Don’t miss a visit to The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society’s major exhibit, “Costume & Culture,” weekends through February 2016 with docent-led tours both Saturdays and Sundays. 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. 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. Ballgames 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 and Sunday 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 housed in an historic building and is not wheelchair accessible. Admission is $15 per person and $12 for seniors seniors and children under 12.
There are two ways to enjoy the exhibit on Saturday:
1. 90 minute docent-led tours at 12:30 p.m. Purchase tickets online www.cowneck.org.
or
2. Purchase tickets at the door and explore the exhibit on your own from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Sundays, there is one simple way to enjoy the exhibit: 90-minute docent-led tours at 1:30 p.m. sharp.
Book docent-led tours online ahead of time. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.cowneck.org or contact Joan Lager, curatorial administrator at joandlager@gmail.com to book a group tour. The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society is located at 336 Port Washington Blvd. Call 516-365-9074 for details.
