Corsets and Cravats in Person Summer Conference
August 7-8, 2026
Registration will open March 13, 2026.
August 7-8, 2026
Registration will open March 13, 2026.
Established in 2018, Corsets & Cravats strives to present well researched educational content on mid-19th century topics. Originally held in Newberry, South Carolina, we switched gears and went virtual in 2020. Since 2020, we have provided both in person and virtual content to attendees from across the globe. Our instructors are established history professionals from academic as well as museum fields. We strive to make history accessible to everyone through the examination of material culture and social history. At Corsets & Cravats, we dive into what people were wearing, reading, expressing, singing, using in their households, etc. We look into a full story of history not just one small group to the exclusion of other people. More history is always better than less history with more for us to learn and explore.
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Along with the serious history, we like to have a bit of costumed fun. Many of our attendees create quality reproduction period garments to attend the costumed portions of our events, but you never know when a dinosaur or a Viking may appear. We are proud to count among our instructors and attendees some of the best mid-19th century costumers in the United States, but don't let that scare you from participating. We are eager to help in your journey into historical costuming. We understand that people are in different stages of their journey into this exciting hobby. We will have no official costumed events this year, but we will be back in 2027.
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Our theme this year is the Caring Collector. In our study of mid 19th century material culture, many of us grow collections of our own. Care of these artifacts can be expensive and time consuming and require special skills and materials. All classes are focused on this topic as we feel very strongly about maintaining history for future generations. The schedule is different this year. All attendees will attend all classes together without breakout sessions. We will not be having the historical fashion show or party. We will be having casual meet ups in Oxford on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. This is not a full-dress or immersion event. Modern dress is encouraged for lectures and classes. Historical dress is not required at any weekend events.
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We are excited to return our 2026 event in Historic Oxford, North Carolina. Settled before the Revolution and incorporated in 1816, Oxford is a small town of about 8,000 people. History is everywhere in Oxford and the town is excited to host our conference. Its streets are lined with historic homes. The courthouse dates to 1838 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Recently featured in Southern Living and Our State magazines, Oxford is the home of the North Carolina Hot Sauce Festival. There are two historic walking tours through the town and plenty of free parking. If you choose not to walk, don't miss the drives down College, Main, Front, Spring, Gilliam, and Military Streets to view some really spectacular historic homes.
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All of our classes and lectures this year will take place at Oxford United Methodist Church. Established in 1812, the church moved several times until settling on this beautiful location in the center of town. The sanctuary was built in the 1870s. Friday and Saturday, all lectures and classes will take place in the fellowship hall which is handicap accessible.
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Registration includes 8 sessions focused on collection management and care. Instructors will provide you with a list of necessary materials before the event weekend. There will also be kits of materials available for sale. These kits must be purchased before the weekend. They will not be available the weekend of the event.
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Corsets & Cravats has a conference book like no other. With such a focused topic this year, the book may not be as big, but it will be very focused. It can be saved for years as a manual of collection care. Registering for the weekend is the only way to get this book!
If you are interested in advertising in the Corsets & Cravats book, please email [email protected] for more information.
If you are interested in advertising in the Corsets & Cravats book, please email [email protected] for more information.
We are handling collections a little differently this year. Attendees are encouraged to a box from their own collection of artifacts for show and tell sessions. There will be a Meet the Collector session on Friday afternoon. This is our community outreach program. Members of the church and the Granville County Historical Society will be invited to attend.
If you would like to set up a display of your artifacts, let us know what you need. We will have tables and supports available for your use. We ask that displays are set up on Thursday afternoon. Items must be removed from the church Saturday afternoon after the final session. If you are interested in sharing some of your own interesting antique items, please email us at [email protected].
If you would like to set up a display of your artifacts, let us know what you need. We will have tables and supports available for your use. We ask that displays are set up on Thursday afternoon. Items must be removed from the church Saturday afternoon after the final session. If you are interested in sharing some of your own interesting antique items, please email us at [email protected].
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration, you must do so before July 1, 2025 to receive a refund. A $40 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations. Registrations are transferable.
If you need to cancel your registration, you must do so before July 1, 2025 to receive a refund. A $40 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations. Registrations are transferable.