Proud Pilgrim Hats
Investigate the authentic clothing worn by European immigrants to North America then create historically accurate hats to wear in reenactments.
1. Research information about the immigrants from cities in Europe who came to the Wampanoag village of Patuxet, Massachusetts in 1620. You will find that the clothing they brought with them was mostly wool and linen, with some leather. These immigrants wore reds, yellows, purples, and greens, as well as blacks and grays. Their hats were simple, with no buckles or bows. Men's hats were usually felt, shaped like an angular bell. The women's hats, called coifs, were gathered circles of linen, which covered their hair.
2. To create a replica of an authentic Plymouth colonist man's hat with paper maché, tear several long strips of newspaper. Cover a table with more newspaper. Mix equal amounts of Crayola® School Glue and water in a recycled container.
3. Cover another hat-sized recycled container such as a plastic ice cream tub with a damp paper towel. Dip newspaper strips into the glue mixture, and wipe away the excess. Drape strips over the tub, letting them spread onto the table to make a brim. Cover the entire tub. Use more strips to coat the perimeter and brim of the hat. Smooth out the strips as you go. Dry between each two or three layers. Trim the hat with Crayola Scissors, leaving a broad brim.
4. To design a lady's coif, crumple a large ball of newspaper to use as a form. Saturate two half-sheets of newspaper with the paper maché glue mixture. Drape the wet paper over the crumpled ball. Secure it in place with string around the outer edge. Dry. Trim the edges in a circle.
5. Paint both hats with Crayola Tempera Paints and Paint Brushes. Dry.
6. Reenact your understanding of life in 17th-century Massachusetts while wearing these hats. What other props do you need to portray authentic history? Close adult supervision is required to assure children's safety. When children wear hand-crafted costumes and masks make sure the craft does not obstruct the child's vision or impede movement, and keep away from open flames.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Costumes & Masks—
CAUTION: When children wear hand-crafted costumes and masks, make sure the crafts do not obstruct the child’s vision, hearing, or impede movement. Do not use feathers, fabric, or raffia on wearable costumes and masks because these items do not pass costume flammability tests. Wearable masks are those held in place on the face with elastic, yarn, or other materials. Keep away from open flames.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
Recycled Containers—Must be clean and safe. Do not use containers that contained bleach or other harmful chemicals (for example, household cleaners, dishwasher or laundry detergents). Do not use recycled metal cans that have sharp edges (for example, lids removed by household can openers).
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.
- Gather more information about the immigrants who in later centuries became known as Pilgrims. Why did they come to North America? What did they learn from the Native Americans in the area, including the Wampanoag and Massachuset? What happened to the original peoples?
- Create authentic costumes for a play about live among the immigrants and the indigenous American peoples. Write the script, rehearse, design the sets, then perform the play for your class.
- Use these hats for a harvest celebration centerpiece. Arrange a bed of colorful fall leaves, gourds, and Indian corn. Place the hats in the center as a reminder of the traditional story about the first Thanksgiving feast.
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