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This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
HISTORIC HANDBAGS The exhibit “Old Bags: Purses Plain & Fancy” features more than 50 handbags, dating from about 1825 to 1940, selected from the Staten Island Historical Society’s collection. The handbag first emerged as an important accessory for American women in the early 1800s, when slim neoclassical dresses created the need for an alternative to pockets. They quickly became showcases for ornate beadwork and embroidery. Far left, a beaded purse, c. 1930; inset, an early-20th century arts-and-crafts-style linen embroidered purse. Through October 15, Wednesday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m., Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., near St. Patrick’s Place, Staten Island, 718-351-1611, $5 general, $4 seniors, $3.50 children.
