Mary Lincoln's Fashions

[RJNorton]

An announcement from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum:

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Culture of Clothing

Monday, November 19, 6:30 p.m.

If “the clothes make the man,” what do they do for a woman? Particularly a woman enduring tragedy in the public eye? A new event explores those questions by looking at the fashions Mary Lincoln wore at different stages of her tumultuous life.

Taking place throughout the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the “Culture of Clothing” will feature Mary Lincoln’s fashions as a homemaker, a first lady and a widow in mourning after the loss of three sons and a husband. Models wearing custom designed versions of her dresses and jewelry will mingle with visitors and answer questions about the clothing. Actresses portraying Lincoln’s African American seamstress, Elizabeth Keckley, and pioneering lawyer Myra Bradwell will also circulate to discuss their work and women’s lives in that era. In addition, Holly M. Kent, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Illinois Springfield and a fashion history expert, will provide insight into the design of historic dresses.

“Culture of Clothing” was developed by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission. Mira Horoszowski of Mira Couture produced new versions of the four Lincoln dresses.

The “Culture of Clothing” is part of a year-long look at Mary Lincoln’s life and the role of 19th century women. Other events include two re-trials of the former first lady on insanity charges and a panel discussion that compared 19th and 21st century mental health laws, treatment and attitudes.