Women & Fashion in the Gilded Age

In honor of Women's History Month, fashion historian Ren Antonowicz will explore the clothing trends of the Gilded Age, the period from 1865-1904 when the economy was booming, industrialization was rampant, and major social change was underway. The styles of this era reflect the immense differences between the lives of upper-class & working-class white women, and the far greater disparity for women of color as they navigated Reconstruction and other massive upheavals. Ren will also discuss examples of trailblazing local women, as well as female characters from HBO's The Gilded Age, who pursued the American Dream in their own way. Through this multifaceted presentation, she will show how attire was used to express gender, class, race, ambition, and shifting social expectations for women during this time.

Collections of vintage Gilded Age apparel will be on display throughout the program. This is a hybrid event; patrons have the option of attending either on Zoom or in person. Please sign up for this unique talk below!