The Sixteenth Annual

Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference

March 4-7, 2010

 

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Click HERE to download the registration form in PDF format

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CONFERENCE INFORMATION

 

Welcome to the premiere Conference on the clothing and culture of the mid-nineteenth century!  Celebrating its sixteenth anniversary, the Ladies and Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference is sponsored by Genteel Arts, and will be held on March 4-7, 2010 in Camp Hill (Harrisburg), PA. 

The Conference is recognized as the premier venue for learning more about the clothing and culture of the mid-19th century and provides an opportunity for historians, researchers, museum personnel, reenactors and other enthusiasts to meet with their counterparts from across the country. Attendees at previous conferences have hailed from 43 states and two countries. You are invited to join us for a weekend of informative presentations, hands-on workshops and seminars on a variety of topics about the men and women of the Civil War era, what they wore, and how they lived.

The 2010 Conference features a full program of presentations of interest to both ladies and gentlemen. Participants will attend a combination of joint and concurrent sessions.  Complete details may be found in the sections Presentations, Speakers and Schedule.

Conference participants may also take part in any of the pre-conference seminars, tours and hands-on workshops.  In response to requests from participants traveling from across the country, the workshop schedule has been expanded to Thursday and Friday.  Space permitting, these sessions will also be open to members of the general public. Further information may be found in the section on Hands-On Workshops, Tours and Seminars.

Participants arriving on Wednesday will have the opportunity to participate in a service project to area museums. Please see the section Angels Project for more information.

Participants and their guests are invited to the Welcome Reception with Parlor Games on Thursday evening. Come meet the speakers and your fellow participants. Mike Mescher will lead us in period games and a slide show of highlights from previous conferences will be shown. Wrappers, dressing gowns, smoking jackets and other forms of period lounge wear are welcome but not required.  Beverages and light snacks will be provided.

            Throughout its history the Conference has been pleased to feature over sixty speakers and instructors who have graciously shared their knowledge with the participants. Many are nationally recognized for their body of knowledge and expertise in their area of interest. Their informed and learned presentations are one of the key elements of the Conference’s success. Participants will be able to meet and chat with current, prior and future speakers at the reception. 

            As in previous years, one of the outstanding features of the Conference will be the extensive Displays of original garments, undergarments, accessories, jewelry, and artifacts.  These displays are made possible by the gracious participation of conference attendees, who are encouraged to bring items from their private collections for viewing by other enthusiasts.  The displays change daily and may be photographed.

The conference also includes a juried Marketplace featuring a variety of merchants offering carefully selected and documented merchandise.  Admission to the Marketplace is complimentary for conference participants; the general public may attend for a nominal fee.  A list of participating merchants will be posted at a later date.

If you enjoy period needlework and crafts and reproducing period accessories, be sure to enter this year’s competition for the best reproduction of a tobacco bag c.1855-1865. See the section on the Competition for complete information.

To celebrate our tenth anniversary as sponsors, we are pleased to invite all conference participants and their guests to a Formal Ball after dinner Saturday evening. Additional information may be found in the section The Pleasure of Your Company.

 

We encourage family members interested in civilian impressions and activities to join us for the weekend.  A reduced registration fee is offered to junior attendees and full-time college students. Guests may join us for dinner and the ball on Saturday evening; a package including all meals, admission to the displays, Marketplace and ball is also available (fee charged for meal packages). Additional information is available in the General Information section.

Make plans now to attend this enriching weekend and meet others who share a dedicated interest in the clothing and culture of the Civil War era. Complete conference details, hotel information and registration forms are listed below.  Register early!  Previous Conferences have been sold out!

 

Some Comments about Previous Conferences

 

·         “Worth every penny, and then some!”

·         “I am always amazed with the amount of information that is available at this conference. I may think I’m not interested in a particular topic, but I ALWAYS leave with some information that I can use in my impression and at events.”

·         "Excellent! Well organized, on time, nice venue, GREAT speakers!"

·         “Great mix of topics relating to both the North and the South!”

·         “A good balance of subjects: external appearances as well as the sociology and mindset of the day - Thank you!"

·         "This was my first time and I have learned so much.  Too bad we can't make this conference mandatory for all reenactors before they go out in public!"

·         "The displays of original garments are amazing!  The opportunity to view so many of them up close is priceless - worth the price of the conference alone!"

·         "Outstanding speakers, displays and vendor area."

·         "Very educational, well organized, great way to network with others and form new friendships."

·         “The conference is always an anticipated delight—the knowledge learned from speakers and visual displays is unparalleled.  Impossible to always be perfect, but each year is the best offered anywhere.”

·         "I'm thrilled to see more on men's clothing!

·         "Very informative - not only with techniques and alternatives, but also the culture and social aspects."

·         "This is my first conference (I am a relative 'newbie"). I loved it! So much more professionally managed and presented than I expected."

·         "I like the concurrent sessions.  My wife and I double-teamed - she did one and I did the other."

·         “I looked forward to attending the conference with high expectations.  The conference far exceeded my anticipations.”

·         "Broaden your background - attend this conference!"

·         "Always new knowledge for everyone no matter what level of re-enacting they occupy."

·         "The expanded number of workshops with the element of hands-on learning was excellent. It's wonderful to have so many choices."

·         "Glad to see presentations on 19th century life other than clothing."

·         "The pre-conference tours were incredible!"

·         "The workshops I've taken over the years have always been so informative and have so much information for my group.  FUN!"

·         "I love that all of the meals are included. I go to many conferences in connection with my work, and have gone through too much wasted time/frantic search for a quick meal. It also gives us that much more time for networking."

·         "VERY professionally run. My employer offers conference management services and we could not have done it better. Any equipment (AV) needs were seamlessly dealt with."

 

The Pleasure of Your Company is Requested at our

Anniversary Ball

 

This year is Genteel Arts' tenth anniversary as the sponsor of the Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference. To celebrate the occasion, we are pleased to announce the addition of a formal ball to our Saturday evening festivities.

