Racist Clothing

Q: Does the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery contain any objects related to fashion? I am a fashion historian researching how racist stereotypes and caricatures were perpetuated in fashionable clothing and accessories. I know the museum has some costumes and t-shirts, but I'm wondering if you have fashionable clothing — possibly made of textiles that feature racist imagery, buttons with racist caricatures, etc.

~Jacqueline W.
Chicago, Illinois

A: Thanks for the question, aside from Klan robes, the Jim Crow Museum has a number of items that could qualify as “racist” clothing or accessories. Here are some pictures and descriptions of some items.

The Jim Crow Museum has items related to minstrel shows, masks, gloves and wigs

White supremacy baseball caps

Apron with a Longwood Plantation’s syrup label attached

Savage caricature purse

White Golliwog sweater

Blue Golliwog sweater

Golliwog sweater knitting patterns (the museum does not own a copy of the patterns)

“I heart Niggers that are dead!” bib

"The Nigger Family Tree” t-shirt

Confederate battle flag head wrap.

"I'ze figna vomick!" bib

Richards & Pringle’s Famous Minstrels thong underwear and Nappy-Headed Hose boxer briefs

"No Niggers" apron

"White Pride World Wide" tie and hat

The Jim Crow Museum has numerous racist t-shirts

"Nappy Headed Pimps" cap

Halloween masks

Savage caricature aprons

Picaninny caricature apron

Caricatured savage skirt

Franklin Hughes
Jim Crow Museum 
2018