These thimbles were used by the Minneapolis Area Chapter of the Red Cross during World War I. Around the band of each thimble, the embossed words read: "American Red Cross/Neutrality/Humanity."

Thimbles are used when sewing, worn on top of fingers to prevent needle pokes. Women who served in the Red Cross during the war completed thousands of sewing projects, including mending uniforms, making ditty bags to carry soldiers' items, and sewing face masks for hospitals.