Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Hair Jewelry in Virginia History

What’s Happening?
In this series, VMHC staff curate displays featuring some of the museum’s millions of artifacts and manuscripts that are not currently on exhibit. In addition to a themed presentation, guests are led on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s storage areas to examine the museum’s collection up close while interacting with VMHC staff members.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Hair Jewelry in Virginia History
While elaborate hair jewelry is most often thought of as tokens of remembrance for loved ones past, hair has also historically been used as symbols of friendship or intimacy, and passed between individuals still very much alive. This program will explore some early origins of hair jewelry, the process of making the pieces, and the symbolism evident in the iconography and materials often used.

Note:

Due to very popular demand, two times are being offered: 10:30 am + 2:00 pm – This is the 10:30 am event. If you would like to purchase tickets for the 2:00 time slot, please click here.
This program involves long periods of standing and walking.
Due to space restrictions in the museum’s storage areas, each program time is strictly limited to 10 people. Each attendee must be a ticket holder.
Due to spending time in the museum’s storage areas, the following items are not allowed with you during this program. Please leave them in your vehicle or store them in a locker located in the VMHC library’s locker room. -Bags/purses -Food/drinks (including water bottles)