History and Drama class visits

The fall of 2011 was a busy time for Vassar's collection of historic clothing. After the September visit from Susan Hiner's class, we had a day in November that we did double-duty: two classes visiting in one day! While that made for a busy day, it's wonderful for us to fit more than one visit into one day. A lot of time goes into setting up and taking down the materials for each visit, so if we can get more students in to see the objects while they're out, that's great! Here's a slideshow from the morning visit:


If you're having trouble viewing this slideshow, you can view it directly in Picasa; from there you can see a full screen view, or download your own copy of an image.

In the morning, Students from Kenisha Kelly's Drama class "History of Fashion for the Stage" came to visit. This was not our usual "Trying on History" visit - instead, we used the whole class period to allow students to do a "close reading" of one of the historic objects on display. The class was broken into four smaller groups, and each group focused on studying one object from the collection. Then the class was broken into different groups, mixing from the previous groups, so that each student could view all of the objects on display and learn from the other students who had studied each garment in greater depth. The objects were laid out on tables, rather than displayed on mannequins, so that students could examine the interior construction as well. However, we did provide a photograph of each object mounted on a mannequin, so that the students could see the correct silhouette of the garment on a body (something that can be hard to imagine).

Then, in the afternoon, Rebecca Edwards brought in students from her History/Women's Studies class, "Pathways to Vassar: The Rise of Women's Higher Education in Historical Context." They tried on reproduction garments, examined the historic objects on display on tables, and related what they saw and felt to their study of changes in women's education.

You can also view these images in our Picasa Web Album.

"Fashion's Empires" Class Visit

In the fall of 2011, Susan Hiner brought her French class for a visit to Vassar's historic clothing collection, to view objects from the collection, try on reproductions, and explore the subject of "Fashion's Empires."

Take a look at this slideshow from their visit:


You can click on the slideshow to go to the Picasa Web Album with the images; from there you can see a full screen view, or download your own copy of an image.

If you're having trouble viewing this slideshow, you can view it directly in Picasa.

Drama Costume History Class Visit, Fall 2010

Editor's note: We've been busy with "Trying on History," but you wouldn't know it from this blog! To catch up, we'll be sharing several posts from visits over the last two years. Here's the first! 

Vassar's Costume Designer, Kenisha Kelly, had her Costume History class participate in our "Trying on History" activity in November of 2010. This activity has its roots in the Drama Department's Costume History class, but over the years it has grown to provide further outreach to other Vassar classes and local community groups. Still, our costume history class visitors are the best prepared for this activity!

Take a look at this slideshow from their visit:


You can click on the slideshow to go to the Picasa Web Album with the images; from there you can see a full screen view, or download your own copy of an image.

If you're having trouble viewing this slideshow, you can view it directly in Picasa.

Visit from Project AWARE

On May 12, 2010, the VCCC hosted some of the girls from the Mill Street Loft's Project AWARE (in Beacon). We all had a great time - thanks for coming, ladies!

Here's a slideshow with some images from their visit.



You can click on the slideshow to go to the Picasa Web Album with the images; from there you can see a full screen view, or download your own copy of an image.

Class Visit - French 183

On October 8, 2009, the VCCC also hosted Susan Hiner's class "Fashion and Modernity." Here's a slideshow with some images from their visit.




You can click on the slideshow to go to the Picasa Web Album with the images; from there you can see a full screen view, or download your own copy of an image.

Class Visit - Drama 231

On October 8, 2009, the VCCC hosted two class visits, including Holly Hummel's History of Fashion for the Stage. Here's a slideshow with some images from their visit.




You can click on the slideshow to go to the Picasa Web Album with the images; from there you can see a full screen view, or download your own copy of an image.

Construction of the Reproduction

What construction techniques were used to make this dress?

We've made a lot of progress, and the reproduction is almost done. Take a look at this slideshow, showing many of the steps along the way (and many students helping out).



A great deal of credit goes out to the following students for their hard work to actually put the reproduction together:

Emily Riehl-Bedford (many parts of the bodice - and she was the one who stuck around after finals to help put it all together!)
Jessica Barksdale (skirt)
Chloe Boxer (bodice)
Elisabeth Watson (overskirt and overlays, lace skirt)
Emily Leimkuhler (lace skirt)
Danielle Morvant (pleated sash)
Margaret Dwyer (cutting out parts of the bodice)
Sharon Scoble (lace skirt)
Emily Antenucci (sleeves)

(If I'm forgetting anything or anyone, just let me know and I'll edit!)