April Shauf

Ballcaps, beanies, cowboy hats - people today often choose a wide variety of headwear. But just like any aspect of fashion, what people wear on their heads has changed a lot through the years.

The Kings Mountain Historical Museum (KMHM) is exploring this topic in its new exhibition, "Hats Off! A History of Headwear," which opened on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, and will be on exhibit through May 14, 2022.

"The production and use of hats has seen cultural and social changes throughout history," says January Costa, KMHM director and curator. "In the past, hats were usually more about fashion than function."

Costa says that the KMHM has collected a variety of hats and head coverings over the years as part of the museum's overall effort to preserve the area's history.

"This exhibit will feature highlighted pieces from our collections and explore the history of headwear and its place in our culture," says Costa. "We will examine the creation and evolution of hats, symbolism and style, and how they are an expression of functionality and form."

In addition to hats, the exhibit also includes hat boxes, advertisements, newspaper articles and several illustrations by the artist Lori McAdams.

"We are very excited to have McAdams' work as part of our display," says Costa.

McAdams is an artist and designer in the Charlotte area. Her educational background includes a BFA from Parsons School of Design and an MA from UNC-Charlotte. Her background is in traditional art and illustration.

"McAdams' illustrations of hats really fill out our exhibit and allow viewers to see a wide variety of styles and fashions in headwear through the years," says Costa.

Admission is free for the exhibit, and museum hours are Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day. The museum is located at 100 East Mountain Street in Kings Mountain.

For more information, visit the museum's website at
www.kingsmountainmuseum.org or contact the museum by calling (704) 739-1019.