The American West has left an indelible mark on fashion trends on both sides of the Atlantic. Few periods are more distinct than the styles that emerged as civilization came across America and newly-established towns created an environment where ladies could once again aspire to dress as they had when they still lived in the [...]
Winter seems the favorite time for Dickens Fairs and other Dickens-themed events. Who does not have the image of rosy-cheeked Dickens carolers, gathered in the soft glow of a gas lamp on a snowy evening while they sing lovely carols from long ago? If you are attending one of these events, and would like to [...]
Step back in time Mackinac Island lies where the crystal blue waters of Lakes Michigan and Huron mingle. It is a land of enchantment and a time capsule of a bygone era. Horse-drawn carriages replace automobiles and time slows to the pace of a gentler period. It is no surprise that this gem was chosen [...]
Recollections' seamstresses are creative souls who enjoy unleashing their inner designer. So recently, we launched an apron design contest. The eleven finalists' creations are featured on our aprons page, and they are on sale through November 30th! Each purchase of a featured apron from one of our contest finalists casts a vote for the seamstress who [...]
Who offers Richmond, Virginia's one stop for a ghoulishly good time? From June through the beginning of November, Capital Creepers presents patrons with two hauntingly fun options to get their scare on. Whether you choose the Eerie Nights walking tour or the Ghouls Ghost trolley / walking tour, you are in for an unforgettable excursion through one of [...]
We would like to thank Susie Stafford from the Mackinaw Area Historical Society for sharing the story of Heritage Village. This is part of an ongoing series in which we are saying "thank you" to our customers. In partnership with the Village of Mackinaw City, the Mackinaw Area Historical Society is well on its way in the development of Heritage Village. [...]
Written by Sue McDonald I have written before about plans to go to this year’s Costume College, and now I have been there. Even two weeks after the fact it is hard to express how joyful, exciting, and inspiring the weekend was. Costume College, sponsored by Costumer’s Guild West, has been going on for [...]
Liberty Hall Museum is located on the campus of Kean University in Union, New Jersey. One of Union County's best kept secrets, it was built in 1772. It was the home of William Livingston, a signer of the Constitution and New Jersey's first elected governor. The grounds are made up of 23 acres of manicured [...]
Located in New Paltz, New York, Historic Huguenot Street is a history museum which combines academic and costumed interpretations to give visitors a whole history of New Paltz and Huguenot Street. Founded in 1677 by seven French Protestant families who fled the religious persecutions and wars of Europe, New Paltz’s history follows the greater American Narrative. With seven original stone houses, multiple historic structures, and a reproduction 1717 Church, HHS recreates American history, not by focusing on dates and names, but on the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the people who came before, starting with the earliest contact period, and ending with the industrial revolution and the turn of the 20th century. HHS employs a combination of interpretive methods to create a whole experience for the guest, including costumed actors who invoke the spirit of the past, the emotions and feeling of the people living in the moment of a historic event in American history. One of those moments is the turn of the 20th century, a time when the nation was reacting to the changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution. HHS uses the Deyo House, a two room 17th century colonial stone house that was renovated in 1894 and turned into a two story Victorian Estate, and an actress portraying the Deyo family’s house maid to recreate the emotions of a changing culture through the perspective a member of the lower class. For the Deyo family and their house maid, their inability to adapt to the changes in society resulted in serious fears for their livelihoods and their futures. In order to faithfully recreate this moment in time, attention to detail is a steadfast requirement. As the center of the guests’ attention, the actress herself needs to exist in the moment as well, and the first step in that process is her wardrobe. After extensive research, the Agatha Ensemble from Recollections was a perfect match in terms of quality and image. Recollections would like to thank our customer, Historic Huguenot Street, and Kristine Gogg for showing us how history comes to life in New Paltz, NY! Photos provided by Historic Huguenot Street. Interpreter in photos: Davida Haber. To find out more about Historic Huguenot Street, please visit historichuguenotstreet.org. […]