            Music will be provided by The Wildcat Band and the period ensemble Smash the Windows. Briant and Karin Bohleke are the Dance Master and Mistress. Norma Calhoun and Wayne Belt will coordinate the festivities.

            All levels of dancers can participate and a partner is not required. Your best period attire is requested but not required; appropriate modern dress is acceptable. Non-dancers are welcome to watch from the sidelines and enjoy the music.

            Admission to the ball is included in the Conference registration fee. Guests of participants may join us for the dinner and ball, or for the ball only for an additional fee.

Admission is limited to Conference participants and their guests until February 10. If space permits, non-conference participants may purchase tickets at that time. Please contact us to be placed on a wait-list. 

            Please join us to celebrate the occasion!

 

Our Commitment to Preservation

 

During the past three years, the proceeds from selected pre-conference Workshop/Tours have benefited local institutions. The Conference is pleased to announce we have raised in excess of $3,000.00 for the Adams County Historical Society, $1,650.00 for the archives at the Gettysburg National Military Park, $1,450.00 for the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum, and $250.00 for the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center – a total of $6,350.00. Proceeds from select 2010 Workshop/Tours will benefit the Archives at the Gettysburg National Military Park, the Adams County Historical Society and the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum. The Conference will continue to support these and similar institutions in the future.

 

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

Providing Comfort and Encouraging Patriotism:

The American Brass Band Movement during the Civil War

Bruno J. Pino, with a live performance by the Wildcat Band

 

                                                  

 

            When we last enjoyed their company, the members of the Indiana Brass Band were playing at a patriotic ceremony before they went to war. We continue their story, which is reflective of so many town bands, and follow the Wildcat Regiment and others through the years of the War. The harsh reality of war time experiences created an expanded role for the brass band. Many musicians and bands (and don’t forget the families at home) had never imagined that such a life or time could exist. The music created by brass bands, that once filled the familiar context of entertainment, now bled over into providing comfort, encouragement, and that spirit of pride and patriotism that was so essential to the survival of the human spirit, both on the field of battle and in the home front.

 

A Day in the Life of Senator and Mrs. Golladay

Nicky Hughes

 

                                                   

 

This presentation will be a photographic survey of a typical day in the life of a few folks at home during the Civil War era.  A well-off couple will go about their everyday business - managing a household, conducting business, eating, entertaining, getting around, communicating, and in general living their lives.  Their activities will provide viewers with insights into the objects with which the Golladays interact every day.  

The presentation will look over the Golladays' shoulders at everything from furniture to tableware to lighting devices to coverlets to tools and more.  And Senator Golladay will no doubt find some way to embarrass his endlessly patient spouse.

 

               

Too Far from the Ruckus: The Texas Home Front during the Civil War

Annette Bethke

 

 

Texas has always been different than the rest of the nation. Even now the tourism slogan “Like a Whole Other Country”™ pretty much sums up how Texans see their state. This was also true during the American Civil War. Far removed from most of the military engagements and with a relatively open trade route through Mexico, Texas was spared from most of the devastation suffered by the rest of the South. Using diaries, letters, illustrations and newspaper accounts, this presentation will explore the Civil War experiences of Texas’ diverse populations on the home front.

 

Francis “Frank” Johnson, America’s First African-American Ambassador of Music

Briant Bohleke

 

 

Audiences in the United States and Europe flocked to listen to the music of bandleader and composer Frank Johnson.  His artistic abilities and innovative musical style brought him national and international fame, but he unfortunately remains relatively unknown to modern audiences.  His repertoire included military, dance and concert selections, and in spite of his untimely death from overwork in 1844, many could still hum his tunes for decades afterwards.  The talk includes several demonstrations of Civil War dances that can be done to his and other contemporary black American composers’ music.

 

 

Scenes from Everyday Life: Mid-Nineteenth Century Genre Paintings

Carolann Schmitt

 

 

 

The Postman by William Edward Millner

Sir David Scott Collection of Victorian Paintings

 

The mid-nineteenth century produced a great diversity of art, including a particular category illustrating scenes of everyday life known as genre or figurative paintings. Overlooked and underappreciated, they are not a source that is commonly consulted. There are even those who caution against using art in general as a source for mid-nineteenth century research, even though it is perfectly acceptable for other eras that pre-date photography.

This presentation will examine mid-nineteenth century genre paintings and their validity as a source of information for domestic interiors, furnishings and fashion, indoor and outdoor scenes - both rural and urban, and the psychological and physical life of the era. Can these paintings be used as a reliable source for information? Are they truly a reflection of everyday life?  How can a painting filled with ‘stuff’ capture the sentiments, ideals and obsessions of the citizens shown in scenes of everyday life? What cautions should be considered when using them as a source? Gain a new appreciation for an overlooked source.

 

Not in Polite Company: Nineteenth Century Sanitary Protection

Virginia Mescher

 

This presentation opens another window into the lives of 19th women. How many times have you been at an event and had someone take you aside and quietly ask, “How did women deal with “that time of the month”?  Obviously this isn’t a subject that was discussed openly in public, much less written about in diaries, books or newspapers, and most of the primary sources that do exist were written by men. Using primary documentation found in obscure places, this presentation sheds light on a little-known topic that was a part of every woman’s life.

 

 

Narrow Strands of Silk: Mid-Nineteenth Century Ribbons Used for Millinery

Anna Worden

 

           

 

Period literature abounds with young women excited by the purchase of gifting of a new ribbon. What excited them so much about a narrow strand of silk? What, as Mary Davidson’s Silk says, held the public favor for three centuries? In this presentation we will examine the many various ribbons used in millinery including their weaves, designs, texture, and width along with where and how they were used.

