The Fashion Archives and Museum is pleased to announce the opening of Happy Birthday! American Milestones from Lafayette to Today. In conjunction with the 250th anniversary, this exhibition explores how Americans celebrated their independence in 1826, 1876, 1926, 1976, and includes fashions from each time. Visitors will enjoy the luxurious silhouettes of the eighteenth century, colonial revival fashions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, right up to the flappers of the 1920s and groovy styles of the 1970s. Historic souvenirs and textiles from these anniversaries illustrate Americans’ growing appreciation of their history and how they commemorated the nation’s founding through an increasing number and type of souvenirs.
Fashion Archives and Museum Director, Dr. Karin J. Bohleke, noted that the museum was “very fortunate to receive object loans from the Renfrew Museum and Park in Waynesboro and from other private collections” that supplement the wonderful artifacts chosen from the Fashion Archives holdings. “Once again,” she added, “thanks to an outside grant, we have benefitted from the return of exhibit designer Charles Mack. We are very grateful to have obtained this generous external support that made it possible for Chuck to work with the Applied History students. It is a significant learning opportunity for them to see how a designer brings together all the elements of an exhibit.”
The grand opening is on Thursday, April 23rd from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Regular hours continue to be Monday through Thursday from 12:00-4:00 p.m. and Saturday hours begin effective April 25 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. The exhibition will be closed on Saturday, July 4, for people to enjoy their families and friends and to participate in local celebrations. The last day to visit is Thursday, November 19, and the last Saturday opening hours are November 14. To schedule a group tour, please contact us at (717) 477-1239 or email us at fasharch@ship.edu. The Fashion Archives staff, students, and volunteers look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors and friends.
