Lecture and Class Descriptions of Corsets & Cravats In-Person Conference in Oxford, NC August 1-3, 2025.
Registration Opens March 7, 2025!
Registration Opens March 7, 2025!
Lectures
Fishing Nets, Rye Flour, and Synthetic Quinine: How the Industrial Revolution Changed the Way America Dressed
Carolann Schmitt
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Friday August 1st 9:00 AM
The innovations that occurred during the Industrial Revolution dramatically changed almost every aspect of the lives of citizens around the world, from how they lived to how they worked and how they dressed.
This presentation draws from original sources as we consider some of the key mid-nineteenth century inventions and innovative processes that greatly influenced the prevailing fashion. What inspired them? What difficulties were encountered in bringing the inventions and processes to fruition? And, especially, what were the missing links that make them successful after multiple failures? How did they change what people wore? How did they affect daily lives?
You may never again look at your wardrobe from any century in the same way. (Handicap accessible)
Carolann Schmitt
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Friday August 1st 9:00 AM
The innovations that occurred during the Industrial Revolution dramatically changed almost every aspect of the lives of citizens around the world, from how they lived to how they worked and how they dressed.
This presentation draws from original sources as we consider some of the key mid-nineteenth century inventions and innovative processes that greatly influenced the prevailing fashion. What inspired them? What difficulties were encountered in bringing the inventions and processes to fruition? And, especially, what were the missing links that make them successful after multiple failures? How did they change what people wore? How did they affect daily lives?
You may never again look at your wardrobe from any century in the same way. (Handicap accessible)
Reading, Writing & A New Reality
Lavonda Broadnax
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Saturday August 2nd 9:00 AM
It was illegal for the vast majority of African Americans to learn how to read or write during the Civil War-era. However, an early African American print culture did exist! Black women played a foundational role in this print culture. Shining Stars: African American Women Authors of the Civil War Era is a digital humanities project that introduces and expands our knowledge of lesser-known Civil War-era African American women authors. It includes extensive collections of primary sources: over 140 full-text publications; over 100 images and over 130 full-text newspaper articles. This project categorizes and makes fully-accessible their speeches, poetry, novels, essays, newspapers, short stories and more. These diverse women produced works that embraced their individual challenges, triumphs, politics, and spirituality. This remarkable collection of documents enables users to acquire new information regarding African American women that has traditionally been omitted. As activists during a time when challenges seemed insurmountable, these women stood up, spoke up and responded to difficult circumstances. They had no rights, no encouragement and no role models; yet, their lives and writings are a source to encourage women today to continue to fight for social justice. The lives and writings of the African American women collected in this project present their voices telling their generally unknown stories and serve as important and vibrant lessons in American history. The presentation will highlight several authors and demonstrate how easy it is to use the free digital humanities project to explore more. (Handicap accessible)
Lavonda Broadnax
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Saturday August 2nd 9:00 AM
It was illegal for the vast majority of African Americans to learn how to read or write during the Civil War-era. However, an early African American print culture did exist! Black women played a foundational role in this print culture. Shining Stars: African American Women Authors of the Civil War Era is a digital humanities project that introduces and expands our knowledge of lesser-known Civil War-era African American women authors. It includes extensive collections of primary sources: over 140 full-text publications; over 100 images and over 130 full-text newspaper articles. This project categorizes and makes fully-accessible their speeches, poetry, novels, essays, newspapers, short stories and more. These diverse women produced works that embraced their individual challenges, triumphs, politics, and spirituality. This remarkable collection of documents enables users to acquire new information regarding African American women that has traditionally been omitted. As activists during a time when challenges seemed insurmountable, these women stood up, spoke up and responded to difficult circumstances. They had no rights, no encouragement and no role models; yet, their lives and writings are a source to encourage women today to continue to fight for social justice. The lives and writings of the African American women collected in this project present their voices telling their generally unknown stories and serve as important and vibrant lessons in American history. The presentation will highlight several authors and demonstrate how easy it is to use the free digital humanities project to explore more. (Handicap accessible)
