Make Your Own Hessian Cap Craft

During the Revolutionary War, 30,000 German soldiers served alongside the British Army. Many were from Hesse-Kassel, giving rise to the nickname “Hessians.” Some were only teenagers, like Johannes Reuber, who is featured in the Museum. Maybe you've seen the Hessians' caps, which made them look taller and more impressive in battle. The fronts had pieces of metal decorated with lettering and symbols, telling you a soldier's regiment and his homeland. The Museum's collection features examples of the Hessian's unique military headgear. 

Now, you too can look a little taller and a little more impressive, just like the Hessian soldiers. Using the instructions below, make your own Hessian cap at home! 

Download full printable PDF instructions for the Hessian Cap Craft. Share your creation with us @amrevmuseum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Hessian Cap Craft

Materials Need

• Two pieces of construction paper
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Crayons or Colored Pencils
• Optional: Feathers or Pom Poms and Glue 

Directions

1. Cut out the template of the cap. You can use this to make your cap or trace it onto a piece of colored paper.
2. Cut two-inch wide strips of the length of the second piece of colored paper for your side pieces.
3. Decorate the front of your cap! Hessian caps had symbols that represented where they came from. What can you draw that represents you and where you live?
4. If you want to, decorate the top of your helmet with feathers or pom poms.
5. Staple each of your bands to the outside corners of the helmet.
6. Measure your bands around your head and staple where they meet.

Download full printable PDF instructions for the Hessian Cap Craft. Share your creation with us @amrevmuseum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!