AUSTIN, Texas – A Texas museum is taking a “cool” approach to one of their exhibits as temperatures heat up.

Austin's Neill-Cochran House Museum displayed their fan collection to explore the history and function of fans.

They have fans dating back to the early 18th century made from ivory, lace and even cork.

"These are objects that really are quite prized and passed down through families," said Rowena Dasch, with the Neill-Cochran House Museum. "There's so much to them above and beyond keeping yourself cool at a football game."

Traditionally, fans were used to send messages. In the past, women used them to signal potential suitors if they were interested.

At the start of the 20th century, fans were also used as advertisement. The museum has one fan that is an advertisement for Heinz Ketchup.