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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston MA
Top Hat
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston MA
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Top Hat

Artifact IDMO 2009.3.177
Object Type Hat
Date 1955-1960
Date Worn1/20/60
Maker (American, Founded 1908)
Place WornWashington D.C., United States
Medium beaver fur, felt, silk, wool, leather, moire silk
DimensionsSize 7 1/2"
Physical DescriptionBeaver fur top hat with black felt band and grosgrain silk rim. Interior of hat reads, "Dobbs 5th Avenue NY / Lewis & Thos Saltz Washington". Hat has a 1 3/4 inch wide black plain weave silk brim and a 5 1/4 inch high crown. The interior is lined with white moire silk.
Historical NoteThis top hat was worn by President Kennedy to his inaugural ceremonies in Washington D.C. on January 20, 1961.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Inc. in 2009. It was given to the Foundation by the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1995.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Place WornWashington D.C., United States
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PartlyUse Restriction Notepermission to use image must be granted by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. please address requests to Museumjfk@nara.govUse Restriction Noteimage use is to be approved of by Museum staff on a case by case basis, image is not for sale by Getty, Almay, or other profit seeking photography sites.
Exhibitions
Not on view