The Nightingale and the Humbug – P.T. Barnum and Jenny Lind’s 1850 American Tour
K Krewer
The Orpheum
Sunday August 3rd 10:00 AM
Jenny Lind was a Swedish singer, well known in Europe in the 1840’s, but largely unheard of in America. P.T. Barnum set out to change that, arranging for an extensive tour. His innovative efforts to manage and promote the tour changed music, as a
business, forever. He coordinated a consistent message through press releases, emphasizing not only Lind’s musical skill, but highlighting her character and philanthropy, thus creating an “image” or “brand.” He advertised widely, even announcing a songwriting contest. His scheme worked to create a Lind frenzy even before her arrival, with thousands of people thronging the New York City docks to greet her steamship. Continued favorable reviews of her concerts as well as her extensive donations to charity made Lind one of the most famous people in the country. Barnum’s promotion had an immediate impact on other impresarios that continues to the present day. The tour also popularized opera and classical music, making it accessible to ordinary Americans, thus adding a cultural interface as well. (Handicap accessible)
K Krewer
The Orpheum
Sunday August 3rd 10:00 AM
Jenny Lind was a Swedish singer, well known in Europe in the 1840’s, but largely unheard of in America. P.T. Barnum set out to change that, arranging for an extensive tour. His innovative efforts to manage and promote the tour changed music, as a
business, forever. He coordinated a consistent message through press releases, emphasizing not only Lind’s musical skill, but highlighting her character and philanthropy, thus creating an “image” or “brand.” He advertised widely, even announcing a songwriting contest. His scheme worked to create a Lind frenzy even before her arrival, with thousands of people thronging the New York City docks to greet her steamship. Continued favorable reviews of her concerts as well as her extensive donations to charity made Lind one of the most famous people in the country. Barnum’s promotion had an immediate impact on other impresarios that continues to the present day. The tour also popularized opera and classical music, making it accessible to ordinary Americans, thus adding a cultural interface as well. (Handicap accessible)
Innovative Event Planning: A Panel Discussion
Jessica Craig, Betsy Watkins, et al.
The Orpheum
Sunday August 3rd 11:15 AM
Increasingly, former iterations and models for living history events and reenactments no longer fit the needs and requirements of sites, visitors, and living historians. Innovation is required to inspire, create, and launch civilian-focused events. We will share our own experiences and invite selected panel members to share their expertise on what it takes to plan and coordinate innovative events for civilians. Focused topics include: where to find inspiration; building partnerships with sites and organizations; how to plan for and work with logistical considerations; the importance of creating inclusive and diverse event spaces; and stories of success, challenges, and unexpected adventures. (Handicap accessible)
Jessica Craig, Betsy Watkins, et al.
The Orpheum
Sunday August 3rd 11:15 AM
Increasingly, former iterations and models for living history events and reenactments no longer fit the needs and requirements of sites, visitors, and living historians. Innovation is required to inspire, create, and launch civilian-focused events. We will share our own experiences and invite selected panel members to share their expertise on what it takes to plan and coordinate innovative events for civilians. Focused topics include: where to find inspiration; building partnerships with sites and organizations; how to plan for and work with logistical considerations; the importance of creating inclusive and diverse event spaces; and stories of success, challenges, and unexpected adventures. (Handicap accessible)
Short Breakout Sessions
The Staten Island Mystery or 1858 Gone Girl
Jessica Craig
Chapel
Friday August 1st 10:30 AM
In 1858, a woman left her home on Staten Island and traveled to Manhattan with her mother. They went their separate ways with plans to meet up for the return ferry home. She never met up with her mother. The mystery of her disappearance was a sensation in newspapers across the country. Her story involves multiple military officers, the Governor of Massachusetts, a well-known literary character, and spans the Atlantic Ocean. We will follow all the threads of this story that played out in the press and see how, just like today, people loved sensational news. Let’s search for Mrs. Brannan together.
(Handicap Accessible)
Jessica Craig
Chapel
Friday August 1st 10:30 AM
In 1858, a woman left her home on Staten Island and traveled to Manhattan with her mother. They went their separate ways with plans to meet up for the return ferry home. She never met up with her mother. The mystery of her disappearance was a sensation in newspapers across the country. Her story involves multiple military officers, the Governor of Massachusetts, a well-known literary character, and spans the Atlantic Ocean. We will follow all the threads of this story that played out in the press and see how, just like today, people loved sensational news. Let’s search for Mrs. Brannan together.