We will begin by looking at the manufacture of ribbons, where they were made both domestically and foreign, and where we imported them from. We will learn about the regional manufacturing centers in Coventry, England and the Canton of Bále, Switzerland and the ribbons they produced. We will also see how the onset of war drastically shifted the levels of importation and production of silk ribbons.

Next we will look at the types of ribbons produced and used in the mid-century. This will include examples of the different size ribbons, the weaves, and designs. When looking at the types of ribbons, we will see a much greater variety of ribbons available in the 19th century then is available today. Exhibition catalogs show ribbons from as simple as plain, fancy, or plain fancy to some we may recognize such as numerous velvets, printed, and embroidered, to some we may not yet recognize such as figured lutestring and cut-edged ribbon.  We will discuss which ribbons were more often used for different pieces of headwear; bonnets, caps, nets, etc.

Lastly, we will also look at techniques for achieving the look of period ribbons through textual descriptions and illustrations as well as some original images including how to make bows following period directions. 

 

 

Cars and Coaches, Steamboats and Sidesaddles: Modes in Motion

K. Krewer

 

 

What is a carriage dress?  A traveling ensemble?  Nineteenth century fashion magazines recommended garments for various “mobile” activities – but were these really special outfits, or merely marketing devices to convince ladies that they needed more clothing?  What did ladies really wear when traveling – by horseback, carriage, train or ship?

This presentation will attempt to answer these questions through examination of the fashion magazines, period journals and news sources, and original clothing.

 

A Community Caught in the Crossfire;

The Citizens of Sharpsburg Before, During, and After the Battle of Antietam

Jim Johnson

 

 

Most writing about the Battle of Antietam focuses on the great military leaders of both the northern and southern armies and their triumphs and tragedies on the battlefield.  Even Abraham Lincoln is among the notable characters in these stories.  In reality, the true “notables” in the history of this event should be the citizens of Sharpsburg; Jacob, and his daughter, Savilla Miller, William and Margaret Roulette, and Samuel Mumma to name just a few. They endured the battle, and showed resourcefulness and bravery as they re-built their lives despite the property and environmental damage, the immediate and long-term economic devastation, the tragic loss of life due to disease in the battle’s aftermath, and the psychological toll all of this must have taken.  They along with many of their neighbors remained steadfast.  It is a credit to the strength and courage of the people of this community, forced to the brink of complete destruction, that they not only survived but also reconciled their political differences and took on a new role as the keepers of the legacy of America’s bloodiest day.  

 

Nineteenth Century Money and Banking: Civil War Currency, Northern and Southern

Phillip Whiteman

 

state bank Mich 2009a

 

In order to finance a government, especially one at war, you had four options in the 19th Century. You could impose more taxes, you could sell public lands, you could borrow on government securities and you could print money. The North and the South printed lots of money.

This presentation focuses on the forms of money used by the Union and the Confederacy. We will take a look at how, for the first time since the American Revolution, the Federal Government issued paper money. The Confederate government issued money seven different times in its short life and the Southern states issued money as well. We will also look at coins, or rather the lack of coins after the first year of the war. What was used to make change? Fractional currency, stamps, tokens, shinplasters had their place in both the North and South.

The Civil War forced both the North and South to look at new ways to finance their armies. These measures added to the growing problems that affected their economies. This presentation will show that after the Civil War, America never looked at money and banking the same way as it had prior to the war. 

 

One Leg at a Time: Men’s Trousers in the Mid-Nineteenth Century

Brian Koenig

 

                 

 

Men’s trousers are often overlooked in historical costume study. Despite this neglected status, there is a remarkable variety evident in these garments. Variations in fabric, cut, and features gave the men of the period quite an assortment to choose from.  Utilizing period cutting guides, images, descriptions and surviving originals, this presentation will endeavor to shed some light into the trousers of the mid-19th century. A display of original trouser will accompany the presentation.

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Presentation Schedule

 

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Combined Session

Program A

Program B

Combined Session

A Day in the Life of Senator and Mrs. Golladay

Cars and Coaches,

19th Century Money and

Too Far from the Ruckus:

Nicky Hughes

Steamboats and Sidesaddles:

Banking: Civil War Currency,

The Texas Home Front

 

 

Modes in Motion

Northern &  Southern

during the Civil War

 

 

K. Krewer

Phillip Whiteman

Annette Bethke

 

 

 

 

 

Program A

Program B

Program A

Program B

Combined Session

Not in Polite  Company:

Sharpsburg Citizens

Narrow Strands of Silk:

One Leg at a Time:

Scenes from Everyday Life?

Mid-19th Century

 

Mid-19th Century

Men's Trousers during

Mid-19th Century

Sanitary Protection

Ribbons Used for Millinery

the Mid-19th Century

Genre Paintings

 

 

 

 

Virginia Mescher

Jim Johnson

Anna Worden

Brian Koenig

Carolann Schmitt

 

 

Combined Session

 

 

 

Francis "Frank" Johnson: America's First

 

 

 

African-American Ambassador of Music

 

 

 

Briant Bohleke

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Session

 

 

 

Providing Comfort and Encouraging Patriotism:

 

 

 

The American Brass Band Movement during the Civil War

 

 

 

Bruno J. Pino and The Wildcat Band

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMINARS, TOURS AND HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS

 

Pre-conference seminars, tours and hands-on workshops will be held Thursday and Friday, March 4-5, 2010.  Sessions are three or six hours in length, depending on the topic and location. Registration fees include all materials. Participants will be sent a list of supplies they will need to bring, e.g. scissors, needles, etc.  

            Priority registration is given to conference participants. Registration will be accepted from the general public after January 31, 2010, space permitting.

            In order to accommodate as many participants as possible, especially those arriving later in the day, we ask that you register for the earliest session your schedule permits. Please indicate on the registration form your first, second and third choices for each workshop; please check your registration form for accuracy before submitting. 

            The Conference reserves the right to cancel a session if there is insufficient registration. Register early, space is limited!

