Umbrella Cover Day

 

Umbrella Cover Day

Date:

July 6 (observed annually)

What Is an Umbrella Cover?

• It’s the small, often forgotten sleeve that comes with a collapsible umbrella.

• Meant to protect the umbrella from dust, help it dry more slowly (preventing mold), and keep it compact in bags or purses.

• Though many people misplace or ignore them, umbrella covers serve both practical and symbolic purposes—which is why they now have a day of recognition!

Origins of the Holiday

• Founded by Nancy 3. Hoffman, an eccentric and passionate umbrella cover collector.

• In 1996, she opened the Umbrella Cover Museum on Peaks Island, Maine, dedicated exclusively to the beauty, design, and forgotten significance of these covers.

• The museum promotes appreciation of mundane objects, and inspires people to find wonder in everyday life.

• Umbrella Cover Day is essentially an extension of the museum’s philosophy — celebrating something small and easily overlooked with joy and intention.

The Umbrella Cover Museum

• Open seasonally in Peaks Island, Maine (off the coast of Portland).

• Houses over 2,000 umbrella covers from more than 70 countries.

• Holds the Guinness World Record for the largest umbrella cover collection.

• Motto: “Celebrating the Mundane” — a call to cherish small and simple things in life.

“It’s not about the umbrella cover. It’s about finding meaning in little things.” — Nancy 3. Hoffman

Purpose of Umbrella Cover Day

Why Celebrate It?

1. Awareness: We often throw away or lose umbrella sleeves, seeing them as disposable. This day reminds us of their function and design.

2. Sustainability: Encourages people to reuse their covers, or upcycle them rather than let them end up in landfills.

3. Creativity & Humor: Sparks imagination about how to repurpose old covers or create fun projects with them.

4. Mindfulness: Emphasizes noticing the small things in daily life that we often take for granted.

How to Celebrate

At Home

• Find old umbrella covers in closets or drawers and reunite them with their umbrellas.

• Clean & organize your umbrellas — wash the covers, air dry them, and store them neatly.

• Craft projects: Turn covers into pencil holders, plant sleeves, doll sleeping bags, or reusable wrapping.

Online & In the Community

• Post your umbrella cover finds on social media using hashtags like #UmbrellaCoverDay, #TinySleeveBigPurpose, or #CelebrateTheMundane.

• Visit the museum virtually through its official site or send a cover to be added to the global collection.

Fun Family Activities

• Umbrella-themed scavenger hunts

• DIY umbrella cover fashion show (use them as finger puppets, pet accessories, etc.)

• Write a short story about the “lost umbrella cover” that found its way home.

Global Relevance

Though it started as a local Maine phenomenon, Umbrella Cover Day now:

• Appeals to minimalists, collectors, environmentalists, and creatives around the world.

• Is featured on global “quirky holiday” calendars.

• Is a reminder that sustainability isn’t just about big actions — it’s also about respecting small things.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Umbrella Covers

Use Case	Idea
Crafting	Turn them into bookmarks, keychain pouches, or mini makeup holders.
Gardening	Use them as small plant protectors or seedling wraps.
Storage	Store knitting needles, chopsticks, straws, or reusable utensils.
Toy Accessories	Make clothing or accessories for dolls or stuffed animals.
Travel	Use them to store charging cables or toothbrushes in your bag.

Fun Trivia

• Nancy 3. Hoffman legally includes the number 3 in her name!

• The Umbrella Cover Museum has been featured on NPR, the Travel Channel, and multiple international art journals.

• Some of the most unique covers in the collection include:

  • A hand-knitted cover

  • A leather designer cover from Italy

  • A Japanese transparent cover with cherry blossoms