Mary Lincoln's Dress

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Mary Lincoln's Dress

https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1359703

Mary Lincoln’s purple velvet skirt with daytime bodice is believed to have been made by African American dressmaker Elizabeth Keckly. The first lady wore the gown during the Washington winter social season in 1861–62. Both pieces are piped with white satin, and the bodice is trimmed with mother-of pearl buttons. An evening bodice was included with the ensemble. The lace collar is of the period, but not original to the dress ...

1 dress : overall on mount: 60 in x 48 in; 152.4 cm x 121.92 cm

eng, Latn

National Museum of American History (U.S.)

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 11650760

National Museum of American History (U.S.)

Related Entities

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Keckley, Elizabeth, 1818-1907

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w63p2sd9 (person)

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley was a former slave who became a seamstress, civil activist, and author in Washington, D.C. Keckley was a prominent figure in D.C.’s free black community. Keckley helped to found and served as president of the Contraband Relief Association, which later became the Ladies’ Freedmen and Soldier’s Relief Association. Elizabeth Hobbs was born into slavery on the Col. Armistead Burwell farm in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, in 1818. She later purchased her freedom in 1855, in St...