Kent State University Museum

This past summer while on an Association for Living History and Farm Museum conference in Akron, Ohio, I (along with other historical clothing professionals) was given the opportunity to get a behind the scenes tour of the Kent State University Museum’s fashion collection. While there, a presentation on collections management was given by Joanne Fenn- the registrar. We had the opportunity to chat with Jean Druesedow, and were given tips about mounting and display of historical textiles by Jim Williams- the museums exhibitions expert. Sara Hume was on hand to answer any curatorial questions, and Kevin Wolfgang let us have a hands on experience in recreating historical textiles.

Tour of tech lab with Kevin Wolfgang

Because we were a special group, we were allowed to visit the collection on a day that the museum is normally closed to the public. And we were allowed to take photographs! However, out of respect for the museum, the collection, and kindness of its curators, I will not be making those images public in their entirety. However, these clips should give you a glimpse into what we saw 🙂

Detail of Corded corset

Decorative flossing on late 19th century corset

Bodice detail on Regency Era gown

Hem Treatment on 1820s era gown

Decorative white work on 1850s era cap

Sleeve detail on mid 19th century gown

For more information about the collections at Kent State University, the curators and staff, or the fashion institute, follow these links below:

http://www.kent.edu/museum/about/index.cfm

http://www.kent.edu/museum/about/people.cfm

http://www.kent.edu/artscollege/fashion/

About Susan

Hi! My name is Susan and I am a historian, seamstress, teacher, mother, and wife. My passion for history has manifested itself in the art of recreating clothing from different periods of time. Growing up in the American South, I am heavily schooled in the art of recreating clothing from the 19th century. After nearly a decade of immersing myself primarily in the Victorian period, I found the need to branch out and explore other periods of time. However, it is my connection with the American South and the clothing of rural America that continues to be the driving force behind my designs. View all posts by Susan