Clothing & Accessories

Women's Gown (cheong sam) ca. 1930

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.

Helmet Frontpiece, "Snow Drift"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This black leather frontpiece was made around 1885. The frontpiece has "SNOW DRIFT" in white letters in a banner with a red background at top. A recessed white star is below the top banner. A white "2" with a crossed hook and ladder behind it is at the center. A cut out banner with the black initials "CWW" on a white background is at the bottom of the frontpiece. The initials "CWW" are likely the owner’s initials.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1424
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1424

Metal Button Depicting a Cherub Sailing a Boat

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03291
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03291

Button depicting a Woman in Profile

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03624
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03624

Round Button with a Large Rhinestone Center Surrounded by a Double Layer of Smaller Stones

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03900
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03900

Woodstock T-Shirt

This is a man’s, short sleeve, white cotton t-shirt with navy trim around the neck and sleeves. On the front is a circular, navy logo with a silhouette white bird and guitar.
Description
This is a man’s, short sleeve, white cotton t-shirt with navy trim around the neck and sleeves. On the front is a circular, navy logo with a silhouette white bird and guitar. The t-shirt was made some time between 1968-1969 for the Woodstock Music and Art Fair that took place from August 15th to 18th, 1969 in Bethel, New York. The white dove perched on the guitar was the logo of Woodstock seen on official posters and flyers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968-1969
ID Number
1994.0250.002
accession number
1994.0250
catalog number
1994.0250.2

Round Marcasite Button

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.04179
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.04179

Pearl Button with Faceted Metal Center and Rim

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03690
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03690

compact

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1944-1954
maker
Bourjois, Inc.
fragrance name
Evening in Paris
used by
Ward, Margaret N.
maker
Bourjois, Inc.
ID Number
2001.0196.017

Double End Pry Bar

This is a double end pry bar designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a flat shape, one end has a slight curve that is tapered and slotted and the other end is shaped like the claw portion of a common hammer.
Description
This is a double end pry bar designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a flat shape, one end has a slight curve that is tapered and slotted and the other end is shaped like the claw portion of a common hammer. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1998-2005
ID Number
2005.0276.11
catalog number
2005.0276.11
accession number
2005.0276

Metal Button Depicting a Man's Head Wearing a Winged Helmet

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03284
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03284

Button Depicting the Head of Athena

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01494
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01494

Metal Button with Pearl Center

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03734
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03734

Paring Chisel

Chisels are used to cut and shape wood, stone and other hard materials. A paring chisel is a common woodworking tool which is used to cut and shave off thin amounds of wood. This chisel has a yellow tansparent handle and a 1" wide steel cutting edge or blade.
Description
Chisels are used to cut and shape wood, stone and other hard materials. A paring chisel is a common woodworking tool which is used to cut and shave off thin amounds of wood. This chisel has a yellow tansparent handle and a 1" wide steel cutting edge or blade. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.20
catalog number
2005.0276.20
accession number
2005.0276

Square Button Featuring Five Rhinestones

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03911
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03911

Button Depicting a Woman in Profile, Wearing a Helmet

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03644
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03644

Large Circle Goldstone Button with Rim

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03984
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03984

Paperweight Button with Pink Center and Green and Gold Surround

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03976
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03976

Button Depicting a Woman in Profile Framed by a Metal Ring with Faceted Metal Pieces

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03623
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03623

brooch

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

Black Glass Button with Square Faceted Design

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.03560
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.03560

Enamel Button in a Heraldic Design

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.01550
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.01550

shirt

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1800 - 1830
ID Number
CS.006660A
catalog number
006660A
accession number
28810

dress for a squirrel; dress on cardboard hanger

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1944
ID Number
2012.0103.01
catalog number
2012.0103.01
accession number
2012.0103

Round Marcasite Button On a Metal Base

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1962.239460.04150
accession number
239460
catalog number
239460.04150

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