Corsets and Cravats Virtual 4th Quarter
October-December, 2021
Registration opens at 12pm EST September 15, 2021
October-December, 2021
Registration opens at 12pm EST September 15, 2021
Virtual Lectures
To the Mad House
October 5, 2021
7pm EST
Presented by Annette Jorgensen
Puberty, menses, no menses, childbirth, lactation, grief over a loss of a loved one, menopause, old age. These were all thought to be causes of insanity in women in the 19th century. This presentation will review the development of treatment of the mentally ill and then, through case studies, discuss the incarceration of women, specifically, in asylums in the mid-19th century.
Annette Jorgensen has been involved one way or another in living history for almost 30 years; she is particularly interested in the civilian and home front experience during the American Civil War. She has published articles in The Citizen’s Companion and the ALHFAM Bulletin as well as given presentations and conducted workshops at the 1860s Civilian Symposium; the Association of Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museum conference; community gatherings; and schools. Annette currently manages a website focusing on interpreting the civilian experience during the American Civil War. She is active in numerous living history activities throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Annette resides in Gettysburg PA and works for the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center.
October 5, 2021
7pm EST
Presented by Annette Jorgensen
Puberty, menses, no menses, childbirth, lactation, grief over a loss of a loved one, menopause, old age. These were all thought to be causes of insanity in women in the 19th century. This presentation will review the development of treatment of the mentally ill and then, through case studies, discuss the incarceration of women, specifically, in asylums in the mid-19th century.
Annette Jorgensen has been involved one way or another in living history for almost 30 years; she is particularly interested in the civilian and home front experience during the American Civil War. She has published articles in The Citizen’s Companion and the ALHFAM Bulletin as well as given presentations and conducted workshops at the 1860s Civilian Symposium; the Association of Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museum conference; community gatherings; and schools. Annette currently manages a website focusing on interpreting the civilian experience during the American Civil War. She is active in numerous living history activities throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Annette resides in Gettysburg PA and works for the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center.
Dressed, On Time
November 6, 2021
7pm EST
Presented by Betsy Connolly Watkins
Have you ever struggled to make an ensemble in time for an event? Found yourself sewing until 3 A.M. in order to be fully dressed? Had a dream project you wanted to tackle, but the steps overwhelmed you? In this workshop we will discuss how to apply project management skills to your personal projects to get them done, on time. Learn how to prioritize, set deadlines, and achieve your goals, no matter how big or small!
Betsy Connolly Watkins is a living historian with 20 years of experience. She has presented at historic sites across the country, and has spoken at the Civilian Symposium and the Citizens Forum of the 1860s. Her work and likeness have appeared in the Kenosha Civil War Museum and the Cincinatti History Museum. When she is not time-traveling, Betsy is an instructional designer for UnitedHealthcare. She recently earned her Master of Education degree from the College of St. Scholastica and lives in St. Joseph, Minnesota, with her husband, her toddler son, and her fluffy cat.
November 6, 2021
7pm EST
Presented by Betsy Connolly Watkins
Have you ever struggled to make an ensemble in time for an event? Found yourself sewing until 3 A.M. in order to be fully dressed? Had a dream project you wanted to tackle, but the steps overwhelmed you? In this workshop we will discuss how to apply project management skills to your personal projects to get them done, on time. Learn how to prioritize, set deadlines, and achieve your goals, no matter how big or small!
Betsy Connolly Watkins is a living historian with 20 years of experience. She has presented at historic sites across the country, and has spoken at the Civilian Symposium and the Citizens Forum of the 1860s. Her work and likeness have appeared in the Kenosha Civil War Museum and the Cincinatti History Museum. When she is not time-traveling, Betsy is an instructional designer for UnitedHealthcare. She recently earned her Master of Education degree from the College of St. Scholastica and lives in St. Joseph, Minnesota, with her husband, her toddler son, and her fluffy cat.
Orientalism: Eastern Fashion & American Fantasy
December 28, 2021
Presented by Anneliese Meck
Exotic fashions from the faraway East have delighted and defined style and luxury in the West for centuries. This presentation explores the complex, cross-cultural borrowing and imitation that is “Orientalism,” and reveals how Eastern cultures became American commodities. From Indian cashmere and the Paisley pattern, to Chinese silks and brisé fans, discussion will feature select, mid-19th century articles of clothing, accessories, and textiles with Asian and Middle Eastern origins. For the modern reenactor and living historian, new appreciation and appropriate incorporation of these often familiar, common, and fashionable items enhances culturally-competent civilian impressions.
Anneliese Meck is a seamstress, weaver, and living historian, who creates historical reproductions and educational content. She has worked as a historical interpreter since 2014, and is currently the Manager of Community Lifeways at the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, NY. She holds a B.I.S. in costume technology and textile arts from Kent State University, and honors her Chinese and American heritages by providing an accurate, informative, diverse, and inclusive interpretation of material culture.
