Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
Capes had been a part of the military nurse's uniform since the early 1900s, providing warmth as well as serving as a way to display rank. The capes exhibited here were used during World War II, and were distributed by the American Nurse Corps. The Navy Cape was worn by nurses for the Navy, and the Olive Cape was distributed to the Army Nurses. Along with their capes, nurses also received jackets, trousers, canteens, helmets, boots, pistols, and other items that would keep them prepared during the War.