Visit free museum exhibit, 'The Global Language of Headwear,' in Elkhart Sunday

ELKHART, Ind. -- The Ruthmere Museum in Elkhart will host a free family Sunday event, featuring the temporary summer exhibit, "The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality," at the Havilah Beardsley House on July 7.

Organizers say the exhibit includes 89 hats and headdresses carefully selected from a private collection of more than 1300 pieces of international headwear.

The exhibit will be open from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday.

The hats come from 42 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, according to museum officials.

They add, with a few exceptions, the pieces are from the mid-to-late 20th century, and many are still worn in parts of the world today for revelry, ritual, and the rhythms of everyday life.

Each hat is a unique work of art, officials say, not merely because of the skill required to make it, but also as a singular expression of creativity and cultural meaning.

You can find more information and updates on the official Facebook event page.

The Beardsley House is located at 102 W Beardsley Ave. in Elkhart.