The Fashion Archives and Museum of Shippensburg University expands knowledge and appreciation of clothing for its artistic, cultural and historical importance and its essential role in society. As an integral component of the university, the FA&M endeavors to stimulate dynamic learning through research and instruction enriched by interactive educational programs, exhibits and publications in collaboration with faculty, students, the region and the greater global community while preserving and enhancing the collection.
The Fashion Archives & Museum (FA&M) is located in the Davis House at Shippensburg University. It features an expanded collections storage area, an airy exhibit gallery, and a separate library to house the fashion reference collection. There is a meeting/reception area in addition to separate work and office spaces. The facility is also fully handicapped-accessible. There is ample dedicated parking in front of the building.
An Advisory Council helps define the Archives’ goals and guide its operations, in cooperation with the College of Arts and Sciences and the part-time director, who administers the operation. One graduate assistant supports the director and work-study students and interns assist in a variety of tasks, including exhibit preparation and object cataloging. Community and campus volunteers, some of whom help facilitate the on-going project of cataloging, conserving and stabilizing, and computerizing the Archives’ costume and library holdings, also provide essential support. The staff and volunteers also assist the Advisory Council in its current project of generating a substantial endowment fund in cooperation with the Shippensburg University Foundation.
The Advisory Council of the Fashion Archives & Museum represented a talented and dedicated pool of supporters who lend expertise in historic costume, museum operations, education opportunities for students, community liaisons, and other methods of contributing the FA&M’s growth.
