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Elizabeth Keckly

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    Mrs. Lincoln’s Purple Velvet Dress

    This purple velvet skirt and daytime bodice is attributed to Elizabeth Keckly. The ensemble also included an alternate evening bodice. This garment features white satin piping and mother of pearl buttons and was worn by First Lady Mary Lincoln during the winter social season of 1861 -1862.

    National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

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    Mrs. Lincoln’s Purple Velvet Dress (Evening Bodice)

    The alternate evening bodice with black and white lace-adorned sleeves and exposed neckline.

    National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

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    The Keckly Quilt

    This mosaic quilt is attributed to Elizabeth Keckly and was made between 1862 – 1880. This quilt style was popular during the Civil War period. It’s composed of scrap silks that have been embroidered and appliqued, some possibly left-over scraps from Mrs. Lincoln’s dresses.

    Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly, Gift of Ross Trump in memory of his mother, Helen Watts Trump, KSUM 1994.79.1; Photo courtesy of the Kent State University Museum, photography by JoAnn Arnett

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    Stars and Stripes Slippers, 1865

    These men’s stars and stripes boudoir slippers are attributed to Elizabeth Keckly. These were likely commissioned in 1865 by Mrs. Gideon Welles as a gift for her husband, Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy under President Lincoln. The body of the shoes is composed of red and white crochet stripes with a navy band and scattered white stars across the vamp. They contain a flat, leather sole and are edged in a twisted blue and red cord.

    National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

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    Mrs. Lincoln’s Plaid Gown

    This three-piece day dress has an accompanying cape made from green and white plaid wool. The ensemble also has black wool-covered buttons and black, wool braid edging. This ensemble was created around 1862 and has been attributed to Keckly, as it matches her design aesthetics of the time.

    Chicago History Museum, ICHi-066122

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  • Elizabeth Keckly Portrait

    An etching and engraving on paper of Elizabeth Keckly circa 1868.

    National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

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