Victory Park
1201 N. Pershing Ave.
Stockton, CA  95203
(209) 940-6300   
info@hagginmuseum.org

Stacey Miller with her hat collection

The hats and headdresses collected are a tribute to the diversity of the world's cultures and represent more than 60 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and many more cultures, tribes and ethnic groups. Although they are worn to protect the head, they can also confirm religious values, mark life passages, identify an occupation, indicate social status and reflect the wearer's cultural and personal affiliations.

They come from the private collection of upstate New York resident Stacey Miller, who has spent the past 20 years establishing her collection, which now numbers more than 800 and fills her house to overflowing.

"Although some of the headgear is antique, most is contemporary and continues to be worn today for social rituals, religious ceremonies and in everyday life," Miller said. "As a collector fascinated with cultural diversity, my primary interest is in what the hats and headdresses represent about a society and its traditional values and rituals."

Constable's Helmet, England; King's Crown, Nigeria; Top Hat, England

While hats can instill an awareness and appreciation of cultural differences, they can also act as a bridge, reinforcing values and themes that are shared by people across many different societies. The appearance of a hat is constrained by the resources available, but the reasons for wearing a hat are varied and transcend cultures.

"Some of the hats were created for a specific use within the culture that produced them. Many others, no doubt were made for commercial or 'tourist' value," Miller added. "However, for the purposes of my collection, their significance is not really diminished for they still embody an important aspect of the culture and, as symbols, have revealing stories to tell."

The museum's Education Department will provide a Gallery Guide for families that will highlight different activities that adults and children can do together while looking at the exhibition. Also available will be a color brochure highlighting the different themes of the display and featuring color reproductions of many of the hats and headdresses on display.

This special exhibition at the Haggin is part of a 17-city national tour over a four-year period, developed by Smith Kramer Fine Art Services, an exhibition tour development company in Kansas City, Miss.

EVENTS

• Evening Reception
  Saturday, November 5, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
  The Haggin Social Club will celebrate the opening of the museum’s exciting fall exhibitions at their 18th annual wine and beer tasting event. This year's event will also feature tasty hors d'oeuvres and elegant desserts from some of the area's finest restaurants. The cost will be $35 per person for advance reservations and $45 at the door. RSVP to the museum’s Administrative Assistant at 209-940-6311 or AdminAssistant@hagginmuseum.org.
  
• Hats and Headdresses Family Festival
  Saturday, November 12, 1:30-4:00 p.m.
  The museum's Education Department will expand its regular 'Second Saturday of the month' programming to feature more activities for families with children ages 5-12 at this special festival. Hands-on art stations will be located throughout the museum, featuring hat-related projects inspired by cultural traditions from other countries. Admission to the museum will be free, thanks to a generous grant from Junior Aid of Stockton. For more information, contact Susan Benedetti at (209) 940-6315 or sbenedetti@hagginmuseum.org.

Free docent-led tours may be booked in advance by contacting Elisa Barosso at (209) 940-6332 or education@hagginmuseum.org. For disabled access, call ahead at (209) 940-6311 or 940-6317.

The Museum Store, which will feature a variety merchandise inspired by the Hats and Headdresses exhibition, is open Wednesday-Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.