Women's History Month 2023: Her Purse

 Her purse? You may be thinking this is a strange topic for a genealogist to write about. As we explore the material culture that is associated with women, a purse seems appropriate. Over time, women have had to carry 'stuff,'  so how did they do that? 

David Ring, Wikimedia Commons

A quick look online suggests that purse-like objects have existed for thousands of years (if not more). When we look at more recent history, say early America, we see women carrying things in pockets. In the 19th century, we start seeing some sort of bag that evolves into what we know today as a purse or handbag.

Prior to women spending a great deal of time outside of the home, a small bag called a reticule was used to carry some essentials, but then as women became more mobile in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they needed a bag to carry more.  You can read more online, including this article from the Women's Museum in California (https://womensmuseum.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/the-history-of-the-handbag/). 

So what did she carry? Do you have a female ancestor's purse or handbag? Do you have photos of her with her purse? Have you considered looking in the Sears catalog to see what purses were available for your grandmother or her mother?