The Tea Ladies: Victorian and Edwardian History Events The Victorian Tea Ladies is a dedicated group of volunteers who offer a variety of programs related to the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They have been doing this for 13 years! Some programs take place in Bloomington, Illinois. They also have a traveling program where they will [...]
Heat Up Your Summer with Victorian Romance Ah, summertime. Do you like hot days spent at the beach or cool evenings by the campfire? Whatever your choice for summer relaxation, a good romance novel is always a good companion. Here are three romance novels set in the Victorian era you might enjoy. Secrets of a Summer [...]
The Freedom Machine When the bicycle gained popularity during the late 1800s, women were still tangled up in the fashion of the day, making enjoyment of this new mode of transportation prohibitive. The push toward dress reform, also known as the rational dress movement, had been around since the mid-19th century. Once the bicycle became [...]
Bathing by the Seaside during the 1800s By the 19th century, men and women regularly went to the seaside for summer recreation. But, decorum dictated that women cover up from prying eyes as well as the sun. Women were also required to use bathing machines (think cabana on wheels) to access the water. With all [...]
141 Days Celebrating Global Culture and Industry All eyes were on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as the Great Exhibition celebrating international culture and industry opened on May 1, 1851. Until then, similar exhibitions took place on a smaller, national level. Upon return from an exhibition in Paris, Henry Cole brought the idea of an [...]
A Great Glass House for the Great Exhibition Oh, to be alive during the mid-1800s. What an exciting time it must have been! The Industrial Revolution was opening up borders and England was the host of what could be considered the first World's Fair. The Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased cultures and industry from around [...]
Historical reenactment societies provide an incredible window into how men and women lived in historical times. These societies often focus on war reenactment, providing members (and sometimes the public) a glimpse into what life was like during the conflicts that shaped history. Without historical reenactment societies, we wouldn’t get a visceral sense of the scope [...]
Popular Fixture in the English Social Calendar It's no accident that Ascot racecourse is located near Windsor Castle. A flat expanse of heathland near the castle in the town of Ascot was suggested by Queen Anne after coming upon it one day while out for a ride. The first race took place on August 11, [...]
1870 was the year of the train, and it was not the one that runs on tracks. Ball gowns sported long beautiful trains and within three years only walking dresses remained floor-length. The soft bustle was also riding high in 1870. While there was some fullness at the front of the skirt, most of it was [...]