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The Genteel Arts Academy is pleased to announce the tenth annual Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference. The conference will be held March 5-7, 2004 in Harrisburg, PA. In celebration of its tenth anniversary, the conference is expanding this year to present a full program of presentations on the clothing and culture of the mid-nineteenth century with programs of interest for both ladies and gentlemen. Presentations include:
Joint Sessions:
Satan’s Workshop Aprons: Activities and Attire for Idle Hours – Juanita Leisch Jensen
Slop Shops and Swells: The Men’s Clothing Industry in Early America - Jon Isaacson
Are We There Yet? A Guide to 1860s Transportation, Whether by Foot, Horse, Buggy or Train – Maggie Burke.
Program A:
Translating French Fashions: From Les Modes Illustrees to Godey’s and Peterson’s – Karin Bohleke
For Better, For Worse: The Impact of the Civil War on the Traditional Victorian Wedding – Susan Anthony
Sheer Delight: Some Observations on the Diaphanous Dresses of the Early Victorian Period – K. Krewer
Sisters in Caring: The Story of Two Nurses During the Civil War – Deborah McBeth
Variations on a Theme: Sleeve Styles of the Mid-19th Century and How to Reproduce Them – Carolann Schmitt
Program B:
News of Great Importance: What Every Citizen Should Know About Life Before ‘The War’ – Susan Lyons Hughes
Make Yourself at Home: Describing the Material Culture of the Mid-19th Century – Nicky Hughes
From Rags to Upward Mobility: Working Class Clothing in Early America – Jon Isaacson
Nineteenth Century Hat Making and Felting – Tim Bender
Immigration 1855-1865: From Huddled Masses to a Burgeoning Nation – Maggie and Michael Burke.
Friday Pre-Conference Workshops and Focus Sessions:
What is this Garment Saying to Me: Featuring the Aurora Collection of Men’s Clothing will offer two different sessions: one on men’s vests (10 AM and 1 PM) and one on men’s coats (3 PM). Bill Christen and Philip Whiteman will present the sessions which include a history of the garment, a photographic survey from 1775-1875, and a discussion of terms and textiles. Participants will then break into groups and be given time to physically examine one or two original garments from 1825-1900. They will determine “what each garment is saying” about its age, design, provenance and structural characteristics. After discussing their findings with the group, participants will have the opportunity to review and examine the other garments in the Aurora Collection. Photographs are permitted. The Aurora Collection will remain on display throughout the conference so that all of the conference participants have an opportunity to view it. However, hands-on examination of the articles in the collection is limited to workshop participants.
Jon Isaacson will present two workshops. The first, The Last ‘Vest’ige of Color: Men’s Vests in Mid-19th Century America (10 AM and 3 PM), is a detailed discussion on the garments that were the epitome of color and show. The workshop will examine the various types of vests, textiles, and a “dissection” on how they were constructed. An extensive display of original vests will accompany the discussion illustrating the shaping, styles, materials, and construction details. Stylistic differences will be discussed so that more accurate dating of original garments and photographs can be achieved. Jon’s second workshop, Tied Up in Knots: Types of Cravats and How to Tie Them (1 PM), will focus on the only other item of men’s clothing apart from vests that retained any sense of individuality. Different styles, materials and methods of tying will be discussed as students learn how to tie their own cravat.
Several workshops are of particular interest to women. Virginia Mescher will present a focus session on period laundresses and laundry techniques entitled Washday: Hercules Had it Easy! The presentation includes a description of how laundry was done, the equipment needed for the job, military laundresses, and how to create a laundry display or impression. There will also be a display of reproduction and original laundry equipment.
Hands-on workshops include: Your Crowning Glory: Hairstyling Techniques 1860-1865 presented by Stacy Hampton; Ribbon-Framed Hairnets by Maggie Burke, Gauging by Tee McGuire, and a lecture-demonstration on Fitting a Bodice with Carolann Schmitt (3 PM only).
Men and women will be interested in the Beginner (1 PM) and Intermediate Civil War-Era Dance Workshops (10AM and 3 PM) with Briant and Karin Bohleke. No dance experience is necessary; attending with a partner is helpful but not required.
