NPR Story Traces History of Red Protest Hat
A recent NPR story, “A red hat, inspired by a symbol of resistance to Nazi occupation, gains traction in Minnesota,” reported by Ava Berger, examines how a handmade red “Melt the ICE” knit hat has emerged as a contemporary symbol of solidarity and community response. The piece connects the hat’s design to the Norwegian nisselue, worn during World War II as a quiet, nonviolent sign of resistance, and considers how historical symbols can resurface in new social and political contexts.
Among those interviewed was historian Wendy Woloson of Rutgers University–Camden, who teaches in the History MA program. Drawing on her knowledge of material culture and her experience as a knitter, she described the red hats as part of a long tradition in which crafting communities respond to moments of need through making. Handmade items, she noted, often function as practical gestures of care while also signaling belonging, empathy, and shared purpose.
Her comments in the NPR coverage situate the current movement within broader historical patterns of everyday activism and community expression, showing how ordinary objects – including clothing and textiles – can take on layered social meanings over time and help people express identity, solidarity, and response to events in their communities.
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Mastering the Past: Rutgers–Camden’s M.A. in History Program
The Master of Arts in History program at Rutgers University–Camden offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to diverse scholarly interests. Students can immerse themselves in tracks such as American history, public history, legal history, global history, and early modern history. The program emphasizes rigorous research, critical analysis, and engagement with historiographical debates, preparing graduates for careers in education, public history, and further academic pursuits. With a dedicated faculty and a commitment to intellectual growth, the program fosters a deep understanding of historical contexts and methodologies.
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