Decorative Fan Collection

The Murfreesboro Historical Association has an eclectic collection of hand fans, originally owned by the Brown family. This collection was given by Dorothy B. Shoffner in memory of her mother, Dorothy Heath Brown, and her sister, Hannah Brown.

The fans are on display on the upper floor of Hertford Academy , one of the historical association’s historic buildings. This seems a fitting location for them, as they were collected by someone who believed in the value of preserving and restoring buildings of historical interest, in particular, Hertford Academy .

There is a wide variety of styles and periods represented in the collection of thirty-six hand-held fans. Some are hand-painted silk with ivory or wooden ribs. Others are made of feathers, hand-painted wood, pierced wood or printed-paper stock. A number of the fans had been mounted in beautiful frames before they were acquired by Mrs. Brown.

The Fan Association of North America (FANA) awarded the Murfreesboro Historical Association a grant, which was used to further enhance the display and management of this collection.

This exhibit can be seen by calling MHA’s office, 252-398-5922, to schedule an appointment

Fan note cards are now available in the Murfreesboro Historical Association's Gift Shop. Call the Gift Shop
to order your cards today! (252) 398-5610

A Cooling Breeze...

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Links

Fan Association of North America
The Fan Association of North America (FANA) is an organization with individual and institutional members who have an interest in the study, conservation, acquisition and identification of antique, vintage and collectible hand fans.

Fan Terminology/Glossary
The Fan Circle International is a charitable society established in 1975 to promote interest in and knowledge of the fan in all aspects.

Caring for Fans
A personal collection, varies from 18th century European fans to American 1950’s advertising cardboard-on-a stick fans.

The Language of the Fan

Providing high quality hand fans to consumers, companies of all sizes, Government agencies and professional buyers, such as photographers, choreographers and dressmakers.

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The Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc.

PO Box 3 • Murfreesboro, NC 27855
252-398-5922
©2008 MHA. MHA is a Non-Profit Organization