HAPPENINGS…..CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM/COSTUME COUNCIL…THREADS OF A NATION: PRESERVING PRESIDENTIAL CLOTHING
I’m thrilled to tell you there are many new sponsors to share with you that have joined us for this unique event….i might remind you that the Costume Council exists to support the Costume Collection of the Chicago History Museum through fund raising and events and your support makes not only the conservation of the Collection but enables us to bring you totally one of a kind exhibitions, on behalf of the Costume Council I thank you for acknowledging our very special collection!
Here is the current list of supporters…
Check out Threads of a Nation featured in the news!
I’m very excited to share the information about the upcoming Chicago History Museum exhibition sponsored by the Costume Council. I have been a member for decades and have been involved with many of the exhibitions. The Costume Collection, we support, is one of the largest in the world and houses everything from French Haute Couture to American and European ready to wear to Chicago Sports memorabilia to Sally Rand’s fans to rare historical US president’s garments and even a garment attributed to Mary Todd Lincoln!
At the opening party, on October 22nd from 6 to 9 at the Museum, (open to the public on October 24th), you will be treated to a presentation by historian, Timothy Long, whose knowledgeof clothing is unsurpassed! This is one way we celebrate our Nation’s 250 Anniversary with what the Costume Council does best…show history through the garments that were worn through the decades and, therefore, made history!
As the nation observes its 250th anniversary this year, we examine US history through the clothes of those who helped shape it and discover how fashion, politics, and personal identity became woven into the story of a new nation.
The evening begins with a presentation by fashion historian and curator Timothy Long, who will explore one of the Museum’s most treasured objects. For over a century, the Chicago History Museum has held a suit of black silk velvet worn by George Washington. Drawing on years of his research in the leading repositories of the nation’s history, this evening reassembles a wardrobe long scattered—and asks what it reveals about the nation’s first president.
Following the presentation, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while exploring Threads of a Nation at your own pace. Museum staff will be on hand throughout the exhibition to answer questions and share additional insight on the objects on display. Guests also have the opportunity to participate in an exciting selection of auction offerings throughout the evening.
About the Presenter
Timothy Long is a fashion historian and curator who has spent his career reading history through what people wore. A former curator at the Chicago History Museum and the Museum of London, he has created more than twenty exhibitions on both sides of the Atlantic, including projects for the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and the San Diego History Center, and has written on dress and the decorative arts, including for V&A Publishing and the British Museum Technical Research Bulletin.
For many years he has pursued an investigation into the surviving clothing of George Washington, following it across collections in the United States and Britain. He recently held a fellowship at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon and now holds one at Sulgrave Manor, Washington’s ancestral home in the United Kingdom.”
Schedule
5:30 p.m. – Pre-Event VIP Champagne Reception and meet and greet with Timothy Long 6:00 p.m. – Doors open, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served, silent auction bidding begins 6:30 p.m. – Presentation by Timothy Long 7:00 p.m. – Reception and self-guided exhibition viewing 8:15 p.m. – Bidding for silent auction concludes 8:30 p.m. – Silent auction winners announced 9:00 p.m. – Event concludes
Co-Chairs: Anika Allen and Katie Beard
Event Committee: Moni Adorjan, Athena Golianis, Courtney Hopkins, Karen Peters, Frank Rubel, Carol Seeling, and Karen Zupko
Sponsors of Style
George Washington Sponsor
Liz Stiffel
Abraham Lincoln Sponsors
D. Elizabeth Price The Shearson Family VLS Private Foundation Richard and Diane Weinberg
John Adams Benefactors
Pamella and Alfredo Capitanini Karen Peters and Charles Frank Heritage Auctions Alicia and David Schafer Karen Zupko and Mike McCahon Carlette McMullan Lyssa Mashek Piette
Pattern Friends
David Hiller and Darcy Evon Courtney and Tobin Hopkins Neiman Marcus Rhonda Marcucci Frank J. Rubel III
Threads Patrons
Anika Allen and Baird Capital Constance K. Barkley Katie Beard Kathleen M. Boege Jonathon and Jacqueline Cwiok Bon French Athena Golianis Vicki Hood Katherine Klehr Lissette Cortes Lade and David Lade Betty Latson Lizzy Lopez Diane Lovejoy Erica C. Meyer Randolph Street Market Cheryl Tama Oblander and Scott Oblander
In-Kind Sponsors
Connie Barkley Elysium MedSpa Kissyboo
Knee Deep Vintage Lady Bug Vintage Rhonda Marcucci
MS Collections Space 519 Viva La Med Spa
Conservation of the presidential costumes and objects is being supported in part by a federal Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
