Images(3)

Uniform, Organizational

Object number2017.89.1 a-c

Manufacturer Bailey & McNair

Date1920-1929

OriginSharon, PA

MediumFabric; Mother-of-pearl (nacre); Metal; Brass; Plant material; Ink; Leather; Canvas

Credit LineGift of William J.Cribbs

DescriptionKlu Klux Klan (KKK) costume consisting of robe, hood, and storage bag.DimensionsHeight x Width (a): 50 × 20 in. (127 × 50.8 cm)
Height x Width (b): 28 × 13.5 in. (71.1 × 34.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 14.75 × 17 × 2 in. (37.5 × 43.2 × 5.1 cm)
Length (c - strap): 18 in. (45.7 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Oval brass tag with imprinted number "361" mounted on proper right edge of cape.

(b)
Oval brass tag with imprinted number "361" mounted on proper left edge of back flap.

(c)
Oval brass tag with imprinted number "361" mounted inside on proper right end of front flap.
Marks(b)
Purple ink stamped size "6 7/8" inside interior woven framework on proper right side.

(c)
Black ink stamped text inside bag "THE 100% ROBE BAG / MANUFACTURED BY KLANSMEN FOR KLANSMEN / BAILEY & McNAIR / P. O. BOX 402 / 31 River Ave. - SHARON, PA."
Label TextAs immigration to Western Pennsylvania increased in the early 20th century, so did membership in the Ku Klux Klan, which peaked in the mid-1920s. The Klan promoted a narrow vision of American identity limited exclusively to white Protestants, threatening Catholic and Jewish immigrants from Europe and African Americans coming to the region from the American South.

Related institution Ku Klux Klan

Subjects