Mini-Exhibition

Explore the twists and turns of fashion through the decades with our Hats From the Past mini exhibition! From the sharp lines of top hats to the playful elegance of pillboxes, this charming collection reveals how hats evolved from practical protection to powerful symbols of status and style.

Did you know the average American bought 1–2 hats a year in the 1880s? Come see why hats were once a must-have for everyone!

Featuring:

• A Green Velvet & Feather Hat straight out of the 1950s glam era

• A Straw Boater Hat, once the staple of the working-class summer look

• And the showstopper: a Brown Cashmere Felt Hat worn by anthropologist and Rye local Elsie Clews Parsons, who’s also featured in our major exhibition The Unforgiving Yardstick

With vintage accessories, hatpins, brushes, and beautifully decorated hat boxes, there’s more than just fashion to discover.