A Florida man encountered what he describes as his “most disturbing thrift find ever” during a recent shopping trip. Liam McNamara, who resides in Venice, is an “avid thrifter” known for reselling vintage home decor on Etsy. He often visits several thrift stores each day in search of unique items to sell.
Shocking Discovery in Sarasota County
McNamara was alerted by a friend about an unusual item in a local Sarasota County antique shop. His friend had visited the store while thrifting and noticed a white conical hood, typically linked to the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Initially doubtful, McNamara decided to visit the shop to verify the claim.
KKK Hood Found for Sale
Upon his arrival, McNamara’s concerns were validated when he found the hood on display with a price tag of $350. The store owner informed him that the item had come from an estate cleanout in South Venice. The hood was accompanied by a red flag featuring a swastika. McNamara shared that the owner hesitated to display the hood, having kept it under his desk for some time.
In the earlier 20th century, the KKK had notable activity in Florida, peaking in membership numbers in the 1920s and 1960s. By the 1980s, numbers had decreased to the thousands, making it a minor presence compared to earlier decades. While some rallies took place, such as in 1980 at Fort Walton Beach and 1988 in Winter Haven, evidence of masked beach patrols during the 1980s is lacking.
History of KKK Hoods
The white hood became synonymous with the Klan during its revival in the early 1900s. The design aimed to create fear while concealing identities. This led to anti-mask laws in the 1920s, strengthened during the Civil Rights era. Floridian law does not automatically ban such hoods, but it does prohibit wearing masks for intimidation purposes since 1951.
Discovery Sparks Debate
McNamara noted a range of controversial items in the store, such as Nazi memorabilia. He posted a video on TikTok about the discovery, gaining over 1 million views and sparking widespread debate.
“The reaction was mixed,” said McNamara. “Some supported the sale, while others argued such items belong in a museum.”
Item Sold as ‘Piece of Dark American History’
The hood was eventually sold to a local buyer for $450, with the intent to preserve it as a historical artifact.
McNamara did not buy the item but emphasized the ongoing presence of hate. “It shows there’s still a lot of hate out there,” he said.
Selling KKK Memorabilia
In America, selling symbols like KKK imagery is protected by the First Amendment, allowing their presence in various forms. Online platforms, however, enforce stricter rules:
- Etsy bans items promoting hatred or using hateful language.
- eBay prohibits listings that glorify hate groups or racist propaganda.
Independent shops can legally sell such items but may choose not to stock them, leading to occasional public backlash and item removals.