 

An Agreeable Occupation: Making Artificial Flowers

Martha McCain

 

                The Victorian lady’s wardrobe was abloom with artificial flowers. Purple velvet pansies peeped from the brim of her bonnet, convolvulus with foliage and tendrils twined around her evening coiffure and her gown as adorned with sprays of crimson salvia or a bouquet of water lilies mingled with blades of grass.

            Did you ever put any of these items on your Joann’s shopping list?

 

    

 

            We’ll begin with a brief illustrated talk on the history of manufacturing artificial flowers and then look at the many ways they were used to ornament garments during the Civil War era. Most of the workshop will be devoted to the hands-on making of at least three different types of flowers.

            The kit fee of $10.00 will supply the materials needed to create the flowers, including florist’s wire in several gauges, floral tape, starched fabric, dye, glue, blotting paper, cotton wool, etc. Students should bring paper scissors, embroidery scissors with sharp tips, needle-nose pliers and tweezers. The instructor will provide specialized tools for your use. Participants will leave the workshop with the flowers you’ve made and a booklet including 19th century patterns for several flowers and several pages illustrating the ways in which they were used.

            Thursday or Friday, 9:00-12:00 or 1:30-4:30. Registration Fee: $35.00; Kit fee: $10.00. Maximum 20

students.

 

Coquettish and Lightweight Warmth: A Reproduction Pompom Rigolette

Karin Bohleke

 

                  

 

A "Rigolette," French for "jolly or amusing little thing," is a warm yet light cap covering the top of the head without disturbing a lady's coiffure, making it particularly ideal for those occasions when a bit of warmth is needed.  The Rigolette was the height of fashion during the years leading up to the Civil War, and it did not last long after 1865, making it an ideal accessory to add to your period wardrobe.  Participants will be constructing this based upon a surviving original with a blue wool felt base and blue and white wool pompoms.  They will also learn period techniques for making multiple pompoms simultaneously with ease with different color effects.  The kit fee includes the custom-made wood frame for bulk pompom manufacture.  The instructor will contact the students prior to the class with a list of sewing supplies to bring. All day Thursday, 9AM-4:30PM with lunch break. Registration Fee: $65.00; Kit fee: $30.00. Maximum 19 students.

 

Fine Finishing: Taking your Garment from Home-Made to Historical Reproduction

Carolann Schmitt

 

There is beauty in the craftsmanship used to make many of the surviving pieces of mid-nineteenth century clothing. Sewing was a skill, with basic fundamentals taught at an early age. These fundamentals became the foundation for fine sewing and tailoring. Pattern pieces are carefully placed for the most flattering use of the pattern and the most economical uses of the fabric. Seams are so finely sewn and pressed they are almost invisible. Seam allowances are neat, with raw edges finished. Threads are knotted invisibly, and the knots still hold 140+ years later. Hooks-and-eyes are sewn with a continuous thread. Buttonholes look like they were made by machine. Thread eyelets are perfectly round and tightly stitched. Thread loops are strong, secure and look like they were manufactured. Buttons are covered with fabric or thread and sewn on securely and neatly. Openings are invisible and don’t gap.

Using illustrations of original garments and period sewing instructions, participants will create a swatch book of samples of commonly used stitches, seams, closures and closures as they learn when, where and why they were used.  Become friends with your iron! Learn how certain tools and tips can make sewing a pleasure rather than an aggravation. Change the look of your garments from “loving hands at home” to “Wow! That’s a reproduction?”

The registration fee includes extensively illustrated instructions and all materials. No prior sewing experience required. Students will need to bring basic sewing supplies; a list will be sent by the instructor.

Thursday or Friday, 9:00-12:00 or 1:30-4:30. Registration Fee: $35.00. Maximum 25 students.

 

Luxuriant Crowns: Gentlemen’s Smoking and Lounging Caps

Janine Whiteman

 

The comfort which this sort of cap bestows on those gentlemen who are compelled by custom to wear a hat the greater portion of the day renders it a most acceptable present. It is, therefore, often selected for this purpose, as it is not only an article of ornament, but one which is really useful.   - BY    MADEMOISELLE ROCHE

Peterson’s Magazine, November 1860 

 

Using copies of original patterns from the 1850s and 1860s, students will create their own Smoking or Lounging Caps.   Kits including velvet for top and side, silk for lining, duck or ticking for interfacing, wool batting, and tear away embroidery stabilizer for pattern marking, along with patterns and descriptions for embellishment from Godey’s Lady’s Book and Peterson’s Magazines will be mailed to participants in advance of the workshop.  The workshop time will focus on the construction of the caps and creating the finishing tassels.   Needles, thread, wood buttons and cotton embroidery floss for the tassels will be provided in class as part of the kit fee.    Participants should bring their (embellished) kits to the workshop. Original Smoking or Lounging caps will also be available for examination.

            Thursday 9:00-12:00 or 1:30-4:30 or Friday 9:00-12:00. Registration Fee: $35.00; Kit fee: $30.00.  Maximum 15 students per class. Please indicate your velvet color choice: Black, Red or Blue on the registration form.

 

When It Doesn’t Fit: Misfits and Alterations for Men

Jim Ruley

 

 

Coat sleeves too long?  Won't button at the waist?  Collar pulling away at the back of the neck?  Learn the causes and remedies for these and other common fitting problems for men in this three-hour workshop.  Students will begin by drafting a coat sleeve pattern and learning how to adjust for length.  We will then explore adjustments for body length, waist size, and neck size and how to incorporate them into coat and vest patterns.  We will finish by examining different body types and how to adjust for these, both at the pattern drafting stage and during try-on.

Students will need to bring a straightedge, triangle or square, pencils, and an inch ruler.  The instructor will provide pattern paper and other materials. Friday 9:00-12:00 or 1:30-4:30. Registration Fee: $35.00; Kit fee: $15.00.  Maximum 25 students per class.

