Press

Fashion and Faith: Hats from the Great Migration Opens to the Public Saturday, February 14 

The New York State Museum is honoring the Black women whose faith helped shape Albany’s communities with the opening of its newest collections feature, Fashion and Faith: Hats from the Great Migration. Between 1910 and 1970, more than seven million African Americans left the South, with New York State becoming a popular destination for those seeking higher wages, better housing, less discrimination, and improved educational opportunities for their children. The display explores the lived experiences of women during the Great Migration through their church hats, which became vibrant, impactful expressions of identity, connection, and possibilities.  

Opening to the public on February 14, the display features 25 hats worn by women who primarily settled in Albany’s South End, Arbor Hill, and Rapp Road neighborhoods. Visitors will learn about the lives and legacies of influential community builders and leaders, including Lady Florine Delores “Sue” Johnson, First Lady of the Greater St. John’s Church of God in Christ; Anne M. Pope, former president of the Albany NAACP and Northeast regional director; and lifelong community advocate Abbie Lee Brace.

Jennifer Lemak, Chief Curator of History, said, “The extraordinary women represented in this exhibit helped found and sustain the local churches that became community centers for migrants settling in New York. These women helped create lasting institutions in Albany and beyond, and their hats serve as tangible, personal entry points to their stories. It has been a pleasure working alongside their families and the Rapp Road Historical Association to create a display honoring their legacy.”

Stephanie Woodard, president of the Rapp Road Historical Association, said, “The Rapp Road Historical Association views this exhibit as a vital component in preserving the legacy of the Rapp Road Historic District. The exhibit powerfully conveys the district’s cultural and spiritual significance by sharing the stories of the women who lived, worshiped, and built community there. The Association deeply appreciates the vision and dedication of Jennifer Lemak, along with Sheraqua Woodard and Mother Geneva Conway, who worked closely with families and congregations to thoughtfully gather the crowns that anchor the exhibit. Their efforts honored both the women and the histories connected to each hat. Most importantly, the Historical Association thanks the women and their families that have bestowed some of the most precious pieces of their being to be displayed as part of New York State’s history.”

Sheraqua Woodard-Olarinde, Rapp Road Historical Association member, said, “It was an honor to help collect the hats, while learning about these women and encouraging them to tell their stories and share their resilience. This project also gave me an opportunity to learn more about my own family, including descendants who settled in the Rapp Road neighborhood.”  

The Museum will host an opening reception on Friday, March 6, beginning at 6:00 p.m. In addition to the display, guests will enjoy a viewing of the WMHT documentary North to New York: The Great Migration in NY’s Capital Region.  

The hats will remain in the Museum’s collection, and Fashion and Faith: Hats from the Great Migration will be on display through July 19, 2026.  

Additional resources and information about the display can be found on the New York State Museum’s website.

About the New York State Museum  

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 1.1 billion years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website and subscribe to our newsletter.    

###