What can objects reveal about the values and beliefs of the people who created them? Explore fire hats, worn by volunteer fire fighters on the East Coast during the 1800s. Created for use during both fires and parades, these ornate hats contain symbols – historical figures, allegorical images, patriotic scenes, and more – that proclaim the wearers' cultural and political identity, as well as their positions on religion and immigration. What symbols do you see?
This collection contains a small selection of fire hats from the Smithsonian. To continue exploring, search for fire hats in the Smithsonian Learning Lab.
Identity, Community, and Fire Hats
- Published by:
- Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology
- Created by:
- Tess Porter
- Date Published
- June 23, 2023
- Last Modified
- June 23, 2023
- Description
-
What can objects reveal about the values and beliefs of the people who created them? Explore fire hats, worn by volunteer fire fighters on the East Coast during the 1800s. Created for use during both fires and parades, these ornate hats contain symbols – historical figures, allegorical images, patriotic scenes, and more – that proclaim the wearers' cultural and political identity, as well as their positions on religion and immigration. What symbols do you see?
This collection contains a small selection of fire hats from the Smithsonian. To continue exploring, search for fire hats in the Smithsonian Learning Lab.
- Notes to Other Users
-
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