Sleeveless Top
Artifact IDMO 2022.4.1
Object Type
Shirt
Date
1962-1964
Maker
unknown
Place MadeUnited States of America
Place WornSierra Leone, Africa
Place MadeSierra Leone, Africa
Medium
Cotton, dye
DimensionsOverall W 30 in x L 25 1/2 in (76.2 cm x 64.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA sleeveless top with a back zipper and a gathered peplum waistline. The top is made of cotton. The cloth was dyed in Sierra Leone on imported fabric using indigo ink applied in a tie-dyed pattern. Portions of the top are hand stitched, especially noted at hemline. The machine stitching was finished in the United States.
Historical NoteThis top was worn by Peace Corp volunteer Roberta Rabinoff in Sierra Leone from 1962 to 1964. The fabric was a gift to Ms. Rabinoff from the Sierra Leone Minister of Education, Amadou Wurie.
Ms. Roberta Robinoff was was part of the first wave of volunteers in the Peace Corp program in 1962. Ms. Robinoff taught English at the Magburaka Government Secondary School for Boys in the Tonkolili District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. Later she taught at the Cardozo High School in Washington, DC as part of an experimental project in urban teaching that utilized returned Peace Corps volunteers. Ms. Robinoff remained an ardent supporter of the Peace Corp for the rest of her life.
Additional DetailsMs. Roberta Robinoff was was part of the first wave of volunteers in the Peace Corp program in 1962. Ms. Robinoff taught English at the Magburaka Government Secondary School for Boys in the Tonkolili District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. Later she taught at the Cardozo High School in Washington, DC as part of an experimental project in urban teaching that utilized returned Peace Corps volunteers. Ms. Robinoff remained an ardent supporter of the Peace Corp for the rest of her life.
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by a member of the general public in 2022. The donor inherited the item from a family member.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Theresa Boggis
Place WornSierra Leone, Africa
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
