Exhibit to feature 100 years of clothing
Fashions from 1800 to 1900 are featured in the next exhibit in the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum. The "Nineteenth-Century Costume Treasures of the Fashion Archives and Museum" opens Feb. 18 and will run through Dec. 8, 2010. Admission is free.
The exhibit will have two opening events. A sneak preview Feb. 18 from 1 to 6 p.m. will feature a Victorian cream tea. The official grand opening, featuring Victorian foods, is Feb. 20 from 1 to 7 p.m. The exhibit celebrates not only 19th Century fashion, but also marks the 30th anniversary of the Fashion Archives and Museum.
The exhibit illustrates the evolution of fashion from 1800 to 1900 and the dramatic changes in silhouette that evolved from decade to decade. The collection features a number of important pieces, most of which have not been previously displayed.
Dr. Karin J. Bohleke, the director, said "Visitors to the gallery will enjoy the wide variety of garments on display: the collection houses a rare cotton work dress of the American Federal period and an extremely rare man's sky blue jean cloth frock coat from the 1830s. Its cotton lining has bright teal-blue polka dots. 
"We have a pristine silk-satin dress from 1815-1820 from Mercersburg, and a wonderful warp-printed 1850s transformation bodice that could be either a day dress or an evening or dinner party dress. The skirt, which was partially disassembled, will be restored to its original appearance. The Fashion Archives also owns the only early 1860s dress I have personally handled that has no shoulder seam."
According to Bohleke, "Anyone with an appreciation for the fashions of the nineteenth century will enjoy the beauty of the entire exhibit; anyone with a particular affection for a certain time period will be find th"t style represented. From Empire waistlines to leg-o'mutton sleeves of the 1890s, it will all be on display."
A full-color exhibit catalog complete with detail photos, full-length views and technical notes regarding garment construction will be available for purchase.
The Fashion Archives and Museum is on the lower level of Harley Hall. It is open Monday through Thursdays from noon t 4 p.m. and other times by appointment. For information or directions, call 477-1239, send e-mail to fasharch@ship.edu or visit the website at http://webspace.ship.edu/fasharch/index.html .