This fall, travelers exploring Central Florida will find an unexpected treasure tucked within the oak-lined paths of Stetson University in DeLand: a captivating new exhibition celebrating 160 years of the John B. Stetson Company. Long synonymous with the spirit of the American West, the Stetson hat takes center stage in “Style, Substance and Stetson Hats: The Legacy of the John B. Stetson Company,” on view through December 6 at the Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center. For fans of history, craftsmanship, or Americana, or for any traveler craving an off the beaten path cultural stop, this exhibition is a must see at Stetson University in West Volusia County.
A Rare Look at the Man Behind the Hat
Visitors are welcomed into the story with rarely seen personal belongings of John B. Stetson, the legendary craftsman whose “Boss of the Plains,” hat created in 1865, became an enduring symbol of the rugged West. The exhibit presents an intimate portrait: a silk quilt lovingly stitched by Stetson Company employees for his 50th birthday, an antique silver desk set inscribed for his 62nd, and early photographs including a formal portrait from 1901 captured near the height of the company’s influence.
Even more striking is the array of hats on display. From classic Western brims to elegant bowlers and a richly embroidered sombrero once owned by G. Henry Stetson, the founder’s youngest son, the collection spans decades of design and cultural evolution.
Curated by Stetson University Archivist Elizabeth Maycumber, the exhibition draws from the university’s deep partnership with the Stetson family and company. Over the last century, they have donated a wealth of memorabilia, now housed in the University Archives.
Where History Meets Contemporary Style
Though steeped in history, the Stetson brand remains a modern cultural force. The company continues to inspire artists and collaborators including Beyoncé, Post Malone and Bruno Mars. This continuum of innovation is echoed throughout the exhibit, highlighting how a hatmaker’s vision grew from a one-room Philadelphia workshop into the largest hat producer in the world by the early 1900s.
More Art to Explore: Two Additional Exhibitions on View
While the Stetson Hat exhibition is a rare attraction in celebration of its anniversary, visitors can also enjoy two additional exhibitions at the Hand Art Center.
The 36th Annual Juried Show, guest juried by Blair Updike, showcases dynamic contemporary works by emerging and established artists.
Also on view is the “Bum Painter or So-Called Architect: Oscar Bluemner’s Transition to Painting” exhibition, curated by Amarige Champion with faculty mentorship from Dr. Katya Kudryavtseva. This exhibition invites visitors to explore the artistic evolution of Modernist painter Oscar Bluemner, whose extensive archive at Stetson was gifted by his daughter, Vera Bluemner Kouba.
Both exhibitions run to December 6, 2025.
A Destination for Art Lovers: The Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center
Part of what makes this season of exhibitions so remarkable is the space that houses them. The Hand Art Center, Stetson University’s flagship visual arts facility, sits at the heart of a campus with artistic roots dating back to the 1880s. Built in 2009, the Hand Art Center reflects decades of community advocacy for the arts, including the generosity of DeLand resident Vera Bluemner Kouba and alumni Dolly and Homer Hand. Today the facility features three gallery spaces, seminar rooms and a state of the art vault that preserves the university’s Permanent Collection, including more than 1,000 works by Oscar Bluemner.
Thanks to the Volusia County ECHO grant program, the Hand Art Center is open to the public at no cost.
A Cultural Stop Worth the Trip
Whether you are tracing the roots of the American cowboy hat or exploring the creative depth of Stetson University’s art community, this season’s exhibitions offer a rich blend of history, craftsmanship and artistic heritage. Step inside the Hand Art Center and you enter a story that spans centuries, stitched together by creativity, legacy and unmistakable Stetson style.
For more information visit handartcenter.org.
Visitor Details
Exhibit: Style, Substance and Stetson Hats: The Legacy of the John B. Stetson Company
When: October 21 to December 6, 2025
Additional Exhibitions on Display until December 6:
• 36th Annual Juried Show
• Bum Painter or So Called Architect: Oscar Bluemner’s Transition to Painting
Where: Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center
139 E. Michigan Ave., DeLand, Florida 32723
Admission: Free
Hours:
Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.
Monday by appointment
Closed on university holidays