As of this date there is still space available in all of the pre-conference workshops and focus sessions. Priority registration is given to workshop participants. Space permitting, registration will be accepted from the general public after 2/02/04.
Displays:
Each year the Conference presents outstanding displays of original period clothing, accessories, undergarments and other items of material culture. The 2003 Conference featured what may well have been the largest single exhibit of men’s civilian clothing ever assembled, in addition to extensive displays of garments for women and children. This year’s displays will continue that tradition with new displays of civilian clothing from private collections from throughout the country, including special displays of men’s clothing, women’s clothing from the South, sheer dresses, and artifacts and attire for leisure and recreational activities - including furnishings for a period barroom!
Pre-Conference Activities:
On Thursday and Friday, conference participants are invited to an open house at Family Heirloom Weavers. This family-owned firm is renowned for its reproduction textiles. Visitors will be able to tour the production facilities and watch the looms in operation as they produce in-grain carpet, woven coverlets, and a variety of reproduction period fabrics. Family Heirloom Weavers is the supplier of the official conference fabric for this year’s speakers and will debut their new line of dress fabrics in the Marketplace at the conference.
Participants visiting the Civil War Museum in Harrisburg will be offered reduced admission fees for their visits during the conference.
An informal reception Thursday evening at the Conference hotel will offer the opportunity for participants to meet and talk with the speakers and their fellow attendees. The reception will also include special displays, musical entertainment, and a preview of some of the presentations planned for the 2005 Conference.
Complete details on these and other conference activities will be included in the confirmation packet.
Marketplace
Our juried vendor area is open to both conference participants (complimentary admission) and the general public (modest admission fee). Get a head start of the season by visiting the merchants in the Marketplace.
It’s not too late to register!
As of this date we still have space available for both programs. Historically, we receive a huge influx of registrations during the next three weeks. If that pattern is repeated this year, we will very likely sell out. You are encouraged to register early rather than later to avoid being disappointed. You may register by mail, e-mail, fax, or phone. A printable registration form is available on the web site listed below.
The Conference has become one of the premier opportunities to learn more about the clothing and culture of the Civil War era. Don’t miss out on attending this informative and entertaining event! Complete details are available at www.genteelarts.com
Joint Sessions:
Satan’s Workshop Aprons: Activities and Attire for Idle Hours – Juanita Leisch Jensen
Slop Shops and Swells: The Men’s Clothing Industry in Early America - Jon Isaacson
Are We There Yet? A Guide to 1860s Transportation, Whether by Foot, Horse, Buggy or Train – Maggie Burke.
Program A:
Translating French Fashions: From Les Modes Illustrees to Godey’s and Peterson’s – Karin Bohleke
For Better, For Worse: The Impact of the Civil War on the Traditional Victorian Wedding – Susan Anthony
Sheer Delight: Some Observations on the Diaphanous Dresses of the Early Victorian Period – K. Krewer
Sisters in Caring: The Story of Two Nurses During the Civil War – Deborah McBeth
Variations on a Theme: Sleeve Styles of the Mid-19th Century and How to Reproduce Them – Carolann Schmitt
Program B:
News of Great Importance: What Every Citizen Should Know About Life Before ‘The War’ – Susan Lyons Hughes
Make Yourself at Home: Describing the Material Culture of the Mid-19th Century – Nicky Hughes
From Rags to Upward Mobility: Working Class Clothing in Early America – Jon Isaacson
Nineteenth Century Hat Making and Felting – Tim Bender
Immigration 1855-1865: From Huddled Masses to a Burgeoning Nation – Maggie and Michael Burke.
Friday Pre-Conference Workshops and Focus Sessions:
What is this Garment Saying to Me: Featuring the Aurora Collection of Men’s Clothing will offer two different sessions: one on men’s vests (10 AM and 1 PM) and one on men’s coats (3 PM). Bill Christen and Philip Whiteman will present the sessions which include a history of the garment, a photographic survey from 1775-1875, and a discussion of terms and textiles. Participants will then break into groups and be given time to physically examine one or two original garments from 1825-1900. They will determine “what each garment is saying” about its age, design, provenance and structural characteristics. After discussing their findings with the group, participants will have the opportunity to review and examine the other garments in the Aurora Collection. Photographs are permitted. The Aurora Collection will remain on display throughout the conference so that all of the conference participants have an opportunity to view it. However, hands-on examination of the articles in the collection is limited to workshop participants.
