The Story Behind Their Clothes
April 26, 2021-January 8, 2022 at the MRHC
The MRHC has a large clothing collection, most of which remains in storage and is rarely on display. This exhibit is an attempt to learn more about the collection and to share some of those findings. We have dozens of wedding gowns, women’s dresses, and hundreds of hats from baby bonnets to 1950s pillboxes to winter caps.
Although the museum has kept records on its artifact collection since the collection began in 1918, those records are often very thin. We may know who donated an artifact or piece of clothing but don’t always know who wore it, made it, or where it was purchased. We often don’t know its significance: Was it kept in the back of the closet and only rarely worn for special occasions, or was it worn regularly?
I puzzled over a vest which the donor wore as an adult that was made around the time he was born. We finally decided it was part of a vintage look worn by a young man (see Claudius Pendill’s vest to learn more).
I wanted this exhibit to focus on the people who wore or made these items, emphasizing everyday people and everyday clothing. That upped the challenge. We tend to save and donate special clothing like wedding gowns, prom dresses, and baptismal outfits. Work clothing is usually handed down, recycled, or discarded. Too often museums have acted as keepers of the beautiful and proponents of the wealthy and powerful. Many of the artifacts that are saved are from the upper classes, and many of the documents are about them as well. It can be challenging to find information on an individual person.
This exhibit includes people from a variety of classes and backgrounds. I hope you learn more about some of the people of our wonderful community: hardworking, creative, caring individuals.
Jo Wittler, Curator
Although the museum has kept records on its artifact collection since the collection began in 1918, those records are often very thin. We may know who donated an artifact or piece of clothing but don’t always know who wore it, made it, or where it was purchased. We often don’t know its significance: Was it kept in the back of the closet and only rarely worn for special occasions, or was it worn regularly?
I puzzled over a vest which the donor wore as an adult that was made around the time he was born. We finally decided it was part of a vintage look worn by a young man (see Claudius Pendill’s vest to learn more).
I wanted this exhibit to focus on the people who wore or made these items, emphasizing everyday people and everyday clothing. That upped the challenge. We tend to save and donate special clothing like wedding gowns, prom dresses, and baptismal outfits. Work clothing is usually handed down, recycled, or discarded. Too often museums have acted as keepers of the beautiful and proponents of the wealthy and powerful. Many of the artifacts that are saved are from the upper classes, and many of the documents are about them as well. It can be challenging to find information on an individual person.
This exhibit includes people from a variety of classes and backgrounds. I hope you learn more about some of the people of our wonderful community: hardworking, creative, caring individuals.
Jo Wittler, Curator
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photos from the MRHC collection
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Enjoy this online exhibit by following the links below:
Pioneers and Immigrants | Made with Love, Reused & Recycled
Teachers and School Days | Artists & Musicians
Men at Work and Play | Hunting, Riding, and More
Pioneers and Immigrants | Made with Love, Reused & Recycled
Teachers and School Days | Artists & Musicians
Men at Work and Play | Hunting, Riding, and More