Hats of the King Family Women

The Hats of the King Family Women Exhibit is on display in our Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta Gallery all year long.

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The Hats of the King Family Women Exhibit is more than just hats on display in Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta Gallery!

Step into a world of faith, resilience, and style through the inspiring stories of the King family women and their exquisite headpieces. Explore the captivating stories behind these exquisite hats in our new exhibit. From Sunday services to special occasions, these stunning headpieces were more than just accessories – they were symbols of identity, status, and the enduring power of matriarchy.

Explore the rich history and cultural significance of these remarkable creations on display now at the Atlanta History Center.

The Hats of the King Family Women Exhibit in our Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta Gallery features a rotating display. A new set of hats will go on display in  July 2025.

Black felt pillbox hat base with black feathers; label worn by Coretta Scott King

Photo Image Property of Atlanta History Center

As the wife of a civil rights activist, Coretta Scott King wore this black hat covered in feathers to represent herself as a prominent woman of the Movement.

Red and black wool felt pillbox hat worn by Christine King Farris

Photo Image Property of Atlanta History Center

Christine King Farris was involved in many community events and wore colorful, feathered hats covered in bold patterns. She even wore hats that matched her outfit like the one in this picture.

Property of Christine King Farris Legacy Foundation Inc./Christine King Farris Estate

Royal blue satin ribbon in straw style, pillbox hat base with conical flare up brim and large worn by Christine King Farris

Photo Image Property of Atlanta History Center

In 2011, Christine King Farris was invited to celebrate her brother at the opening and dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., and wore this royal blue hat covered in rhinestones and a large bow.

The King Family Women Hat Exhibition, launched on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025, is a collaboration between AHC and the Christine King Farris Legacy Foundation Inc.

More Resources

  • What Moves You?

    Meet the phenomenal women of the Civil Rights Movement and learn how their work sparked real change! Reflect on their lives and be inspired to make an impact in your own community.

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  • Mapping a Movement

    Explore movements in Atlanta through phenomenal women and their impacts on the city. From the Washing Society to Roslyn Pope, follow their footsteps and uncover how they changed the world around them. 

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  • If I Were a Hat

    Encounter the legacies of impactful women within the family of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., through the hats they wore. Investigate the histories of these items through matching and storytelling! Practice with our online game before playing onsite at the exhibit.

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    Blessed and Beautiful: The Evolution of Black Women’s Style

    The evolution of Black women’s fashion reflects a journey of resilience and expression. Beginning during enslavement with enforced dress codes, Black women used fashion as a form of rebellion, showcasing their identity through headwraps and vibrant fabrics. Post-emancipation, they influenced trends as skilled seamstresses and embraced popular styles. The 20th century saw fashion align with social movements, from dignified “Sunday’s Best” in the civil rights era to natural hair as a symbol of protest during the Black Power Movement. This enduring legacy highlights the creativity and adaptability of Black women in fashion.
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