Find her projects in progress on the blog – The Sewphisticate – as well as on Patreon, Facebook, and Instagram @youngsewphisticate.
December 28, 2021
Presented by Anneliese Meck
Exotic fashions from the faraway East have delighted and defined style and luxury in the West for centuries. This presentation explores the complex, cross-cultural borrowing and imitation that is “Orientalism,” and reveals how Eastern cultures became American commodities. From Indian cashmere and the Paisley pattern, to Chinese silks and brisé fans, discussion will feature select, mid-19th century articles of clothing, accessories, and textiles with Asian and Middle Eastern origins. For the modern reenactor and living historian, new appreciation and appropriate incorporation of these often familiar, common, and fashionable items enhances culturally-competent civilian impressions.
Anneliese Meck is a seamstress, weaver, and living historian, who creates historical reproductions and educational content. She has worked as a historical interpreter since 2014, and is currently the Manager of Community Lifeways at the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, NY. She holds a B.I.S. in costume technology and textile arts from Kent State University, and honors her Chinese and American heritages by providing an accurate, informative, diverse, and inclusive interpretation of material culture.
Find her projects in progress on the blog – The Sewphisticate – as well as on Patreon, Facebook, and Instagram @youngsewphisticate.
Fashion Building Blocks: Women in the 1840s
November 27, 2021 11am EST
Presented by Amy Liebert
So you want to do the 1840s- great idea! This presentation will break down the major styles and pieces of dress for the decade including under and outer garments. We will look at how styles changed over ten years based on paintings, portraits, fashion plates, photograph, and written sources. Since this presentation is geared towards costumers who want to recreate the period it will discuss available patterns as well as other resources for making or acquiring each piece of clothing. This is absolutely my favorite decade, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Amy Liebert is a transplant from the San Francisco Bay Area to the greater Louisville area. Prior to moving she was a performer at the great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco for many years where she portrayed Queen Victoria along with several other Dickens characters. Since relocating in 2013, she was the Theatrical Director and Director of Women’s Clothing for Historic Locust Grove in Louisville for many years. She has also given talks on historic clothing as well as first person performances for several other museums and historic sites in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. In her other life, Amy teaches History at Jefferson Community & Technical College, where she is currently the Department Head for History & Political Science. When she is not teaching history in the classroom and museums, she is often found in her garden or sewing room in with her husband and three adorable cats in their small town just North of Louisville.
November 27, 2021 11am EST
Presented by Amy Liebert
So you want to do the 1840s- great idea! This presentation will break down the major styles and pieces of dress for the decade including under and outer garments. We will look at how styles changed over ten years based on paintings, portraits, fashion plates, photograph, and written sources. Since this presentation is geared towards costumers who want to recreate the period it will discuss available patterns as well as other resources for making or acquiring each piece of clothing. This is absolutely my favorite decade, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Amy Liebert is a transplant from the San Francisco Bay Area to the greater Louisville area. Prior to moving she was a performer at the great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco for many years where she portrayed Queen Victoria along with several other Dickens characters. Since relocating in 2013, she was the Theatrical Director and Director of Women’s Clothing for Historic Locust Grove in Louisville for many years. She has also given talks on historic clothing as well as first person performances for several other museums and historic sites in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. In her other life, Amy teaches History at Jefferson Community & Technical College, where she is currently the Department Head for History & Political Science. When she is not teaching history in the classroom and museums, she is often found in her garden or sewing room in with her husband and three adorable cats in their small town just North of Louisville.
Fashion Building Blocks: Men in the 1840’s
December 11, 2021 11am EST
Presented by Brian Cushing
While any detail can be potentially crucial, whenever and wherever you are, you can't get much done unless you can get yourself dressed in the morning. This presentation will explore the ins and outs of what men's clothing was like during the 1840s. how they changed over the course of that decade, and why they were that way in the context of what came before and after. Using a variety of sources from the period, we will work to understand the mechanics of how the looks were achieved and the trends that prevailed. We will also go over some advice for breaking into the looks of this often overlooked but wonderfully balanced and elegant decade.
Brian Cushing has been immersed in researching, examining, and recreating the ins and outs of what men wore and many other facets of day to day life throughout the 19th Century for most of his life. As Program Director at Historic Locust Grove, he helped design and execute the small farm distillery project and currently serves as Executive Director of the Shelby County Historical Society.Society. He lives in La Grange, Kentucky with his wife who shares his passion for adventures with history.
December 11, 2021 11am EST
Presented by Brian Cushing
While any detail can be potentially crucial, whenever and wherever you are, you can't get much done unless you can get yourself dressed in the morning. This presentation will explore the ins and outs of what men's clothing was like during the 1840s. how they changed over the course of that decade, and why they were that way in the context of what came before and after. Using a variety of sources from the period, we will work to understand the mechanics of how the looks were achieved and the trends that prevailed. We will also go over some advice for breaking into the looks of this often overlooked but wonderfully balanced and elegant decade.
