Hats Off to History
Hats Off to History
Eighty hats were on display at the Neas House during the spring of 2022. Dating from 1850 – 1960, these included both men’s and women’s hats. All of the hats had a story to tell, some more interesting than others. Visitors were both shocked and amazed by a summer lady’s hat with a real black bird attached. Most hats were from HAHS’s collection, while others were on loan. Well-dressed Hanoverian’s hats on display included those worn by J. William Warehime’s mother and Myrt Small, a former president of HAHS, who was also active in many other Hanover civic groups.
The Sheely Ornamental Hat was part of a display during the Paris Exposition in France in the years 1851, 1855, 1862 and 1867. The Paris Expo promoted French commerce, technology and culture. The hat returned to the U.S. with its owner Andrew Sheely, who was in possession of it from 1850 – 1900. It was graciously donated by the Sheely descendants.
