This purple velvet dress by Elizabeth Keckley was created for First Lady Mary Lincoln during the 1861-1862 winter social season in Washington, D.C. Keckley designed the ensemble to include a skirt and two bodices -- one for the daytime and one for the evening. The daytime bodice, seen here, features white satin piping and mother of pearl buttons. Keckley, who was born enslaved, frequently designed dresses for Mrs. Lincoln. The two developed both a business partnership during Mrs. Lincoln's time in the White House as well as a friendship during that time. To see the evening bodice, see image 1135054.

These men’s stars and stripes boudoir slippers are attributed to Elizabeth Keckley. These were likely commissioned in circa 1865 by Mrs. Gideon Welles as a gift for her husband, Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy under President Abraham Lincoln. The body of the shoes is composed of red and white crochet stripes with a navy band and scattered white stars across the vamp. They contain a flat, leather sole and are edged in a twisted blue and red cord. Keckley, who was born enslaved, frequently designed dresses for First Lady Mary Lincoln. The two developed both a business partnership during Mrs. Lincoln's time in the White House as well as a friendship during that time.

This purple velvet dress by Elizabeth Keckley was created for First Lady Mary Lincoln during the 1861-1862 winter social season in Washington, D.C. Keckley designed the ensemble to include a skirt and two bodices -- one for the daytime and one for the evening. The evening bodice, seen here, features white satin piping and black and white lace-decorated sleeves. Keckley, who was born enslaved, frequently designed dresses for Mrs. Lincoln. The two developed both a business partnership during Mrs. Lincoln's time in the White House as well as a friendship during that time. To see the daytime bodice, see image 1135052.