Costumes

Textiles and costumes touched every aspect of life from birth to death and every level of society, including the enslaved, the middling sort, and the aristocrat. Expensive and elaborate textiles were more than functional: they proclaimed wealth and status. In fact, clothing and textiles represented a far greater investment in the past than they do today.

The costume collection encompasses garments for men, women, and children from about 1725 to 1840. Included are women’s elaborate court gowns, more practical gowns and outdoor cloaks, and colorful suits for men, sometimes embroidered as elaborately as women’s ensembles. An extensive assemblage of costume accessories comprises hats, shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs, aprons, gloves, and pocketbooks.