 

Tailor-Made Secrets

Brian Koenig

 

 

Padded? Quilted? Interlined? Felled seam or selvage? Bias or straight grain? Silk or wool? What mysteries lay hidden between seams? Participants will examine a number of men's garments of the 1850's and 1860's. Survey textiles, techniques, findings, repairs and alterations.  Discover what they used for lining, batting, interlining. Marvel over seams and buttonholes. Learn how removeable padding was removed. This is a chance to dig deeper into garments, and discover what holds them together and gives them their shape. Prepare to have some pre-conceived notions shattered! 

Required equipment: Inquisitive mind and the ability to see and touch. Optional equipment: magnifying glass, linen tester, tape measures and camera. 

Thursday 9:00-12:00 or 1:30-4:30 or Friday 1:30-4:30. Registration Fee: $35.00. Maximum 15 students per class.

 

Let’s Get Ready for the Ball: Lessons on How to Move Your Feet for Civil War Dancing

Briant and Karin Bohleke

 

Beginners as well as ‘experienced’ dancers are invited to learn some of the popular dances of the mid-19th century in preparation for Saturday evening’s ball. We will focus on teaching the fundamentals of couple dances and introduce set, or group dances, providing students with a solid foundation in essential Civil War-era dance techniques.  No dance experience is necessary—only an attentive set of ears.  Attending with a partner is helpful but not required (and there will no doubt be other attendees who will need you for a partner!).  Please wear flat shoes, preferably with a leather sole (no sneakers or athletic shoes), and loose comfortable clothing. 

Friday 9:00-12:00 or 1:30-4:30.  Registration Fee: $35.00. Maximum number of students 32.

 

Regal Headdresses for American Women 1855-1865: Making a Coronet

Lynnette Miller

 

                

 

After examining images from mid-nineteenth century periodicals and cdv’s to identify materials and techniques, students will create the popular coronet headdress. Period images show this type of headdress was worn with day-time ensembles as well as evening dress. Reproduction head dresses will be available for examination. Participants should be able to complete their work by Saturday evening’s festivities.

The instructor will supply a kit containing a pre-wired foundation, pre-cut velvet to cove, pre-cut backing fabric, elastic and a selection of trims including flowers, stars, pearls and beads in a choice of colors. 

Students should bring hand sewing supplies: scissors, small needle-nose pliers or wire cutting tool, a pack of assorted sizes of milliner’s needles, straight pins, short ruler or measuring tape, black and white sewing thread, black and white quilting thread, beeswax and a thimble (if used). Students may bring their own small flowers or other embellishments if they choose and will not have to pay for that portion of the kit.

 Thursday 9:00-12:00 or 1:30-4:30.  Registration Fee: $35.00, kit fee $20.00-$25.00 depending on trims purchased. Maximum number of students 15.

 

What a Wonderful Thing is this Manner of Sewing: A Reproduction Victorian Needle Book

Vicki Ferguson

 

 

“What a wonderful thing is this matter of sewing!” the Christian Intelligencer discourses about the exploits of the needle.  Found in every Victorian ladies sewing basket, needles were typically placed in needle books.  Highly decorated, they were frequently made of into fanciful shapes such as shoes, fans, leaves and kites.  Using original patterns from the 1850s and 60s, students will make a needle book using a variety of techniques including embroidery and beadwork.  The instructor will provide a kit with all materials and patterns. Students should bring scissors, needles, a thimble (if needed) and any other favorite sewing notion.

Thursday or Friday, 9:00-12:00 or 1:30-4:30.  Registration Fee: $35.00, kit fee $15.00 Maximum number of students 12.

 

Personal Linen: Collars, Cuffs, Chemisettes and Undersleeves

Carolann Schmitt

 

           

One of the easiest ways to enhance or completely change the look of a dress is to vary these accessories.  We will begin with an illustrated review of the many different styles of collars, cuffs, undersleeves and chemisettes worn 1840-1870. Learn how the styles evolve as the style of the dress changes. We will discuss appropriate fabrics, sizes, shapes, trimmings, embellishments, closures, and the use of color. We will also discuss tuckers and sleeve frills for low-body evening dresses.

Participants will learn how to alter period patterns and will have the opportunity to have a collar custom-fitted. The extensively-illustrated handout includes original patterns and illustrations, construction guidelines for reproductions, embroidery patterns, and swatches of appropriate fabrics. A display of original items will accompany the presentation.

Friday, 2:00-5:00 PM. Registration Fee: $35.00. Unlimited registration.

 

Hidden Treasures: A Visit to the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum

Archives Staff

See what’s hidden behind the scenes in this unique educational laboratory and museum. Participants will participate in a tour of the storage area, with hands-on examination of a selection of some of the 14,000  garments and accessories from the collection. You will also be able to view the current exhibit Nineteenth Century Costume Treasures and will have the opportunity to purchase the exhibit catalog at a reduced price. Proceeds from this workshop/tour will benefit the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum. Thursday 9:30AM-12:30 or 1:30-4:30.  Registration Fee: $35.00. Maximum 20 students.

 

Behind the Scenes: A Tour of the Collections of the Gettysburg National Military Park  

Paul Shevchuk

This workshop/tour will provide an in-depth tour of the museum and archival collections of the largest Civil War collection in the National Park Service. Come visit the Archives in its location at the recently-opened Visitor’s Center. The tour includes a brief history of the collection, along with how the park catalogs, stores, and preserves its objects. Participants will learn how to gain access and conduct research in National Park Service collections. Of particular interest to conference participants will be the opportunity to see, examine, and comment (provide your own expert knowledge) on some of the civilian-related objects in the Gettysburg collections. Proceeds from this workshop/tour will benefit the GNMP Archives.

Thursday 9:30AM-12:30 or 1:30-4:30.  Registration Fee: $35.00. Maximum 20 students.

