GREELEY HISTORY MUSEUM HAS HEADWEAR AND HATPIN EXHIBIT

The exhibit features over 30 hats from the mid-1800s to 1930s with accessories from the museums' collection. Some hats were made by the wearer; others came from one of the many milliners in Greeley.

Also displayed are hatpins used by women to attach their hats onto high-piled hairdos, hatpin holders and even complete ensembles -- hat, gloves, parasol, gown and shoes.

The exhibit will be going on until January 9, 2010 (so you can be a procrastinator and still catch this exhibit).

The history museum is located on 8th street in the former Greeley Tribune Newspaper offices in Greeley, Colorado. Built in 1929, the building is part of history itself. Opened in 2005, the collections are in excellent condition. There’s a Rattlesnake Kate’s early 20th century gown , shoes and belt, all made out of the skins of rattlesnakes she killed herself.

According to Lisa Keipp, of the Colorado History Examiner, “The hat exhibit is exquisite. Hats from the 1870s through the 1940’s and 50’s are examples of craftsmanship at its best in near perfect condition. There are photos of early townsfolk dressed in hats similar to those on display. Several outfits owned by locals were also on display, giving one an idea of the style of dress in Greeley in the 19th century.”

Dorman Lehman, the museum docent at the Greeley History Museum and Centennial Village (also in Greeley) knows his local history and will spend time talking about the museum or local history.

The Greeley History Museum is at 714 8th Street in Greeley. Phone: (970) 350-9220 or http://www.greeleygov.com/Museums/GreeleyHistoryMuseum.aspx