WE’VE ALL WORN different hats. Personally. Socially. Professionally.
I’ve worn the hats of daughter, wife, mother, grandma, friend, sister, aunt, student, intern, newspaper reporter, writer, editor, photographer, poet, volunteer and much more. Collectively, these multiple hats, or roles, helped shape me into the person I am today.
But what about actual hats, you know, the ones you place on your head? A fascinating exhibit at the Waseca County History Center, simply titled “HATS,” offers an historic glimpse of late 1800s to more current-day hats from the museum and personal collections. The display will be up until the end of June.
This ranks not only as an informative exhibit of hats, a few caps and related items, but also as a fun visual of fashion. From fancy hats with feathers and florals to all-business derbys and boaters to big floppy hats of the 1970s, the range of head-toppers evolves as time and styles change.
And then there are the lovely vintage hatpins, elegant yet practical. A woman of yesteryear could pull a hatpin to defend herself if necessary.
Vintage hatboxes, too, are part of the display, adding an artful element. As someone who appreciates type and fonts, and art, I found myself drawn to the mostly-round hatboxes. They truly are works of art as well as containers to store and protect hats.
I especially liked the interactive HATBOX corner, a hidden space to sit, pull a writing prompt from a hatbox, think and reply to the prompt before anonymously posting it on a wall. That got me thinking about the many hats I’ve worn and still wear. Hats down, my most cherished hats are those of daughter, wife, mother and grandma. The others matter, too, but not as deeply, not as personally, as donning the hats of loving, caring for and supporting my closest family.
Actual, physical hats I’ve worn call for a bit more thought because I didn’t wear all that many. I had, still have, two childhood Easter bonnets. And then there’s the floppy lime green with white polka dots cotton hat I donned while detasseling corn. Perhaps I remember it best because I remember so well the experience of yanking tassels from cornstalks in the sweltering heat and humidity of July in southwestern Minnesota. Worst job ever, hats down, paying only $1.25/hour. Imagine dew rolling down your arms, corn leaves slicing your skin, the hot sun baking your body, no place to pee except between corn rows. A grimy band of sweat ringed that polka dot hat by day’s exhausting end.
While I didn’t see any hats quite like mine in the Waseca exhibit, I saw some that were similar. But mostly I saw how the hats we wear, literally or metaphorically, identify and shape us. Hats change with time, as we grow, progress, move through life. This display documents that, causing me to pause, to reflect, to consider all the hats I’ve worn through the years.
TELL ME: What hats have you worn? Which matter to you most and why? Or which proved a defining moment in your life?
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I’ve always been fascinated by hats and find them so interesting. Especially the fashions of hats, how they’ve changed over time, location, purpose and their use in cultures and rituals and ceremonies.
I’ve never been much for wearing hats myself. but your post did remind me of my love of wearing Easter bonnets as a child and how I so looked forward to the them each year with great excitement.
Also thinking about how I had many headbands for every holiday at school, I loved to teach the children about many cultures and holidays and traditions and I was known for always having a headband to go with every one of these, along with many other occasions, so I guess they were hats, or at least headpieces.
As far as metaphorical hats, I’ve been a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, caregiver, teacher, sister, friend, helper, volunteer, storyteller, explorer, traveler, and learner, and I’ve loved wearing them all. sometimes wearing many at the same time, and still able to balance them if need be.
Beth, you’ve certainly worn many hats. And, yes, those headpieces could be considered hats. I bet your littles were excited to see your various headbands as you taught them about cultures, holidays, traditions, etc. I love that you did this.
Loving your post – love to see this exhibit 🙂 The most unpractical hat I ever wore was a chef’s hat – those tall white paper hats. The BEST hat I wore was really a veil and tiara to become a wife. Who does not watch the Kentucky Derby for the hats as well as the horses. Who does not love a good Stetson on someone that really looks great in one! Happy Day – ENJOY
You’ve listed many reasons to appreciate and love hats. Thank you for that. Good to hear from you!
I will definitely get to Waseca to see this hat exhibit.
I have a few hats myself. My favorite is one I bought to wear on a train trip I took to Chicago, to see my girlfriend. I decided I needed to wear a hat on the train, so I bought one for me, and one for my friend to give her upon arrival. I don’t know why…it just seemed the right thing to do/wear. 😉
What a sweet thing you did, to buy your friend a hat. A train does seem like a good place to wear a hat. You will enjoy the Waseca exhibit. The second floor exhibit of Waseca County history is fabulous. Quite creatively done. Plan on spending a few hours at the museum, if you’re like me and really interested in stories and regional history.
I love hats, though historically, I tend not to wear them. But seeing them in my closet made me happy. My mom wore hats, and after she died, I saved most of them, save the ball caps. I find I wear more hats these days. It’s a nice connection. Good for the vision as well.
Those are two good points, that hats are conversation starters and good for protecting our eyes. How wonderful that you have your mom’s hats.
I have a friend who does quite a bit with the Northern Light Opera Company in Park Rapids. Many of their plays and musicals require vintage hats. She keeps hoping the vintage hat trend will take off.
I have 2 caps, one is my airplane cap that I won in a contest, and the other is a “Life’s Good” cap with a motorcycle on it. I rarely wear them except during outdoor activities on sunny days. But sometimes I think it would be fun to wear low-key stylish hats with English Tweed/military shaped dresses from the 1940’s era of women beginning to enter the business world.
My list of metaphorical hats is similar to yours and Beth’s.
Rose, I could picture you in a low-key stylish hat paired with the dress you describe. You would look stunning. And professional.