Don't Miss the Port Washington Historical Society's Costume & Culture Exhibit!

Don’t miss a visit to The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society’s major exhibit, “Costume & Culture,” which runs through February 2016. Made possible through the generous sponsorship of Brooks Brothers, the exhibit features historic garments presented in context with their heritage and history. More than 65 full garments are displayed throughout the historic Sands-Willets House in addition to countless accessories and supporting graphics.

Selections from the society’s collection encompasses a wide variety of garments including a full century of wedding dresses dating from 1874 to 1974. These are accompanied by three historic men’s wedding outfits, marriage licenses and a present-day 2015 Brooks Brothers’ seersucker tuxedo. Dresses from the late 18th century through the roaring 1920s are featured, along with hats, vintage purses, parasols, corsets, lingerie and more.

The first room on the tour is the Brooks Brothers Gallery where Brooks-made garments are on display, including Abraham Lincoln’s Replica Great Coat, John Philip Sousa’s Parade Coat, a beautiful NYS Cavalry uniform and a selection of items from the Brooks Brothers’ archive. Informational panels have been designed for these items, including graphics panels explaining the relation between Brooks Brothers’ founder Henry Sands Brooks and the Sands Family, and a selection from their store’s historic time line.

Two parlors feature styles that led up to the 1920s, featuring 17 dresses dating from the late 1700s up to the 1910s. Shirtwaist blouses and skirts will be shown, along with explanations of the technological changes that occurred by the turn-of-the-century, culminating in a description of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911.

Sports and leisure activities influenced American fashion tremendously and there are some lovely examples, including a turn-of-the-century era women’s tennis dress, croquet dress and cycling suit. Ball games and water sports are represented. Lingerie dresses, those gauzy day dresses women wore in the summer with their parasols as they strolled, are also shown.

Docent-led tours and open exhibit will run every Saturday from Oct. 24 through February 2016. The tours are led by knowledgeable docents who will discuss the relationship between history and fashion. Group tours available by appointment. The exhibition is in an historic building and is not wheelchair accessible.

There are two ways to enjoy the Costume & Culture exhibit:
1) Take a 90 minute docent-led tour, which begins at 12:30 pm sharp! (Please arrive 10 minutes early)
Tours limited to 15 people so purchase tickets online. Walk-ins accommodated as space permits

OR

2) Purchase tickets at the door and explore the exhibit on your own starting at 1:30 PM. Last admittance at 3:15. Exhibit is open until 4 pm.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cowneck.org or contact Joan Lager, curatorial administrator at joandlager@gmail.com. The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society is located at 336 Port Washington Blvd. Call 516-365-9074 for details.