Esse Purse Museum & Store is a unique and fascinating museum that celebrates the history of American women through their handbags. The permanent exhibit showcases over a century of fashion and cultural changes from 1900 to 1990, with each decade thoughtfully displayed through handbags, contents, photography, and ephemera. Visitors can learn how women’s lives, struggles, and achievements evolved alongside changing handbag styles, making it a rich historical experience. The museum’s collection is impressively curated and offers a dense, well-designed space that invites visitors to spend over an hour exploring. In addition to the main exhibit, the museum features temporary displays, such as local history exhibits, and a purse weighing station for added fun. The gift shop is noteworthy, featuring interesting bags and items catering to different budgets, and supporting artisans from around the world. As the only purse museum in the United States, ESSE is highly recommended for history buffs and fashion enthusiasts alike. Owned by a small woman-led business, the museum and store also support other small businesses, making it a meaningful visit for those interested in history, fashion, and cultural stories.
