Bill Ayers' Professor’s Cap
Historic Piece from a Notable Academic Career
$500.00
This academic professor’s cap belonged to Bill Ayers, the retired professor and distinguished scholar who spent decades teaching at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This cap represents more than just academic regalia—it symbolizes Ayers' transformation from his radical activism in the Weather Underground to his long and influential career in academia.
Provenance:
The cap was part of the professor’s full regalia, which Bill Ayers wore during formal university events, such as graduation ceremonies and academic presentations. The accompanying gown, which is now being creatively repurposed into bookmarks for this fundraising project, further highlights the continued evolution of Ayers' legacy—from activism to education to supporting artistic and political projects.
Significance:
Bill Ayers is best known as a former member of the Weather Underground and as an influential voice in progressive education. His academic career allowed him to influence countless students while shaping debates around the role of education in social justice. Owning a piece of his professional regalia connects to the broader historical narrative of his life’s work, making this cap a significant artifact for collectors of 60s and 70s counterculture, educational reform history, and contemporary political activism.
Condition:
The cap is in excellent condition, with minimal wear expected from an item used during formal academic events. The interior lining is intact, and the exterior velvet retains its deep color. The tassel is attached and shows no signs of damage.
Value:
Given its direct connection to Bill Ayers’ academic career and its unique provenance, this piece is valued at $400-$800, depending on its significance to the collector. Similar academic memorabilia from historically significant figures often appreciate over time, especially when connected to broader movements and educational reform.
This is a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of Bill Ayers’ professional life, bridging his past as a radical activist to his years as a respected professor. The sale also supports a fundraiser dedicated to preserving and sharing this complex and important history.
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Certificate of Authenticity
Each item in this exclusive collection of Unique Artifacts has been personally curated from the home of American revolutionaries Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. Spanning their long careers as activists and radical organizers, these rare pieces are more than just collectibles—they’re tangible pieces of history that bear witness to a life of resistance, community building, and defiance against the status quo.
Every item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity featuring an embossed stamp that reads: “From the Home of Bernardine Dohrn & Bill Ayers,” accompanied by the Weather Underground logo and the powerful phrase “Power to All People.” This stamp certifies the provenance of these historically significant items, ensuring their authenticity and preserving the legacy of two individuals who helped shape American political activism.
Whether it’s a well-worn political pamphlet that fueled the fires of rebellion or a personal artifact from their private collection, this certificate guarantees that you’re holding a genuine piece of radical history.