(Handicap Accessible)
How Barbed Wire Changed the Portrait of the American West
Annette Jorgensen
Fellowship Hall
Friday August 1st 10:30 AM
When one hears the words “American West”, the mind conjures up romantic images of cowboys, cattle drives, and proud Native Americans. In the early 19th century these images existed; they were painted and photographed. However, with the introduction of land grants, emigrants were keen to close off the prairies and identify their space. In 1867 Lucien B. Smith of Kent, Ohio, provided a cheap and effective way to do this with his invention of barbed wire. The introduction of barbed wire would change the way livestock was managed, agriculture production, and the traditional hunting and migration trails of Native Americans.
Using artwork and photographs, this presentation will illustrate how the introduction of barbed wire changed the portrait of the American West. (Handicap Accessible)
Annette Jorgensen
Fellowship Hall
Friday August 1st 10:30 AM
When one hears the words “American West”, the mind conjures up romantic images of cowboys, cattle drives, and proud Native Americans. In the early 19th century these images existed; they were painted and photographed. However, with the introduction of land grants, emigrants were keen to close off the prairies and identify their space. In 1867 Lucien B. Smith of Kent, Ohio, provided a cheap and effective way to do this with his invention of barbed wire. The introduction of barbed wire would change the way livestock was managed, agriculture production, and the traditional hunting and migration trails of Native Americans.
Using artwork and photographs, this presentation will illustrate how the introduction of barbed wire changed the portrait of the American West. (Handicap Accessible)
Full Mourning Crape Collars-Sold Out
Samantha Bullat
Carr Classroom
Friday August 1st 10:30 AM
Kit fee $26
One of the most distinctive accessories for a woman in full mourning during the mid-19th century was a collar of black crape. But this essential item is often overlooked when creating a full mourning impression for living history in the 21st century. This class will begin with a presentation about the history and use of black crape collars and an examination of an original collar in the instructor’s collection to identify design elements and construction techniques. Participants will receive a kit including materials to make their own collar based on period examples. (Handicap accessible)
Samantha Bullat
Carr Classroom
Friday August 1st 10:30 AM
Kit fee $26
One of the most distinctive accessories for a woman in full mourning during the mid-19th century was a collar of black crape. But this essential item is often overlooked when creating a full mourning impression for living history in the 21st century. This class will begin with a presentation about the history and use of black crape collars and an examination of an original collar in the instructor’s collection to identify design elements and construction techniques. Participants will receive a kit including materials to make their own collar based on period examples. (Handicap accessible)
Machine Hand Embroidery vs. Hand Embroidery
Jackie Jacobs
Education Building Upstairs
Friday August 1st 10:30 AM
This lecture presentation class includes a PowerPoint presentation on the history of machine hand embroidery and how it started. After the PowerPoint presentation a hands-on look at original artifacts from the 18th century through the early 20th century.
Attendees will be allowed to handle some artifacts, but not all. Recommend they bring a loupe to examine items more closely.
Jackie Jacobs
Education Building Upstairs
Friday August 1st 10:30 AM
This lecture presentation class includes a PowerPoint presentation on the history of machine hand embroidery and how it started. After the PowerPoint presentation a hands-on look at original artifacts from the 18th century through the early 20th century.
Attendees will be allowed to handle some artifacts, but not all. Recommend they bring a loupe to examine items more closely.