Brian Cushing has been immersed in researching, examining, and recreating the ins and outs of what men wore and many other facets of day to day life throughout the 19th Century for most of his life. As Program Director at Historic Locust Grove, he helped design and execute the small farm distillery project and currently serves as Executive Director of the Shelby County Historical Society.Society. He lives in La Grange, Kentucky with his wife who shares his passion for adventures with history.
S.E.A.M.S
Sewing Emergencies And Maintenance Support
October 16th, November 16th, and December 16th 2021 7pm EST
A workshop with Elizabeth Stewart Clark
It’s inevitable: you WILL encounter emergency repairs, last-minute changes, and long-term maintenance for your historic wardrobe! This three-part workshop gives you the skills and techniques used by The Original Cast to handle the same dilemma we face today. You’ll have optional homework with each session, and a chance to submit images to show off your progress if you like. And, you’ll see instructor Elizabeth Stewart Clark making the same sorts of repairs, alterations, and reconstructions to her own historic wardrobe! This workshops includes a digital download workbook with illustrated techniques.
Session One: Making a Mends: Come explore the many ways mid-19th century people handled mending and repairs to garments. Get into the period mindset, learn some easy handwork techniques, and bring some of your languishing items back into regular rotation!
Session Two: Rescue & Remodel: Has something disastrous happened? Cut out your sleeves wrong three times, and there’s no more fabric? Ripped through your buttonhole entirely? Have some size changes and need to know how to rescue your garment? We’ll survey some period remedies for wholesale disasters, and look at ways to apply the same fixes to your own things. All is not lost!
Session Three: Maintaining the Status Quo: In this final session we’ll review what we’ve learned, celebrate participant successes, and add a few more tricks to the stack for ongoing maintenance to keep our historic wardrobes in top shape. With a few simple habits, you can get a lot of historic wearing time for your adventuring!
Elizabeth Stewart Clark has maintained her omnivorous fascination with the 19th century from childhood, with a focus on the mid-century era since 1992. She is the designer of The Sewing Academy-Historic Moments pattern line for mid-century sewing; author of The Dressmaker's Guide; and owner and host of both The Sewing Academy and History in Situ websites. She lectures and teaches nationally, and serves as Director of Interpretive Development for a minuscule history park near her home in the Idaho Rockies, where she and her family volunteer as interpreters. She has an inordinate fondness for dinosaurs, interesting rocks, whitework and terrible puns. Liz was an an instructor and featured lecturer in 2019.
Sewing Emergencies And Maintenance Support
October 16th, November 16th, and December 16th 2021 7pm EST
A workshop with Elizabeth Stewart Clark
It’s inevitable: you WILL encounter emergency repairs, last-minute changes, and long-term maintenance for your historic wardrobe! This three-part workshop gives you the skills and techniques used by The Original Cast to handle the same dilemma we face today. You’ll have optional homework with each session, and a chance to submit images to show off your progress if you like. And, you’ll see instructor Elizabeth Stewart Clark making the same sorts of repairs, alterations, and reconstructions to her own historic wardrobe! This workshops includes a digital download workbook with illustrated techniques.
Session One: Making a Mends: Come explore the many ways mid-19th century people handled mending and repairs to garments. Get into the period mindset, learn some easy handwork techniques, and bring some of your languishing items back into regular rotation!
Session Two: Rescue & Remodel: Has something disastrous happened? Cut out your sleeves wrong three times, and there’s no more fabric? Ripped through your buttonhole entirely? Have some size changes and need to know how to rescue your garment? We’ll survey some period remedies for wholesale disasters, and look at ways to apply the same fixes to your own things. All is not lost!
Session Three: Maintaining the Status Quo: In this final session we’ll review what we’ve learned, celebrate participant successes, and add a few more tricks to the stack for ongoing maintenance to keep our historic wardrobes in top shape. With a few simple habits, you can get a lot of historic wearing time for your adventuring!
Elizabeth Stewart Clark has maintained her omnivorous fascination with the 19th century from childhood, with a focus on the mid-century era since 1992. She is the designer of The Sewing Academy-Historic Moments pattern line for mid-century sewing; author of The Dressmaker's Guide; and owner and host of both The Sewing Academy and History in Situ websites. She lectures and teaches nationally, and serves as Director of Interpretive Development for a minuscule history park near her home in the Idaho Rockies, where she and her family volunteer as interpreters. She has an inordinate fondness for dinosaurs, interesting rocks, whitework and terrible puns. Liz was an an instructor and featured lecturer in 2019.
Image Share, Show and Tell, and Collector's Corner will focus on sleeves this quarter. Coat, bishop, open, short, poofed, fancy, plain... so many types of sleeves and decorations! We've decided to make sleeves the focus of several of our programs in the 2021 4th quarter. See an amazing range of sleeve styles that you might want to recreate.
In book club we will have 3 sessions on short works. We will start October with selections from Edgar Allan Poe.
In book club we will have 3 sessions on short works. We will start October with selections from Edgar Allan Poe.