Jon Isaacson will present two workshops. The first, The Last ‘Vest’ige of Color: Men’s Vests in Mid-19th Century America (10 AM and 3 PM), is a detailed discussion on the garments that were the epitome of color and show. The workshop will examine the various types of vests, textiles, and a “dissection” on how they were constructed. An extensive display of original vests will accompany the discussion illustrating the shaping, styles, materials, and construction details. Stylistic differences will be discussed so that more accurate dating of original garments and photographs can be achieved. Jon’s second workshop, Tied Up in Knots: Types of Cravats and How to Tie Them (1 PM), will focus on the only other item of men’s clothing apart from vests that retained any sense of individuality. Different styles, materials and methods of tying will be discussed as students learn how to tie their own cravat.
Several workshops are of particular interest to women. Virginia Mescher will present a focus session on period laundresses and laundry techniques entitled Washday: Hercules Had it Easy! The presentation includes a description of how laundry was done, the equipment needed for the job, military laundresses, and how to create a laundry display or impression. There will also be a display of reproduction and original laundry equipment.
Hands-on workshops include: Your Crowning Glory: Hairstyling Techniques 1860-1865 presented by Stacy Hampton; Ribbon-Framed Hairnets by Maggie Burke, Gauging by Tee McGuire, and a lecture-demonstration on Fitting a Bodice with Carolann Schmitt (3 PM only).
Men and women will be interested in the Beginner (1 PM) and Intermediate Civil War-Era Dance Workshops (10AM and 3 PM) with Briant and Karin Bohleke. No dance experience is necessary; attending with a partner is helpful but not required.
As of this date there is still space available in all of the pre-conference workshops and focus sessions. Priority registration is given to workshop participants. Space permitting, registration will be accepted from the general public after 2/02/04.
Displays:
Each year the Conference presents outstanding displays of original period clothing, accessories, undergarments and other items of material culture. The 2003 Conference featured what may well have been the largest single exhibit of men’s civilian clothing ever assembled, in addition to extensive displays of garments for women and children. This year’s displays will continue that tradition with new displays of civilian clothing from private collections from throughout the country, including special displays of men’s clothing, women’s clothing from the South, sheer dresses, and artifacts and attire for leisure and recreational activities - including furnishings for a period barroom!
Pre-Conference Activities:
On Thursday and Friday, conference participants are invited to an open house at Family Heirloom Weavers. This family-owned firm is renowned for its reproduction textiles. Visitors will be able to tour the production facilities and watch the looms in operation as they produce in-grain carpet, woven coverlets, and a variety of reproduction period fabrics. Family Heirloom Weavers is the supplier of the official conference fabric for this year’s speakers and will debut their new line of dress fabrics in the Marketplace at the conference.
Participants visiting the Civil War Museum in Harrisburg will be offered reduced admission fees for their visits during the conference.
An informal reception Thursday evening at the Conference hotel will offer the opportunity for participants to meet and talk with the speakers and their fellow attendees. The reception will also include special displays, musical entertainment, and a preview of some of the presentations planned for the 2005 Conference.
Complete details on these and other conference activities will be included in the confirmation packet.
Marketplace
Our juried vendor area is open to both conference participants (complimentary admission) and the general public (modest admission fee). Get a head start of the season by visiting the merchants in the Marketplace.
It’s not too late to register!
As of this date we still have space available for both programs. Historically, we receive a huge influx of registrations during the next three weeks. If that pattern is repeated this year, we will very likely sell out. You are encouraged to register early rather than later to avoid being disappointed. You may register by mail, e-mail, fax, or phone. A printable registration form is available on the web site listed below.
The Conference has become one of the premier opportunities to learn more about the clothing and culture of the Civil War era. Don’t miss out on attending this informative and entertaining event! Complete details are available at www.genteelarts.com