Pump Organs to Pianos: The Rise of Musical Keyboard Instruments in American Homes
K Krewer
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Saturday August 2nd 10:30 AM
Music in 19th Century America was often produced in the home, and it became a sign of both affluence and culture for families to have their own keyboard instrument. In the early part of the century, the preferred instrument was the harpsichord. As piano technology improved in the 19th century, it overtook the harpsichord in popularity because of its greater versatility. However, pianos were large, heavy, and expensive, so Americans often turned to other instruments for home use. The harmonium, utilizing a “free reed” technology, with thin pieces of metal vibrating in a metal frame, was developed in Europe in the late 18th century. An American adaptation of the 1840s, the melodeon was popular because of its lower price, durability, and low maintenance requirements. Pump organs, also known as parlor organs, were more portable than pipe organs and thus adapted for home use. Based on extant examples, they appear to have been most popular in the 1870s and 1880s. As musical tastes and technology changed, the organ-type instruments became less popular, and by the late 19th century, the piano was predominant. (Handicap accessible)
K Krewer
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Saturday August 2nd 10:30 AM
Music in 19th Century America was often produced in the home, and it became a sign of both affluence and culture for families to have their own keyboard instrument. In the early part of the century, the preferred instrument was the harpsichord. As piano technology improved in the 19th century, it overtook the harpsichord in popularity because of its greater versatility. However, pianos were large, heavy, and expensive, so Americans often turned to other instruments for home use. The harmonium, utilizing a “free reed” technology, with thin pieces of metal vibrating in a metal frame, was developed in Europe in the late 18th century. An American adaptation of the 1840s, the melodeon was popular because of its lower price, durability, and low maintenance requirements. Pump organs, also known as parlor organs, were more portable than pipe organs and thus adapted for home use. Based on extant examples, they appear to have been most popular in the 1870s and 1880s. As musical tastes and technology changed, the organ-type instruments became less popular, and by the late 19th century, the piano was predominant. (Handicap accessible)
Freedmen's School Teachers 1861-1870
Betsy Watkins
Chapel
Saturday August 2nd 10:30 AM
From the start of the Civil War through Reconstruction, thousands of individuals served as teachers in schools across the country to teach formerly-enslaved individuals. The narrative surrounding these teachers has changed over the past 150 years based upon location and current sentiment: at turns considered carpetbaggers, heroes, saints, villains, deeply misguided, or “soldiers of light”. This lecture will present a holistic look that makes use of current data and new research to demonstrate what we know about those who taught freedmen's schools. Their demographics, backgrounds, goals, and experiences will be considered, leading to new and intriguing (dare we say innovative) questions about these controversial subjects and the best way to interpret them. (Handicap accessible)
Betsy Watkins
Chapel
Saturday August 2nd 10:30 AM
From the start of the Civil War through Reconstruction, thousands of individuals served as teachers in schools across the country to teach formerly-enslaved individuals. The narrative surrounding these teachers has changed over the past 150 years based upon location and current sentiment: at turns considered carpetbaggers, heroes, saints, villains, deeply misguided, or “soldiers of light”. This lecture will present a holistic look that makes use of current data and new research to demonstrate what we know about those who taught freedmen's schools. Their demographics, backgrounds, goals, and experiences will be considered, leading to new and intriguing (dare we say innovative) questions about these controversial subjects and the best way to interpret them. (Handicap accessible)
Basic Hand Sewing and Seams in the Era before Sewing Machines
Mackenzie Anderson Sholtz
Education Building Upstairs
Saturday August 2nd 10:30 AM
Kit Fee $25
Workshop focused basic sewing stitches and types of seams used in clothing construction before the widespread use of the sewing machines in the home, similar to the instruction booklet for Regency era sewing class. Included in a booklet is also a history of construction and why these types of seams were used. Pin cushion with types of pins, and assortment of needles also included. Types of thread included in the kit too.
Mackenzie Anderson Sholtz
Education Building Upstairs
Saturday August 2nd 10:30 AM
Kit Fee $25
Workshop focused basic sewing stitches and types of seams used in clothing construction before the widespread use of the sewing machines in the home, similar to the instruction booklet for Regency era sewing class. Included in a booklet is also a history of construction and why these types of seams were used. Pin cushion with types of pins, and assortment of needles also included. Types of thread included in the kit too.
