Spoon Bonnet, about 1860

Straw bonnets such as this were worn seasonally in the spring and summer.

Fedora, 1920-1940

According to our records, the hat belonged to Henry Ford.Born in 1863 on a farm in what is now Dearborn, Michigan, Henry Ford parlayed a youthful aptitude for engineering into a career as an automotive innovator and founder/president of Ford Motor Company. Among his ideas were the introduction of the first moving automobile assembly line, affordable pricing, fair wages for employees, and the vertical integration of manufacturing processes from raw materials to the finished product. His many phil…

Drawn Bonnet, 1840-1849

This is an excellent example of an 1840's drawn bonnet, which was likely worn for formal afternoon events.

Bonnet, about 1850

Bonnet, about 1870

Straw bonnets such as this were day wear in spring and summer.

Calash, 1860-1869

This lightweight bonnet was likely worn seasonally in the spring and summer.

Cloche, 1920-1925

Bonnet, about 1880

Hats made of straw, such as this example, were used seasonally as day wear in the spring and summer.

Drawn Bonnet, 1845-1855

This fancy silk bonnet was likely worn for formal afternoon occasions.

Bonnet, about 1840

The quilting of this bonnet tells us that it was likely worn seasonally in the fall and winter.

Bonnet, 1885-1895

This shape of bonnet is referred to as a "Poke" bonnet. Poke bonnets were popular in the late 18th to mid 19th century and are characterized by a flat crown and deep, projecting brim only in the front.The wide silk ribbon was likely onlydecorative and not used as a closure. There are remnants of an elastic strap stitched in to the hat lining. This elastic strap was encased in fabric and would have been worn under the chin, securing the hat on the wearers head. It was likely worn for formal after…

Hat, about 1915

This light weight hat was likely worn seasonally in the spring and summer. It has two labels, one sewn over the other. They likely represent the manufacturer or designer and retailer of the hat, but it is unclear which is which.

Poke Bonnet,about 1850

This shape of bonnet is referred to as a "Poke" bonnet. Poke bonnets were popular in the late 18th to mid 19th century and are characterized by a flat crown and deep, projecting brim which frames the face and extends only around the front of the hat.

Poke Bonnet, 1840-1847

This shape of bonnet is referred to as a "Poke" bonnet. Poke bonnets were popular in the late 18th to mid 19th century and are characterized by a flat crown and deep, projecting brim which frames the face and extends just around the front of the hat. The velvet material and dark color indicate that this hat was worn seasonally in the autumn and winter.

Capote Bonnet, 1820-1830

A capote- literally, French for hood-began to be worn in 1790s.It is characterized by a stiffened fabric brim framing the face, a soft gathered or pouch-line crown, and ribbon ties extending from the crown.The American prairie sunbonnet is a descendant of the capote.

Hat, about 1919

Bonnet, 1825-1875

Bonnet, 1825-1875

Nightcap, about 1865

According to the donor, the nightcap was made by Sarah Quigley for her wedding night about 1865. Unfortunately, after completing the nightcap, Sarah Quiqley discoverd that it was too small to wear.

Bonnet, about 1895