 

Workshop-Tour of the Adams County Historical Society and Its New Civil War Studies Center

Wayne Motts and Ben Neely

Participants in this workshop/tour will learn the ins and outs of researching at this historical institution and by extension similar historical organizations including what is available, how to access the information and holdings, rules for researching in a special collections environment, obtaining permissions for reproduction and publications and more.

            A tour will highlight the Society's vast collection of archival material, books, images, and objects related to the 210 year history of Adams County, Pennsylvania.  Proceeds from this workshop/tour will benefit the Adams County Historical Society.

Thursday 9:30AM-12:30 or 1:30-4:30.  Registration Fee: $35.00. Maximum 20 students.

 

 

 

2010 Pre-Conference Workshops/Tours/Seminars

Time

Thursday Half-Day Sessions

Time

Friday Half-Day Sessions

9:00AM

Making Aritifical Flowers,

9:00AM

Making Aritifical Flowers,

An Agreeable Occupation

An Agreeable Occupation

Finishing Techniques: From Home-

When It Doesn't Fit:

Made to Historical Reproduction

Misfits and Alterations for Men

Tailor Made Secrets: Men's

Garments Between the Seams

Gentleman's Smoking and

Gentleman's Smoking and

Lounging Caps

Lounging Caps

Stitches in Time: Reproduction

Stitches in Time: Reproduction

Victorian Needlebook

Victorian Needlebook

Regal Headdress:

Lessons on How to Move Your

Making a Coronet

Feet for Civil War Dancing

Coquettish & Lightweight Warmth

Pompon Rigolette (all day)

9:30AM

Workshop/Tour Shippensburg

Fashion Archives and Museum

9:30AM

Workshop/Tour of

GNMP Archives

9:30AM

Workshop/Tour

of ACHS & CW Study Center

1:30PM

Making Artificial Flowers,

1:30PM

Making Artificial Flowers,

An Agreeable Occupation

An Agreeable Occupation

Finishing Techniques: From Home-

When It Doesn't Fit:

Made to Historical Reproduction

Misfits and Alterations for Men

Tailor Made Secrets: Men's

Tailor Made Secrets: Men's

Garments Between the Seams

Garments Between the Seams

Gentleman's Smoking and

Lounging Caps

Stitches in Time: Reproduction

Stitches in Time: Reproduction

Victorian Needlebook

Victorian Needlebook

Regal Headdress:

Lessons on How to Move Your

Making a Coronet

Feet for Civil War Dancing

Coquettish & Lightweight Warmth

Pompon Rigolette (all day)

Workshop/Tour Shippensburg

Fashion Archives and Museum

Workshop/Tour of

GNMP Archives

Workshop/Tour

2:00PM

Personal Linen: Collars, Cuffs,

of ACHS & CW Study Center

Chemisettes and Undersleeves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPEAKERS

 

Although not a native Texan, Annette Bethke has been in Texas about 15 years and is married to an eighth generation German Texan. She is originally from a small mining town in California named for a survivor of the Donner Party. Annette is lucky enough to work in the history field with the Texas Historical Commission in the Cemetery Preservation Program, where she helps the public locate and document historic cemeteries throughout the state.

Annette has been involved one way or another in living history for over 20 years. She has published articles in The Citizens’ Companion and the ALHFAM Bulletin. She has given presentations at Association of Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museum conferences, community gatherings and schools. Her current projects are coordinating Texas home front living history events for the 150th anniversary cycle and managing her website “Texas Civil War Civilian Living History”.   

 

Briant Bohleke, a professional Egyptologist by training, has also been a vintage dancer and dance historian since 1988 and has belonged to several historic dance performance groups.  A veteran dance instructor, Briant proctors Victorian balls, reconstructs authentic choreography, collects period sheet music, and writes articles using his and his wife’s ever-burgeoning dance ephemera collection.  They have published articles on dance and dance etiquette in The Citizens’ Companion and Civil War Historian.  His wife Karin and he are currently dance master and mistress of the Civil War Dance Society in Fairfield, PA.

Briant worked for several years as an intern and volunteer at the Gettysburg National Military Park and is now the Archivist and Library Director of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, enjoying his office view of the cupola atop Old Dorm of first day’s battle fame.  He is a board member of the Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation and the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum.

 

            Karin Bohleke is currently the director of the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum, where she supervises a collection of over 14,000 items dating from the late eighteenth century through to the twentieth.  Her responsibilities include mounting two major clothing exhibitions and authoring the accompanying catalogs per year, and many have enjoyed her shows Garibaldis, Engageantes and Cages:  American Fashions of the Civil War Era 1840-1870 and Extremes of Black and White and Shades of Gray.  She holds a Ph.D. in French language and literature from Yale University, and also serves as an assistant professor of French at Shippensburg as needed. Karin was formerly an adjunct professor at Hood College in Frederick, MD, where she taught French, Russian, Classical Mythology, and Humanities for the graduate school.

            An avid seamstress, embroiderer, tatter and lace-maker since early childhood, Karin augmented her studies of clothing styles by creating reproduction clothing when introduced to vintage ballroom and social dancing by her future husband Briant. Together they collect vintage clothing, fashion magazines in French and English, cased images, cdv’s, cabinet cards, and dance-related paper ephemera.  They also teach Civil War and historic social dancing, proctor balls, and lecture and perform.

            A Norwegian by birth and an American citizen as of March 2008, Karin now resides in Biglerville, PA, where she continues to pursue her interests in languages, social dance, costume, needle arts, nineteenth-century women's travel accounts, and a new passion for gardening. She is also a member of the Costume Society of America and has presented her research at the Society’s annual symposium. She has published her research in Civil War Historian and The Citizens' Companion and is currently working on a book and several scholarly dress-related articles.

 

Vicki Ferguson has been interested in costuming since long before majoring in it at college.  She has designed the costumes for various productions in Lancaster and Bucks Counties in the past, as well as being a regular crew member for almost 100 productions at The Fulton Opera House in Lancaster, PA.  She is also an active member of the Costume Society of America.