Thread Buttons-Sold Out
Colleen Formby
Carr Classroom
Saturday August 2nd 10:30 AM
Kit Fee $20
Various types of threadwork buttons have been used on clothing for centuries. Also called passementerie buttons, they are those with cord or thread embellishment, adding a decorative element to the garment. They may incorporate different types of needlework, including both woven and wrapped threads. Popularity of these different techniques and designs wax and wane throughout the period, and we will be creating three different designs that are in use throughout much of the mid-19th century and found on extant dresses. (Handicap accessible)
Colleen Formby
Carr Classroom
Saturday August 2nd 10:30 AM
Kit Fee $20
Various types of threadwork buttons have been used on clothing for centuries. Also called passementerie buttons, they are those with cord or thread embellishment, adding a decorative element to the garment. They may incorporate different types of needlework, including both woven and wrapped threads. Popularity of these different techniques and designs wax and wane throughout the period, and we will be creating three different designs that are in use throughout much of the mid-19th century and found on extant dresses. (Handicap accessible)
Long Breakout Sessions
Circle of Friends: Tips for Recreating Accurate Period Images and In-Person Image Share
Ernest Dollar
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Friday August 1st 2:00 PM
Are You a Mathew Brady or a Dollywood?: Tips for Recreating Accurate Period Images
Having a good looking period image of oneself is an important for any living historian. But a poorly recreated image could spoil a perfect impression. Many factors go into staging an accurate photo, from the quality of photographer to the pose. Historian Ernest Dollar will lead a discussion on ways to help modern images capture the quality of the past in every way.
Circle of Friends: Highlights of the Ernest Dollar Collection
Historian Ernest Dollar has worked in the museum field since 2001 and collected historic images for over 30 years. This session features and exploration of 19th century images from his personal collection and the stories behind them.
Do you have your own image collection you would like to share? Bring images from your own collection to share with the group. (Handicap accessible)
Ernest Dollar
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Friday August 1st 2:00 PM
Are You a Mathew Brady or a Dollywood?: Tips for Recreating Accurate Period Images
Having a good looking period image of oneself is an important for any living historian. But a poorly recreated image could spoil a perfect impression. Many factors go into staging an accurate photo, from the quality of photographer to the pose. Historian Ernest Dollar will lead a discussion on ways to help modern images capture the quality of the past in every way.
Circle of Friends: Highlights of the Ernest Dollar Collection
Historian Ernest Dollar has worked in the museum field since 2001 and collected historic images for over 30 years. This session features and exploration of 19th century images from his personal collection and the stories behind them.
Do you have your own image collection you would like to share? Bring images from your own collection to share with the group. (Handicap accessible)
Within This Curious Case, Time's Sentinel I Place: The Watchpocket
Colleen Formby
Carr Classroom
Friday August 1st 2:00 PM
Kit Fee $20
According to various period sources, 19th century watches needed to be stored upright, otherwise the “action of the balance will generate a pendulous motion of the watch, and cause much variation in time”. Never letting an opportunity pass to create embellished storage, magazines throughout the era had patterns for watch pockets that hung on the wall or bed to hold the watch at night. They were made of wool, silk, or canvas and could be covered with embroidery, tambour work, braid work, or beading. This class will look at the history of watch pockets, various types, and create one, with embellishment of the student’s choice. (Handicap accessible)
Colleen Formby
Carr Classroom
Friday August 1st 2:00 PM
Kit Fee $20
According to various period sources, 19th century watches needed to be stored upright, otherwise the “action of the balance will generate a pendulous motion of the watch, and cause much variation in time”. Never letting an opportunity pass to create embellished storage, magazines throughout the era had patterns for watch pockets that hung on the wall or bed to hold the watch at night. They were made of wool, silk, or canvas and could be covered with embroidery, tambour work, braid work, or beading. This class will look at the history of watch pockets, various types, and create one, with embellishment of the student’s choice. (Handicap accessible)
Drafting like a Victorian: Using Period Drafting Machines
Mackenzie Anderson Sholtz
Upstairs Education Building
Friday August 1st 2:00 PM
Kit Fee $20
Lecture on the evolution in the types of sewing patterns available to the American women during the mid to late 19th century. An examination of what kind of sewing and drafting skills an average woman would need to possess to sew a garment and what sort of sewing patterns were there? Then a look at the types of resources available to women starting with the scale printed patterns found in ladies’ magazines to printed paper patterns to full-scale, graded drafting machines. How were these different innovations influenced by social and current events? Could we sew like a Victorian?
This lecture is an introduction to a later two-day workshop which will focus on using one of several drafting machines in Mackenzie’s collection to draft a personally fitted bodice from the 1870s-late 1880s. Taking measurements and using the machines is part of the fun. Everyone will fit and true their own basic muslin. Lastly students will transfer the muslin onto tag paper to create a basic sloper to use in future dress and jacket projects.
