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.

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1983
maker
Bock Jewelry Co.
ID Number
2012.0118.01
accession number
2012.0118
catalog number
2012.0118.01
Always Victorious; Stand Behind Old Glory.
Description (Brief)
Always Victorious; Stand Behind Old Glory. Clip-on pin shaped like a red, white, and blue bowtie.
“Let’s Stand Behind ‘Old Glory’” was a popular song during World War I that was written by Branch Cowell.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
Library of Congress: loc.gov/item/2013562553.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-1919
ID Number
2006.0098.0315
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0315
This gold pin with an image of Abraham Lincoln was among Mary Lincoln’s possessions when she died.Mary Lincoln never overcame the tragedies she endured. She came out of mourning on only one occasion, at the request of her son Tad for one of his birthdays.
Description
This gold pin with an image of Abraham Lincoln was among Mary Lincoln’s possessions when she died.
Mary Lincoln never overcame the tragedies she endured. She came out of mourning on only one occasion, at the request of her son Tad for one of his birthdays. The two were almost inseparable until his death, possibly from tuberculosis, in 1871 at age 18. In 1882, at age 63, Mary died in Springfield, Illinois, at the home of her sister.
Gift of Lincoln Isham, great-grandson of Abraham Lincoln, 1958
Location
Currently not on view
associated person
Lincoln, Mary Todd
depicted (sitter)
Lincoln, Abraham
ID Number
PL.219098.06
catalog number
219098.06
accession number
219098
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, white square with a blue circle.
Description (Brief)
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, white square with a blue circle. Text in the circle says “United War Work Campaign.” Within the circle is a red shield that says “For The Boys Over There.”
The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
“United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0255
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0255
Clip-on pin for the Second Red Cross War Fund. The pin is a white rectangle with a dark blue border. A red cross is in the center of the pin.
Description (Brief)
Clip-on pin for the Second Red Cross War Fund. The pin is a white rectangle with a dark blue border. A red cross is in the center of the pin. Dark blue print reads “2nd War Fund.”
The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I. The Second Red Cross War Drive occurred from May 20–27, 1918, in an effort to raise at least $100,000,000 for the support of the organization’s work.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
The Work of the American Red Cross During the War: A Statement of Finances and Accomplishments for the Period July 1, 1917, to February 28, 1919 (Washington, D.C.: American Red Cross, 1919), 16–19. archive.org/stream/cu31924027870777.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
ID Number
2006.0098.0258
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0258
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat red, white, and blue rectangle.
Description (Brief)
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat red, white, and blue rectangle. White text in the red portion reads “I Gave For The Boys.” Blue text in the white portion reads “Did You?” White text in the blue portion reads “United War Work Campaign.”
The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
“United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0261
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0261
Triangular pin for insertion into a button hole. The red and white pin with an image of Caduceus reads: "Hospital Worker // A.H.A. // Hospital Work is War Work." A.H.A. likely stands for the American Hospital Association.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Triangular pin for insertion into a button hole. The red and white pin with an image of Caduceus reads: "Hospital Worker // A.H.A. // Hospital Work is War Work." A.H.A. likely stands for the American Hospital Association.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1941-1944
ID Number
2006.0098.0269
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0269
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1956
maker
Fuller Brush Company
ID Number
2018.0089.21
catalog number
2018.0089.21
accession number
2018.0089
Clip-on pin for the Second Red Cross War Fund. The pin is a white rectangle with a blue border. A red cross is in the center of the pin. Blue print reads “2nd War Fund.”The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I.
Description (Brief)
Clip-on pin for the Second Red Cross War Fund. The pin is a white rectangle with a blue border. A red cross is in the center of the pin. Blue print reads “2nd War Fund.”
The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I. The Second Red Cross War Drive occurred from May 20–27, 1918, in an effort to raise at least $100,000,000 for the support of the organization’s work.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
The Work of the American Red Cross During the War: A Statement of Finances and Accomplishments for the Period July 1, 1917, to February 28, 1919 (Washington, D.C.: American Red Cross, 1919), 16–19. archive.org/stream/cu31924027870777.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
ID Number
2006.0098.0257
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0257
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1956
maker
Fuller Brush Company
ID Number
2018.0089.20
catalog number
2018.0089.20
accession number
2018.0089
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, blue rectangle with white print that reads “United War Work Campaign.” Within the rectangle is a white square with a red shield.
Description (Brief)
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, blue rectangle with white print that reads “United War Work Campaign.” Within the rectangle is a white square with a red shield. The shield has white text that reads “For The Boys Over There.”
The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
“United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1918
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0256
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0256
Souvenir pin commemorating the New York World's Fair (1939-1940.) The pin features the Westinghouse Electric Company's robotic mascot "Elektro."Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Souvenir pin commemorating the New York World's Fair (1939-1940.) The pin features the Westinghouse Electric Company's robotic mascot "Elektro."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1939
Associated Date
1940
1939
ID Number
1989.0438.1482A
catalog number
1989.0438.1482A
accession number
1989.0438
Pin made of celluloid in the shape of an airplane. The body of the plane is cream-colored, with black wings and propeller. The pin bar is metal. Gold foil is on the wheels.
