Object Details
Description
By the mid-19th century Uncle Sam became the most recognizable personification of the U.S. government. Rather than an authority figure, he most often was portrayed with affection and used as an emblem of national kinship to instill patriotism. This costume was worn by Wilburt E. Leppien. Leppien first appeared as Uncle Sam in 1956 and took part in numerous ceremonies and parades across the country, including five presidential inaugurations.
Credit Line
Marcella M. Leppien
Date made
1984
1956-05-25
ID Number
1984.0974.02
accession number
1984.0974
catalog number
1984.0974.02
Object Name
Costume
Object Type
costume
Costume
Physical Description
synthetic fibers (overall material)
red; white; blue (overall color)
Measurements
overall jacket: 44 in x 22 in; 111.76 cm x 55.88 cm
place made
United States: Wisconsin
See more items in
Political History: Political History, General History Collection
Government, Politics, and Reform
American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith
Exhibition
American Democracy
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
used
Parades
classified
Costume
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_531662