Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the "Making it on Main Street" Exhibit
with Elizabeth M. Sharpe, Exhibit Curator and Co-director of Historic Northampton
Thursday, February 13, 2020 | 5 to 6 pm
Friday, February 21, 2020 | 11 am to 12 noon
Bodice of a dress made by Mabelle Forrister Stearns
for her 1892 wedding to Edward John Gare.

This bodice was prepared for exhibition in the exhibit Making it on Main Street to highlight techniques and materials dressmakers used to achieve the proper fit.  Unfortunately, this bodice and its accompanying label -  "How to Achieve the Fit" - were too tight a squeeze to fit inside the new exhibit case.  See this bodice and several other artifacts that were not included in the exhibit in the Behind-the-Scenes tour.
What was left on the "cutting room floor?" 

Join Elizabeth Sharpe, curator and co-director, for an inside look at the development of Making it on Main Street.  Learn about fascinating stories that did not make it into the exhibit, and discover hidden details of stories that did. Hear the back story about the challenge of selecting among hundreds of amazing artifacts and see some of those not included in the exhibit.  Have fun with the hands-on activities developed especially for the exhibit.

Seating is available during the tour.
Location
Historic Northampton
at 46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA

Admission
$5 members and donors | $10 all others

Registration
Registration is required.  Limited to 23 for each tour.
Sponsored by Northampton Rental Center
High Fashion on Modern Main Street, 1870 - 1920: How to Achieve the Fit
1. Six panels across the back and sides for shape.

2. Padding in the bust under the cotton lining to smooth the corset line.

3. Stays (thin strips of bone or celluloid) on every seam for stiffening.
4. Petersham (white tape at the waist) buckled in front for stability.

5. Metal "eyes" at the bottom joined hooks on the skirt to keep the parts together.

6. Underarm dress guards prevent perspiration from ruining the silk.