Description (Brief)
Pin made of celluloid in the shape of an airplane. The body of the plane is cream-colored, with black wings and propeller. The pin bar is metal. Gold foil is on the wheels. The pin is a souvenir commemorating Charles Lindbergh's nonstop flight across the Atlantic in 1927.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927
referenced
Lindbergh, Charles A.
ID Number
2006.0098.1548
catalog number
2006.0098.1548
accession number
2006.0098
A pin made of ivory-colored celluloid in the shape of a running elephant. Rhinestones dot the elephant's back and its eye is also a rhinestone. In the Art Moderne style. There are no markings.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A pin made of ivory-colored celluloid in the shape of a running elephant. Rhinestones dot the elephant's back and its eye is also a rhinestone. In the Art Moderne style. There are no markings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1935
ID Number
2006.0098.0808
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0808
Advertising pin for Garrett & Company made specially for the Jamestown Exposition of 1907 in Norfolk, Virginia. The front features color images of Pocahontas, Virginia Dare and Minnehaha (described as "The Cousins") and a crest for Garrett's American Wines.
Description (Brief)
Advertising pin for Garrett & Company made specially for the Jamestown Exposition of 1907 in Norfolk, Virginia. The front features color images of Pocahontas, Virginia Dare and Minnehaha (described as "The Cousins") and a crest for Garrett's American Wines. An image of the Virginia Dare clock atop the Garrett and Co. building in Norfolk is on the back. The back also reads "Take Berkley ferry in Norfolk, Va."
Garrett & Company, established in North Carolina in 1835, was a manufacturer of American wines using the indigenous Scuppernong grape. Virginia Dare was their most popular wine, named for the first child born in America to English settlers. Dare was born on Roanoke Island, which is also home to the Mother Vine, a Scuppernong vine known to be the oldest cultivated grapevine in the world. Pocahontas and Minnehaha were names of two other Garrett & Company wines.
The company moved to Norfolk, Virginia, in 1903, after the growing temperance movement in the South made North Carolina an unfriendly environment for a wine business. By 1912, the spread of dry counties northward compelled the business to relocate for a final time to New York State. Eventually, nationwide Prohibition forced the company to abandon its wine manufacturing altogether. In the Dry years, the company diversified into Virginia Dare flavoring extracts and the sale of grapes for use in home winemaking.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1907
depicted
Pocahontas
advertiser
Garrett & Company
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0141
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0141
A pin made of ivory-colored celluloid in shape of a fish. The pin is decorated with rhinestones and the fins are colored brown. Designed in an Art Deco manner, style popular from 1910 through the 1940s. There are no markings.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A pin made of ivory-colored celluloid in shape of a fish. The pin is decorated with rhinestones and the fins are colored brown. Designed in an Art Deco manner, style popular from 1910 through the 1940s. There are no markings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1930
ID Number
2006.0098.0802
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0802
A molded celluloid pin, ivory-colored and tinted green, with green rhinestones. The pin is in the shape of a Chinese woman holding a parasol. The pin has a C-clamp closure, and is unmarked.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
A molded celluloid pin, ivory-colored and tinted green, with green rhinestones. The pin is in the shape of a Chinese woman holding a parasol. The pin has a C-clamp closure, and is unmarked.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1935
ID Number
2006.0098.0836
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0836
Pin for the Fatherless Children of France Society. The group was established to unite French orphans with American "godparents" through charitable giving. On the front is an image of a woman standing behind two children, against a green background.
Description (Brief)
Pin for the Fatherless Children of France Society. The group was established to unite French orphans with American "godparents" through charitable giving. On the front is an image of a woman standing behind two children, against a green background. Green print on reverse reads, "10 cents a day // $3.00 a month // $36.50 a year saves a child for France." Mrs. Walter S. Brewster is listed as the chairman.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1915-1920
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0130
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0130
Pin shaped like a flag. The flag is brown with white print and red symbols.
Description (Brief)
Pin shaped like a flag. The flag is brown with white print and red symbols. Symbols and text read “(Red Cross) Is You & I With Every (Heart) And (Dollar).”
The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
maker
Manee Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0394
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0394
Pin commemorating the New York World's Fair, held in Queens, 1963-1964. It reads " have seen the Future, General Motors Futurama."Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Pin commemorating the New York World's Fair, held in Queens, 1963-1964. It reads " have seen the Future, General Motors Futurama."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1939-1940
date made
1964
ID Number
1990.0542.1674
accession number
1990.0542
catalog number
1990.0542.1674
Ivory-colored celluloid pin with hand-painted details in the shape of a golfer wearing plus fours. The pin, made in Japan, fastens with a C-clasp.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Ivory-colored celluloid pin with hand-painted details in the shape of a golfer wearing plus fours. The pin, made in Japan, fastens with a C-clasp.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930-1935
ID Number
2006.0098.0830
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0830

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