Now available: All the hats for all your various and hilarious needs. We recommend the calash bonnet for those abundantly sunny days, it’s like window blinds for your face! 

[Late 18th century bonnets.] John Fanning Watson. Extra-Illustrated Manuscript of Annals of Philadelphia (1830)

Transform your outfit from work to evening with this fancy feathered feline festooned accessory, or the 1884 version of the Cat in the Hat. 

Godey’s Magazine. V. 108, no. 647 (May 1884).  Philadelphia : L.A. Godey & Co., 1884. Per G 43 114939.O.

Today we celebrate the birthday of our founder, Benjamin Franklin, born on this day 311 years ago! We love this 19th-century Staffordshire figurine of Franklin, which was featured in our 2015 exhibition Fashioning Philadelphia - The Style of the City, 1720-1940. He certainly looks fashionable in his vest with floral decoration and gold-striped breeches.

Benjamin Franklin figurine. Staffordshire, England, 19th c. Lead-glazed earthenware ; 14 inches H x 5 ½ inches W x 4 ¼ inches D.

This glass negative from our Marriott C. Morris Collection proves that a good check pattern is always in style! Check out our current exhibition, Fashioning Philadelphia, to learn more about the history of fashion.

Aunt A.T. [Anna Tatnall] Canby. [Sea Girt, NJ].  July 21, 1884.  1 photograph: glass plate negative; 4 x 5 in. 

Seeking a seductive silhouette? Look no further than this keyhole. #victorianbeautyispain

The secret out at last. Why Mrs. Brown has such a perfect figure. [graphic] New York : Trautmann, Bailey & Blampey, c1885.

Tonight LCP hosts Unlacing the Victorian Woman. Please join us for a performance that will unveil the mystique of ladies fashion in the Victorian era. Free for Library Company Members / $12 for Non- Members. Performance begins at 6:15 followed by a Dessert Reception.