Esse Purse Museum & Store: A Stitch in Time

Step into the Esse Purse Museum & Store and embark on a fascinating journey through the 20th century, exploring the lives of American women as reflected in their handbags. Founded by Anita Davis, the museum's name, derived from the Latin 'esse' meaning 'to be', encapsulates the idea that a purse is more than just an accessory; it's an extension of a woman's personal space and essence. The museum's permanent exhibit, 'What's Inside: A Century of Women and Handbags 1900–1999,' presents a captivating display of handbags and their contents, arranged decade by decade. Each display case offers a glimpse into the styles, trends, and social changes that shaped women's lives throughout the century. From the clutch bags of the early 1900s to the larger, more practical purses of the war years and the pop art-inspired designs of the 1960s, the exhibit showcases the evolving role of women in society. Beyond the permanent exhibit, the Esse Purse Museum also hosts temporary exhibits that explore various aspects of women's history and culture. The museum store offers a curated selection of handbags, jewelry, scarves, books, and other unique items, many handcrafted by local, national, and international artisans. Housed in a historic building in Little Rock's South Main (SoMa) district, the Esse Purse Museum has become a cultural hub and a testament to the power of fashion as a reflection of history and identity.