About

Have you ever wondered how we know what was made and worn by individuals in the 1830s? During Textile Weekend, Behind the Scenes & Seams, we are highlighting original clothing and textile-related objects from the museum’s permanent collection while creating new copies for side-by-side comparisons and a closer look at how we know what we know about the past.

As a follow up to the popular demonstration in 2022, special activities during this year’s event will include sewing two dresses in real time over the course of the weekend – this time for a mother and daughter! Skilled sewists will assemble for two days to complete all the stitches needed to create two dresses, while periodically trying the dresses on the wearers to test the fit and showcase progress.

Other highlighted programming includes:

• Wool dyeing demonstrations
• Reproducing wooden and tin sewing boxes based on original examples
• Discussion of 1830s knitting and weaving patterns with skilled needleworkers
• Working with a variety of plants and tools to create straw and palm leaf braid for bonnets and hats

During your visit by sure to check out our Needle & Thread exhibit and recently published book.

Needle & Thread: The Art and Skill of Clothing an Early 19th-Century Family explores all the work that went into outfitting the members of a family, from choosing fabrics and styles, to making, mending, and washing clothes. See gowns, a tail coat, and a sampling of children’s garments from the early 19th century, advice and account books, a c. 1825-1850 washing machine, and more!