Mackenzie Anderson Sholtz
Upstairs Education Building
Friday August 1st 2:00 PM
Kit Fee $20
Lecture on the evolution in the types of sewing patterns available to the American women during the mid to late 19th century. An examination of what kind of sewing and drafting skills an average woman would need to possess to sew a garment and what sort of sewing patterns were there? Then a look at the types of resources available to women starting with the scale printed patterns found in ladies’ magazines to printed paper patterns to full-scale, graded drafting machines. How were these different innovations influenced by social and current events? Could we sew like a Victorian?
This lecture is an introduction to a later two-day workshop which will focus on using one of several drafting machines in Mackenzie’s collection to draft a personally fitted bodice from the 1870s-late 1880s. Taking measurements and using the machines is part of the fun. Everyone will fit and true their own basic muslin. Lastly students will transfer the muslin onto tag paper to create a basic sloper to use in future dress and jacket projects.
Marie Stuart Hood Class
Ashley Karetnikova
Upstairs Education Building
Friday August 1st 2:00 PM
This original pattern comes from the renowned and ultra fashionable 1864 Peterson’s Magazine winter fashions.
The original Marie Stuart cashmere hood was made in cashmere of scarlet, blue, or white. It was lined in silk and if extra warmth was needed, it was lined in lightly quilted/padded silk. It is trimmed with silk rushes in the same or contrasting color. This easy and beautiful hood can be made in several different weights for year round wear and is an attractive element to a daywear outfit when a heavier cloak is not needed. The highlight of this hood is the peaked front, which is extremely face framing and
flattering for the wearer.
This workshop is open to attendees with at least a basic skill level in sewing/garment construction. The pattern is not difficult in itself, but knowledge of basic stitches and previous sewing experience will allow you to have the best experience in this workshop.
This garment can be constructed entirely by hand, partly by machine, or majority by machine. This would be historically accurate especially given home sewing machine accessibility during this time period (technological innovations!). This garment is incredibly forgiving and will fit many body types. You will learn how to adjust the hood to fit your needs.
Please bring at least 2 yards of fabric and if you wish, 2 yards for lining. While cashmere or wool-like fabrics are the best fabric for this project as they do not fray, you can make the hood out of any type of fabric that has a little body. Bring an additional yard of contrasting or similar colored silk taffeta for trim. You will need two ribbons: 1 ½ yards of 5/8 inch ribbon and 2 yards of 1 inch or wider ribbon for the closure. Bring thread and any sewing notions (pins, needles, scissors, sewing machine) you will need.
As mentioned in the original listing, “Nothing prettier than this, or so easily made, has come out this winter.”
Ashley Karetnikova
Upstairs Education Building
Friday August 1st 2:00 PM
This original pattern comes from the renowned and ultra fashionable 1864 Peterson’s Magazine winter fashions.
The original Marie Stuart cashmere hood was made in cashmere of scarlet, blue, or white. It was lined in silk and if extra warmth was needed, it was lined in lightly quilted/padded silk. It is trimmed with silk rushes in the same or contrasting color. This easy and beautiful hood can be made in several different weights for year round wear and is an attractive element to a daywear outfit when a heavier cloak is not needed. The highlight of this hood is the peaked front, which is extremely face framing and
flattering for the wearer.
This workshop is open to attendees with at least a basic skill level in sewing/garment construction. The pattern is not difficult in itself, but knowledge of basic stitches and previous sewing experience will allow you to have the best experience in this workshop.
This garment can be constructed entirely by hand, partly by machine, or majority by machine. This would be historically accurate especially given home sewing machine accessibility during this time period (technological innovations!). This garment is incredibly forgiving and will fit many body types. You will learn how to adjust the hood to fit your needs.
Please bring at least 2 yards of fabric and if you wish, 2 yards for lining. While cashmere or wool-like fabrics are the best fabric for this project as they do not fray, you can make the hood out of any type of fabric that has a little body. Bring an additional yard of contrasting or similar colored silk taffeta for trim. You will need two ribbons: 1 ½ yards of 5/8 inch ribbon and 2 yards of 1 inch or wider ribbon for the closure. Bring thread and any sewing notions (pins, needles, scissors, sewing machine) you will need.
