Historic Clothing Collection

The noted costume historian Lucy Barton established the Historic Clothing Collection in 1947 while she was on the faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance. In 1961, Professor Barton was succeeded by one of her former graduate students, Dr. Paul Reinhardt. Through Dr. Reinhardt's effort, the clothes of historical significance were separated from the costumes for theatrical use so that they could be treated as a museum collection.

In 1983 monetary gifts from Mrs. Adolph Liling, formerly Mrs. Marie Hanna, made possible the construction of proper hanging and drawer space. Storage conditions were greatly improved as were ease of access and maintenance.

Other gifts from Mrs. Liling and from Jack and Diana Leach enabled Dr. Reinhardt to purchase a range of vintage pieces to help make the collection a good source for research. Of course, many items have also come from people donating personal or family items and from former students who keep the collection in mind when they find good examples of period pieces.

The collection is housed in the Dept. of Theatre and Dance and is used as a research and study collection by the costume history, design and technology students. At this time the collection consists of over 1700 catalogued items ranging from circa 1770 to the 1990's with the greatest representation in the early 1900's. Items in the collection represent all social strata and include not only basic clothing garments but also the accessories worn with them.

Access to the collection is by appointment only. Contact the Department of Theatre and Dance Costume Shop at 512–471–0641.

Black wool and silk chiffon dress, 1900