Clothing & Accessories - Overview
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.
"Clothing & Accessories - Overview" showing 87 items.
Page 1 of 9
Helmet Frontpiece, "Bergen"
- 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 in the 20th century. The frontpiece reads “BERGEN/6/TKH” in white. There is a crossed hook and ladder behind this, indicating it was a hook and ladder company. The letters "TKH" at the bottom of the frontpiece are likely the owner's initials.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 20th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1423
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1423
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, "Snow Drift"
- 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
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, "Assistant F.D. Engineer"
- 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 white leather frontpiece dates to the late 19th century. The frontpiece reads "ASSISTANT" on the top banner in white lettering; "FD" in center frontpiece shape; and "ENGINEER" on the bottom banner.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1870-1919
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1425
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1425
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, "Secretary Charlestown Veteran"
- 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 white leather frontpiece dates to the late 19th century. The frontpiece has white lettering on black banners that reads "SECRETARY/CHARLESTOWN/VETERAN.” A recessed red star is between "SECRETARY" and "CHARLESTOWN.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1426
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1426
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, "Vice President Charlestown Veteran"
- 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 white leather frontpiece dates to the late 19th century. The frontpiece reads "VICE/ PRESIDENT/ CHARLESTOWN/ VETERAN/ VFA" in white block lettering on a black background. There is black decorative stitching throughout the frontpiece.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1427
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1427
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece "Columbia Hose TS"
- 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 leather frontpiece was made by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York, likely around the mid-19th century. The frontpiece reads “COLUMBIA/HOSE/VII/ITSJ.” The initials “TSJ” are likely the owner’s initials. The Columbia Hose Company was founded in New York City in 1806.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- Wilson, William H.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1428
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1428
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, “Continental Hose"
- 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 leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The top of the frontpiece has white lettering on a red banner that reads "CONTINENTAL/HOSE.” A large white "6" is in the middle with "E" and "D" flanking the number in circles with red backgrounds. The letters "GTA" are in white lettering on a red banner at the bottom of the frontpiece. The letters “GTA” are likely the owner’s initials.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1429
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1429
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, "John S. Damrell"
- 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 leather frontpiece was made around 1873. The brown frontpiece had gold lettering that reads “John S. Damrell/11/JMN.” The Engine Company No. 11 in the Boston Fire Department was named after former Boston Fire Department Chief John S. Damrell from 1869-1873. The initials “JMN” likely referred to Josiah M. Nottage, a hoseman with the Engine Company No. 11 who served from 1873 until 1894.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1873
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1430
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1430
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, "Enterprise Hose"
- 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 leather frontpiece was manufactured by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York around 1895. The black leather frontpiece has white lettering on a red background that reads “ENTERPRISE/HOSE/1.” There is a red banner at the bottom of the frontpiece with missing letters.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1895
- maker
- Cairns & Brother
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1431
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1431
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Helmet Frontpiece, "Excelsior"
- 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 leather frontpiece was made around 1865. The frontpiece is painted black with a thin red line around the border. The rest of the frontpiece is painted with a red banner that reads “EXCELSIOR” in gold. Beneath that is a white bucket with a black number “1” in the center. At the bottom of the frontpiece is a blue banner with the initials “J.W.M.” painted in white.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1865
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1432
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1432
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center