From Cradle to Grave: Ages and Stages of 1800s Women’s Clothing

Join Illinois State Museum Curator of History Erika Holst to learn about historic clothing through the lens of a 19th-century woman’s lifespan. As women passed through various life stages and roles, what types of clothing did custom dictate that they wear at each stage? What do these types of garments reveal about how society viewed a woman at different stages of her life? How did these roles and expectations evolve over the course of her life? This lecture is illustrated with examples of historic clothing from the Illinois State Museum’s historic garment collection. Erika Holst is the Curator of History at the Illinois State Museum, and has worked in the public history field for more than fifteen years, during which time she has curated more than a dozen exhibitions.

• This event will be held virtually.
• Details for accessing the program will be sent upon registration.