The first 18th century wig discovered in America was found when the East Hampton Historical Society accepted an antique wig into its collection. The white horsehair wig featuring a curly hairstyle and cloth lining belonged to Rev. Sameul Buell, the minister and sole spiritual leader in East Hampton for fifty-two years. Buell was also the founder of Clinton Academy, an East Hampton Historical Society Museum.
The Buell wig is currently on loan to the Williamsburg Foundation. Colonial Williamsburg already houses two antique wigs in their collection. Their staff in historic trades, conservation and collections were able to determine the authenticity of the wig and it is now temporarily part of their 18th century barber and wig maker exhibition.
The wig was inherited by and descended in the Hedges family of East Hampton. It was given to the East Hampton Historical Society by Ettie Hedges Pennypacker, a descendent of Buell's third wife.
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