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Genteel Arts is pleased to announce the program for The Civilian Symposium at Harrisburg, formerly known as the Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference, to be held in Camp Hill (Harrisburg), PA on March 5-8, 2015. For 20 years, new and experienced historians, researchers, museum personnel, reenactors and other enthusiasts have met with their counterparts from across the country to discover new information, and to learn new skills. Genteel Arts invites you to join us for a weekend of informative presentations, hands-on workshops and seminars about the men and women of the mid-nineteenth century, what they wore, and how they lived.
The 1860s Conference has changed over the years. It was originally conceived by the founder, Judith Martin, as a weekend retreat where women could get help with their reproduction costumes. After six years at the helm, Mrs. Martin retired and Genteel Arts assumed sponsorship. In the following years we expanded the program to include gentlemen and added presentations on social and material culture as well as clothing. We also added additional workshop sessions, off-site tours, a needlework competition, a juried Marketplace, receptions, occasional balls and our first Fancy Dress party.
As we enter our third decade, we are making additional changes. The most obvious change is our name, one that reflects the main focus and structure of the event, The Civilian Symposium at Harrisburg. Our focus has always been on the civilians of the mid-nineteenth century. A symposium is defined as a collection of presentations on a subject by a number of contributors, an appropriate description for this event. Harrisburg has been our location for 17 of our 20 years; the location name may change for future symposia. We’ve also created a new logo for the Symposium that reflects our focus.
We’ve added some new features to our program, including:
• We’ve reduced the registration fee. (Yes, reduced!)
• We’re offering more options for meals during the weekend.
• You’ll receive the handouts for all of the presentations offered during the concurrent sessions on Saturday, not just the handouts for the sessions you attended.
• We’re having a Fancy Dress Party on Saturday evening!
We’ve also retained the features that have made the weekend a success:
• A full program of presentations of interest to both ladies and gentlemen.
• A combination of joint and concurrent sessions.
• Pre-symposium seminars, tours and hands-on workshops on Thursday and Friday.
• Angels Project.
• Welcome Reception and Sociable
• Extensive exhibits of original clothing, accessories, jewelry, and artifacts, changed daily. Bring your camera!
• A juried Marketplace open to Symposium participants, guests and the general public. Admission is free.
• Reduced registration fee is offered for junior attendees and full-time college students.
• Special packages for your family or guest(s).
Make plans now to attend this enriching weekend and meet others who share a dedicated interest in the clothing and culture of the Civil War era. Complete details, hotel information and registration forms can be found at www.genteelarts.com. Register early! Previous Symposia have been sold out!
The 1860s Conference has changed over the years. It was originally conceived by the founder, Judith Martin, as a weekend retreat where women could get help with their reproduction costumes. After six years at the helm, Mrs. Martin retired and Genteel Arts assumed sponsorship. In the following years we expanded the program to include gentlemen and added presentations on social and material culture as well as clothing. We also added additional workshop sessions, off-site tours, a needlework competition, a juried Marketplace, receptions, occasional balls and our first Fancy Dress party.
As we enter our third decade, we are making additional changes. The most obvious change is our name, one that reflects the main focus and structure of the event, The Civilian Symposium at Harrisburg. Our focus has always been on the civilians of the mid-nineteenth century. A symposium is defined as a collection of presentations on a subject by a number of contributors, an appropriate description for this event. Harrisburg has been our location for 17 of our 20 years; the location name may change for future symposia. We’ve also created a new logo for the Symposium that reflects our focus.
We’ve added some new features to our program, including:
• We’ve reduced the registration fee. (Yes, reduced!)
• We’re offering more options for meals during the weekend.
• You’ll receive the handouts for all of the presentations offered during the concurrent sessions on Saturday, not just the handouts for the sessions you attended.
• We’re having a Fancy Dress Party on Saturday evening!
We’ve also retained the features that have made the weekend a success:
• A full program of presentations of interest to both ladies and gentlemen.
• A combination of joint and concurrent sessions.
• Pre-symposium seminars, tours and hands-on workshops on Thursday and Friday.
• Angels Project.
• Welcome Reception and Sociable
• Extensive exhibits of original clothing, accessories, jewelry, and artifacts, changed daily. Bring your camera!
• A juried Marketplace open to Symposium participants, guests and the general public. Admission is free.
• Reduced registration fee is offered for junior attendees and full-time college students.
• Special packages for your family or guest(s).
Make plans now to attend this enriching weekend and meet others who share a dedicated interest in the clothing and culture of the Civil War era. Complete details, hotel information and registration forms can be found at www.genteelarts.com. Register early! Previous Symposia have been sold out!