Tucked into a quiet downtown storefront in Iuka, Mississippi, stands a museum unlike any other in the country. The Apron Museum, located at 110 West Eastport Street, is the only museum in the United States dedicated solely to aprons. What might sound like a narrow focus is, in reality, a richly layered look at American history, domestic life, fashion, craftsmanship, and personal stories sewn into every thread.
The museum was founded in 2006 by Carolyn Terry and her husband, Henry. What began as a small collection of vintage aprons soon blossomed into a nationally recognized destination for visitors and collectors. Carolyn, who originally envisioned a used bookstore, was drawn to the storytelling power behind each apron she encountered at estate sales and auctions. She quickly realized that aprons carried more than fabric—they held memories, eras, and the identity of generations.
Inside the museum, visitors are greeted by thousands of aprons spanning different time periods, countries, and cultures. Some are simple and utilitarian, made of feed sacks and faded cotton, worn daily in kitchens and gardens. Others are ornate, hand-stitched hostess aprons from the 1950s, designed more for entertaining than for work. There are military aprons, souvenir aprons from overseas, holiday-themed designs, children’s aprons, and even celebrity-signed pieces. The oldest known apron in the museum’s collection dates back to the Civil War era.
Each apron is tagged with information about its origin, donor, and story. Many have personal notes or letters attached, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who wore them. Carolyn considers each apron a piece of history—whether it was used for cooking, caregiving, sewing, or surviving hard times. For her, they are as important as letters or photographs in preserving the past.
What makes the Apron Museum particularly unique is Carolyn herself. Visitors frequently mention her in reviews, noting how her enthusiasm and knowledge bring the collection to life. A tour through the museum often turns into a conversation about tradition, family, and the evolving roles of women and workers throughout the 20th century. She has even sewn custom aprons and curated displays to reflect current themes or historic anniversaries.
The museum operates Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Private appointments can also be arranged outside of normal hours. Admission is free, though the museum accepts donations, and the front room includes aprons for sale along with vintage books and antiques.
For the town of Iuka, the Apron Museum is a point of pride and an example of how small, focused institutions can offer something universally meaningful. It has drawn national attention from travel writers and cultural historians alike, and it continues to attract visitors from across the country—many of whom walk in expecting something quaint and leave with a sense of connection to the women and families whose stories line the walls.
The Apron Museum stands as a reminder that even the simplest objects, when preserved with care and purpose, can tell powerful stories. It’s not just a collection of fabric—it’s a quiet archive of everyday life in America, woven one apron at a time.