            Since becoming a civil war re-enactor in 1999 she has been an avid seamstress, researcher, student and collector of the Mid-Victorian period.  She enjoys learning period needlework of all kinds and is currently learning how to use a spinning wheel. Over the years Vicki has spoken at the Tioga County Days, Memorytown, and various living histories and school programs throughout Pennsylvania.

            In her previous life Vicki volunteered as an EMT in the Lehigh Valley, PA area for 15 years and taught CPR. She still can be found at many of the large reenactments doing first aid for the Federal artillery reenactors. She now lives in Northern Berks County with her partner Paul and Rufus, the cat. 

 

Jim Johnson, Senior Manager of Creative Programs at the Henry Ford, has been with the organization for nearly 30 years. The entire time has been devoted to planning and presenting a wide variety of historic public programs. Jim holds undergraduate degrees in history and historic preservation from Eastern Michigan University, and a Masters Degree in American History from Wayne State University.  His concentration of study and thesis centered on the civilian perspective of Sharpsburg, Maryland before, during, and after the Battle of Antietam.

             Jim has a number of areas of interest that support his work at the Henry Ford that include historic gardening and landscape design, agricultural history, historic foodways, especially holiday recipes, historic interior design and architecture, and social history with a focus on the celebration of American holidays.

The new Ragtime Street Fair, Motor Muster, Old Car Festival, Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village, and Holiday Nights are among the programs presented by Jim and his team at the Henry Ford.

            Jim and wife Vivian reside in historic Monroe, Michigan.

 

Brian Koenig was raised in the bustling metropolis of New York City. A love of history was instilled early in his life and there are known images of an infant Brian at Devil’s Den. Attending Mount Saint Mary’s College, Brian graduated with a BA in History and moved from the concrete jungle to Emmitsburg, MD. He is a member of the Costume Society of America and ALFHAM.

Brian has been involved with military living history and reenacting since 1993 and as a civilian since 2002. He has participated in public living history demonstrations for most of the major civil war NPS sites on the east coast and has appeared on the History Channel. He is a member of the Southern Guard Living History Association.

When not involved with historical endeavors, Brian is a volunteer EMT/firefighter in Emmitsburg and a rescue technician with Frederick County Advanced Technical Rescue. Brian is employed by his alma mater as a supervisor for the Department of Public Safety.

 

K. Krewer has been a Civil War reenactor for twenty-seven years and a Revolutionary War reenactor for seventeen years. In real life, K. is an attorney and chief of the Business Law Division of the legal office of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command at historic Rock Island Arsenal. She earned a B.A. in political science and history and theatre from Upper Iowa University, a J.D. from the University of Iowa, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the Army War College.

A collector of garments and accessories from 1840-1865, items from her collection have been displayed at this and other conferences, seminars, history-related events, and museums. K and her husband, the Rev. Armin G. Weng, a Lutheran pastor, live near Orion, IL, and are members of the 16th Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry/Camp McClellan Soldier Relief Association. K is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Church of North America and is active in many congregational, professional, and community service activities.

Martha McCain grew up in a tiny town in the Kentucky bluegrass. She attended Northwestern University and the Yale Drama School. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband Roger Bardwell who is the head engineer for Hudson Scenic Studios.

Her first career – the one she planned on – was as a theatrical costume designer. Martha has designed for the Yale Rep, the Juilliard School, McCarter Theater, Alliance Theatre, Virginia Stage Company, The Walnut Street Theatre, GeVa, The Pennsylvania Stage Company, Indiana Rep, Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Barter Theatre, Wayside Theatre, New Stage Theatre, Circle Rep, Soho Rep, The Hartman Theatre, Art Park, and a TV variety series for the CBC in Canada. As a draper and costume maker she worked in New York at the Juilliard School, Brooks-Van Horn, Ray Diffen Stage Clothes, Eaves Costumes, The Public Theatre, Parsons-Meares, Ltd. She also draped at Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, The Neptune Theatre in Nova Scotia, and The National Theatre in Ottawa and The Manitoba Stage Company.

After retiring from costume design to tend to family matters, Martha worked for Butterick and McCall’s as an anonymous designer of children’s costumes and stuffed animals.  In 1998 Martha joined the Simplicity family of free-lance designers. There she developed a line of historically accurate patterns for the Civil War era known as The Fashion Historian.

            Martha’s interest in historical costuming has led her to spend many hours in museums with a tape measure, a camera and a notebook, studying the cut and the sewing details of garments. She collects original paper patterns, antique sewing books and fashion magazines, early photographs, and old, old clothes.

 

Michael Mescher has had a love of history for his entire life and has been reenacting the Civil War since 1988. Although his college degrees allowed him to graduate with hardly any college courses in history, he has been able to learn about the Civil war era using resources outside of an academic environment.  He began studying the toys and games of the 19th century as a way to keep his three sons entertained at reenactments. This pursuit expanded into an exploration of a variety of entertainments and pastimes for both children and adults. He has published booklets on Children’s Games and Parlor Games and has spoken on the subjects of toys, games, magic, and other entertainments several times at this conference, other conferences, and at reenactments. He counts it as a privilege to have been married to Virginia, his wife and companion on many vacation trips to historic villages and libraries for more than 30 years and from whom he has learned many research tips.  At reenactments, when not in a confederate uniform he sometimes is found on Sutler Row offering period toys and games under the sign of Ragged Soldier Sutlery.

 

            Virginia Mescher is a 1972 graduate of Virginia Tech in Management, Housing and Family Development, Secondary and Adult Education.  In 1974 she received a degree in elementary education.  She is married with three grown children and four grandchildren.  She and her husband Michael have been involved in living history and reenacting since 1988.  They belong to the Atlantic Guard and Soldiers Aid Society and the 42nd Virginia Co. I.  Virginia is a member of the Society of Women and the Civil War and served on the board for a number of years and as president for two years.  She is a frequent speaker at various conferences on an assortment of subjects.  Her interests are in research, material culture, matters of the 19th century such as laundry, photography and its effects on colors, foods, and general research on “stuff.”   Virginia and her husband operate Ragged Soldier Sutlery, specializing in period toys, games and books. 