As mentioned in the original listing, “Nothing prettier than this, or so easily made, has come out this winter.”
How to be a Family History Detective, and Ideas for Creating a Legacy
Sonja Strathearn
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Saturday August 2nd 2:00pm
Sonja Strathearn has spent decades researching and collaborating with relatives around the world to discover more about her ancestors. From acquiring and restoring a mystery painting of her Confederate soldier ancestor with a secret on the back of the canvas, to producing a short film about her British ancestors who emigrated to Australia, Sonja has a passion for helping people become their own family history detective. She has a particular interest in guiding African American friends to find their enslaved ancestors.
Topics covered include: How to start? What to do? What’s free? Did you know you don’t have to spend any money? How can I get past a brick wall? How can my family history be interesting to future generations? Innovative ideas to share your family history Sharing your research helps you to connect to what you’re looking for Pilgrimages and research trips: luck and planning.
For all levels of genealogy. Basic creation of your tree on the free website FamilySearch, as well as learning the soft skills for connecting with relatives and other sources for the detective work of hard to get info. Viewing Sonja’s short film ‘Something Better’(2019), a period drama created independently and funded through Kickstarter, and insight into the planning and production of passion project videos.
Note: You can bring just your phone and your curiosity, or your laptop and material you already have gathered if you have started researching your ancestors. If you are a beginner, info with the names, birthdates and places lived of at least a deceased grandparent is needed, the more you have, the more productive you will be. (Handicap Accessible)
Sonja Strathearn
OUMC Fellowship Hall
Saturday August 2nd 2:00pm
Sonja Strathearn has spent decades researching and collaborating with relatives around the world to discover more about her ancestors. From acquiring and restoring a mystery painting of her Confederate soldier ancestor with a secret on the back of the canvas, to producing a short film about her British ancestors who emigrated to Australia, Sonja has a passion for helping people become their own family history detective. She has a particular interest in guiding African American friends to find their enslaved ancestors.
Topics covered include: How to start? What to do? What’s free? Did you know you don’t have to spend any money? How can I get past a brick wall? How can my family history be interesting to future generations? Innovative ideas to share your family history Sharing your research helps you to connect to what you’re looking for Pilgrimages and research trips: luck and planning.
For all levels of genealogy. Basic creation of your tree on the free website FamilySearch, as well as learning the soft skills for connecting with relatives and other sources for the detective work of hard to get info. Viewing Sonja’s short film ‘Something Better’(2019), a period drama created independently and funded through Kickstarter, and insight into the planning and production of passion project videos.
Note: You can bring just your phone and your curiosity, or your laptop and material you already have gathered if you have started researching your ancestors. If you are a beginner, info with the names, birthdates and places lived of at least a deceased grandparent is needed, the more you have, the more productive you will be. (Handicap Accessible)
So, About that Pattern from Godey's.....
Maggie Koenig
Education Building Upstairs
Saturday August 2nd 2:00pm
Various lady's magazines published Patterns. Not all of them share any relationship with actual geometry. This class will go over how to look at the patterns and using your own fitting shell to draft the pattern so it will actually work in reality.
Maggie Koenig
Education Building Upstairs
Saturday August 2nd 2:00pm
Various lady's magazines published Patterns. Not all of them share any relationship with actual geometry. This class will go over how to look at the patterns and using your own fitting shell to draft the pattern so it will actually work in reality.
Scrolls, Squiggles, and Curlicues: The Ins and Outs of Victorian Braidwork-Sold Out
Carolann Schmitt
Carr Classroom
Saturday August 2nd 2:00 PM
Kit Fee $15
Embellishing garments, accessories, and novelties with braid was very popular in the mid-nineteenth century. Designs varied from elaborately curved and scrolling patterns to geometric motifs and borders. They could be linear or repeating patterns or individual motifs. Items embellished with braid work included but were not limited to muslin caps, chemises, underskirts, dresses, outer garments, slippers, reticules, and smoking caps. Novelties and accessories include spectacle cases, pin cushions, pillows, work bags, traveling bags, and many other items.
Manufactured braids and cords were available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and textures, varying in width from less than ⅛" to 1", and were made from linen, cotton, silk and wool fibers. Braids and cords could also be produced at home, e.g. twisted, braided or woven. Embroidery stitches were also used to simulate braid.
