NICODEMUS — African-American women wear extravagant church hats not only to cover their heads in reverence, but also to express status, make a fashion statement, and express femininity.

The Nicodemus Historical Society and the National Park Service are hosting a program about hats at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Nicodemus National Historic Site Visitor Center.

Come see the array of glorious crowns the women of Nicodemus have collected and wore over the years.

The hats will be modeled by the lovely ladies of Nicodemus. Put on your favorite hat, come out and meet the ladies, and see the amazing hats of Nicodemus.

For further information contact Angela Bates, (785) 421-3311, Nicodemus Historical Society or Phyllis Howard, Nicodemus National Historic Site, (785) 839-4322.

The town of Nicodemus is symbolic of the pioneer spirit of African Americans.  They dared to leave the only region they had been familiar with to seek personal freedom and the opportunity to develop their talents and capabilities.  Nicodemus NHS represents the western expansion and settlement of the Great Plains, and includes five buildings: The First Baptist Church, St. Francis Hotel, Nicodemus School District Number One, African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Township Hall.

Submitted by Nicodemus National Historic Site