2005.0233.0094
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “NORTHERN/No. 1/LIBERTY” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The crown of the hat bears the date “1756” in gold paint. The back of the hat features a faded image of fire hydrant in gold flanked by the initials “FA". This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817. The Northern Liberty Fire Company was founded on May 1st 1756, in the Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a separate municipality until 1854.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
associated
Northern Liberty Fire Company No. 1
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0075
catalog number
2005.0233.0075
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with a painting at its center featuring a female figure clothed in a white robe with an anchor at her side and stormy sea behind her. The female figure with anchor is a classical allegorical representation of Hope. The painting is flanked by red banners with gold trim that read “HOPE / HOSE COMPY” in gold lettering. The back of the hat features the word “HOPE” in large golden letters, with two golden lines above and below. The crown of the hat has the owner’s initials “F.G.” painted in gold. Hope Hose Company No. 7 was founded in 1805 in Philadelphia. It was the second Philadelphia fire company to acquire a steam fire engine in 1858, and it changed its name to the Hope Steam Fire Engine Company No. 2.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
associated
Hope Hose Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0059
catalog number
2005.0233.0059
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used in Trenton, New Jersey during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “Eagle Fire/Co.” in gold paint with red shadowing on the front of the hat. The back of the hat features a yellow image of a wooden fire hydrant flanked by the date “1821.” The crown of the hat has the owner’s initials “W.D.L.” in gold. This hat likely belonged to a member of the Eagle Fire Company of Trenton, New Jersey that was founded in 1821.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1835-1845
associated
Eagle Fire Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0035
catalog number
2005.0233.0035
accession number
2005.0233
The emblem painted on this Fairmount Fire Company's parade hat was inspired by William Rush's sculpture entitled "Nymph and Bittern." This somewhat feminine symbol seems unusual until the history of the sculpture is known.
Description
The emblem painted on this Fairmount Fire Company's parade hat was inspired by William Rush's sculpture entitled "Nymph and Bittern." This somewhat feminine symbol seems unusual until the history of the sculpture is known. The artwork was part of a fountain commissioned to commemorate the completion of Philadelphia's new water system in 1822. The system was state-of-the-art, and the statue was considered the best piece of public art in America. Wearing these hats linked the Fairmount Company with Philadelphia's technological advancement, cultural supremacy, and proud fire fighting history.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1820-1860
associated
Rush, William
maker
Shotwell & Garden
ID Number
2005.0233.0037
catalog number
2005.0233.0037
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted red overall, with a black underbrim. There is a circular frame painted in gold at the center of the hat with an image of a sailor (sometimes called a “Jack Tar”) waving his cap next to an American flag, and a sailing vessel in water in the background. The portrait is flanked by a blue banner with gold trim that reads “UNION FIRE Co.” in gold paint. The hat has the date “1819” painted in gold on the back, and the owner’s initials “G.W.” painted on the crown in white. The Union Fire Company No. 29 was established on March 10, 1819 in the Rising Sun area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1820s
associated
Union Fire Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0087
catalog number
2005.0233.0087
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
The hat is painted blue overall, with a central image of a flying angel (or alternately an allegorical representation of Fame) blowing a trumpet with a sunburst in the background. The portrait is framed in gold, flanked with banners above and on each side. The name of the original company appears to have been obscured by blue paint in the banners, but there is a paper tag on the inside that reads “THE PROPERTY/HARRY NEEL.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
associated, owner
Neel, Harry
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0112
catalog number
2005.0233.0112
accession number
2005.0233
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used in the eastern United States during the early 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall, with arched white block lettering on the front that reads “UNION HOSE.” The back of the hat has the date “1760” painted in white. Hose companies did not exist prior to the 19th century, but many hose companies did link themselves to previously existing fire companies and took that founding date, which is likely what happened in this case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0088
catalog number
2005.0233.0088
accession number
2005.0233
Some early American firefighters wore capes for protection, ornamentation, and identification.
Description
Some early American firefighters wore capes for protection, ornamentation, and identification. The stiff oil cloth protected their shoulders and upper body against fiery embers and water, and the decorative painting served to identify company members at chaotic fire scenes or on parade. The capes were often painted by local sign painters, some skilled artists like John A. Woodside, who also painted the company’s hats and banners and decorated their fire engines. Many of the capes in the firefighting collection display patriotic names and symbolism, reflecting themes important to 19th century volunteers, as well as the pride they felt in the early founding date of their fire company.
This oil cloth cape is painted white, with the text “UNION/1747” in red with brown shading in the center of the cape. The cape’s shoulders have the number “1” painted in red with brown shading. This cape likely belonged to a member of the Union Fire Company of Trenton, New Jersey, which was founded February 8th, 1747.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th or 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0130
catalog number
2005.0233.0130
accession number
2005.0233
In the early 1800s, classical images associated with Greece and Rome became popular in America. In art and architecture, Americans sought to link their young nation to these republics of antiquity.
Description
In the early 1800s, classical images associated with Greece and Rome became popular in America. In art and architecture, Americans sought to link their young nation to these republics of antiquity. The Roman goddess Libertas, representing personal sovereignty, was changed into Lady Liberty and adopted as an American symbol. The Citizen Fire Company chose Liberty as their emblem at its founding in 1836. Depicted on this parade hat, the female figure holds an American shield in one hand representing strength and protection. The red liberty cap atop a pole in Liberty's other hand was an internationally known symbol of the American Revolution that was also adopted from the Roman Empire.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c.1840-1860
associated
Citizen Fire Company #3
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0027
catalog number
2005.0233.0027
accession number
2005.0233

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