While braidwork is a very Victorian technique, it can also be used to create distinctive and unusual embellishments for modern clothing and accessories.
Participants will:
Participants will receive a comprehensive illustrated workbook with historical information, patterns, and detailed instructions, and a kit containing fabrics, threads, braids, needles, and marking pen. Participants will be able to use their work to create a pin cushion or other small project at home.
Participants should bring a pen or pencil to take notes and fabric scissors. You may also wish to bring an embroidery hoop 5"-6" in diameter if you prefer working with a hoop. A limited number of embroidery hoops will be available to use during the class.
Photographs for personal use are welcome. (Handicap Accessible)
Carolann Schmitt
Carr Classroom
Saturday August 2nd 2:00 PM
Kit Fee $15
Embellishing garments, accessories, and novelties with braid was very popular in the mid-nineteenth century. Designs varied from elaborately curved and scrolling patterns to geometric motifs and borders. They could be linear or repeating patterns or individual motifs. Items embellished with braid work included but were not limited to muslin caps, chemises, underskirts, dresses, outer garments, slippers, reticules, and smoking caps. Novelties and accessories include spectacle cases, pin cushions, pillows, work bags, traveling bags, and many other items.
Manufactured braids and cords were available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and textures, varying in width from less than ⅛" to 1", and were made from linen, cotton, silk and wool fibers. Braids and cords could also be produced at home, e.g. twisted, braided or woven. Embroidery stitches were also used to simulate braid.
While braidwork is a very Victorian technique, it can also be used to create distinctive and unusual embellishments for modern clothing and accessories.
Participants will:
- View primary sources including original garments, patterns, and images including photographs, paintings, engravings and illustrations.
- Discuss period braidwork designs and when and where they were used.
- Review and discuss the various braids, cords, and threads - manufactured and handmade - that can be used for braidwork.
- Learn some of the embroidery stitches that can be used to simulate braid.
- Learn how designs were applied to the fabric.
- Learn various hand-sewn braidwork techniques including how to begin and end commercial braids and cords, work curves, and turn corners. Machine-sewn techniques will be illustrated.
Participants will receive a comprehensive illustrated workbook with historical information, patterns, and detailed instructions, and a kit containing fabrics, threads, braids, needles, and marking pen. Participants will be able to use their work to create a pin cushion or other small project at home.
Participants should bring a pen or pencil to take notes and fabric scissors. You may also wish to bring an embroidery hoop 5"-6" in diameter if you prefer working with a hoop. A limited number of embroidery hoops will be available to use during the class.
Photographs for personal use are welcome. (Handicap Accessible)
Diagonal Front Bodice
Jackie Jacobs
Education Building Upstairs
Saturday August 2 2:00 PM
Kit fee $30
Examine and recreate this unique original bodice from Ohio. The bodice is unlined, buttons diagonally, and is trimmed with self-fabric Vandykes at the front closure, cuff and hem. The sleeve is full at the upper arm and tight at the wrist. Using period images and fashion engravings, the owner approximates the bodice to date between 1862 to 1870. Staining and discoloration on the bodice make it likely that the gown was worn for a long time. Original will be available in class for examination.
In the class, attendees will learn how to make Vandykes, how to properly fit this bodice, and how to set the sleeves. Attendees should bring muslin to the class to make the sloper. Other materials needed will be basic sewing kit, scissors, tape measure, pins, marking pens and muslin.
Jackie Jacobs
Education Building Upstairs
Saturday August 2 2:00 PM
Kit fee $30
Examine and recreate this unique original bodice from Ohio. The bodice is unlined, buttons diagonally, and is trimmed with self-fabric Vandykes at the front closure, cuff and hem. The sleeve is full at the upper arm and tight at the wrist. Using period images and fashion engravings, the owner approximates the bodice to date between 1862 to 1870. Staining and discoloration on the bodice make it likely that the gown was worn for a long time. Original will be available in class for examination.
In the class, attendees will learn how to make Vandykes, how to properly fit this bodice, and how to set the sleeves. Attendees should bring muslin to the class to make the sloper. Other materials needed will be basic sewing kit, scissors, tape measure, pins, marking pens and muslin.