Underwear exhibit opens TONIGHT!

After a summer of immersing myself in the history of women's underwear, Mentioning the Unmentionables is finally ready to share with the public!

There is just so much to see.  We have everything from an 1810 corset to an underwear and cami set from 2003, and everything in between!

The exhibit is essentially a timeline of women's underwear history, with examples of garments and undergarments for most decades from 1810 to 1970.  Special sections include hosiery, nightgowns, bed jackets, and boudoir caps.

We even have two pieces of Ida McKinley's underwear on display!

Bloomers that belonged to First Lady Ida McKinley

The bloomers are marked "Ida Saxton" which dates them prior to her 1871 marriage

Text panels displayed with the artifacts provide context for each era's fashion changes, whether it's the hoop skirt of the 1860s, the bustle fad of the 1870s and 1880s, or the flat "Flapper style" of the 1920s.

The exhibit features more than 40 dress forms, plus additional garments on hanging display mounts and inside cases.

The opening is FREE and open to the public from 6:00 to 7:30 PM tonight.  If you can't make it, Mentioning the Unmentionables will be on view through Sunday November 30.

Here are a few more highlights!

1880s bustle, courtsey of Mary Doering

1880s bustle, Museum Collection

Corset waist, c1890s, courtesy of Mary Doering

One of approximately 15 exhibit panels in the exhibition

This is NOT A DRESS!  It is a petticoat and corset cover, c1890s, Museum Collection.

Long line corset, c1910-1912, courtesy of Mary Doeering.  Worn over a chemise of the same era from the Museum's Collection.

Chemise and drawers set, c1920s, Museum Collection

All-in-one, c1950s, courtesy of Jan Cassler

Cami and underwear set, c2003, courtesy of Linda Jordan

Morning jacket and boudoir caps, Museum Collection

Hosiery

Underwear, c1970, Museum Collection

Underwear by Pucci, courtesy of Mary Doering

Original drawing for a lingerie ad for The Parisian department store in Canton, courtesy of Jan Cassler

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