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Mary Lincoln's Dress
From the collection of National Museum of American History. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Mary Lincoln’s purple velvet skirt and daytime bodice are believed to have been made by African American dressmaker Elizabeth Keckly. The first lady wore the gown during the Washington winter social season in 1861–62. Both pieces are piped with white satin, and the bodice is trimmed with mother-of pearl buttons. An evening bodice was included with the ensemble. The lace collar is of the period, but not original to the dress.
National Museum of American History’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineMary Lincoln's Dress. 1864. Lincoln, Mary Todd. National Museum of American History, Bequest of Mrs. Julian-James. CC0.