 

Born and raised in central Ohio, Wayne E. Motts graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in history in 1989. Moving to Gettysburg in 1990, Wayne earned a Masters Degree in American History from the Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in 1994. He was one of the youngest persons ever to complete the licensing process to be a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park. He has guided parties around the famous field for 20 years. He has spoken to a wide range of historical bodies and groups on topics related to the American Civil War including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. In addition to his speaking engagements, Wayne has published several pieces related to the American Civil War in a variety of publications. He is considered the leading authority in the nation on Southern General Lewis Addison Armistead of Pickett’s Charge fame and has published the only biography of the general entitled, Trust in God and Fear Nothing: Lewis A. Armistead, CSA.

For ten years Wayne was the research historian for renowned Civil War Artist Dale Gallon of Gettysburg where he assisted in the historical research of 40 works of fine art. He was also the Senior Research Historian for TravelBrains Corporation and in this capacity researched material to be included in a number of audio visual products related to the American Civil War. The products produced by his research have been endorsed by the History Channel and have won numerous awards.

In 2002, Wayne accepted the position of curator at the Cumberland County Historical Society where he managed a collection of 8,000 artifacts. In 2004, he assumed duties as the collections manager of the Adams County Historical Society in Gettysburg. In 2005, Wayne was named executive director of the Society where he oversees a staff of five and 60 volunteers. 

 

Jim Ruley got involved with living history by joining Co. B, 30th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1991. In addition to his military activities he dabbled in sewing through the 90’s, but things got serious when he and fiancée Kay decided to have their wedding in period costume in June 2000. Jim’s task was to make a frock coat for the best man (brother John), which led him to delve into period tailoring books when none of the commercial patterns available produced a good fit. The result turned out so well that it led to numerous requests for custom tailored garments and patterns. It also led to more serious research into historical garment materials and construction techniques which continues today.

Jim served as Co B’s captain from 1998 through 2004 and as a battalion commander from 2005-07. In addition to reenactment events he has worked on a number of movie projects, notably the “Chancellorsville” episode of the “Civil War Combat” series and “Soldiers All” with Historical Films, Inc. He is a member of the Sons of Union Veterans and the Company of Military Historians.

In his “21st-century impression” Jim works as an aerospace engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, OH. Jim and Kay enjoy sharing their circa 1845 home with their cats when not away reenacting.

 

            Carolann Schmitt founded the Genteel Arts Academy in 1988 to encourage interest in the clothing and needlework of the Civil War era and assumed sponsorship of the Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference in 2001.  She has a lifelong interest in historic costume, sewing, needlework and knitting and believes you can never have too many books or too much fabric.  She is a member of the Costume Society of America, the Board of Directors of the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum, the Association of Living History Farms and Museums (ALHFAM) and several national sewing, knitting and needlework organizations.

Carolann is a member of the North-South Skirmish Association and has served as Chair and Judges' Coordinator for the association's Costume Committee. An accomplished seamstress, she has won numerous awards for her reproduction clothing and needlework; she is a three-time winner of the N-SSA's Delaney Award and the first winner of the association's Hulshart award for excellence in research and reproduction of Civil War era clothing.

            Carolann has contributed articles to several Civil War-themed publications and is a featured speaker at conferences and historic sites throughout the country. When not pursuing 19th century interests, she is employed as an FCC Licensing Manager for a communications consulting firm.  Studying mid-19th century clothing has been a passion of hers for 40+ years.

 

Paul Shevchuk grew up in the lower Hudson Valley of New York State and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in American History. For the past 30 years he has been with the National Park Service at Gettysburg, first as a Ranger-Historian on the battlefield and Eisenhower National Historic Site, and more recently as the Museum Specialist for Gettysburg.

Paul is also the author of several ground-breaking articles in the Gettysburg Magazine on the lesser-known cavalry actions during the Battle of Gettysburg. He has presented workshops on "Museum Practices for the Private Collector" at previous conferences.

 

Janine Whiteman has been researching clothing and accessories of the Civil War era for 15 years. Along with her husband Phillip, she started the PNJW Collections Civilian Exhibit in 1997. She not only collects and studies the clothing, she enjoys displaying and allowing others to see the collection as well. Reading the magazines, diaries and letters of those who lived in the mid-19th Century is one of her favorite pastimes. She provides educational and living history presentations at Civil War events, Conferences, Historical Societies and National Parks.

Janine is a member of the Ladies' Soldiers' Friend Society and the Costume Society of America. She lives in the Atlanta GA area.

 

Phillip Whiteman is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. He has a history degree from the University of Alabama and has been involved with reenacting/living history for 15 years. He started reenacting in a civilian role rather than a military one and has maintained his civilian interests in the mid-19th century culture. Along with 19th-Century men's clothing, his primary interests are monetary and political aspects of the Civil War. He has participated in living history programs primarily at National and State Parks and at the historic homes of Roswell, Georgia. He has also provided educational presentations at Civil War reenactments, National and Regional conferences, historical society meetings and local schools.

Phillip is an active member of the Roswell Historical Society and assists at the society's Research Library and Archives. He has also been a tour guide for the Historic Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is a member of the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry living history unit and the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Cannon Crew.

Phillip, with his wife Janine, started the PNJW Collections Civil War Era Civilian Exhibit in 1997. This collection of the Civil War era artifacts includes men's, women's and children's clothing, shoes, hats, accessories, and other civilian artifacts. The collection is used to create a traveling exhibit, which is periodically set up at historic sites and National Parks during the year.

 

Anna Worden’s fascination with nineteenth century social history can be tracked back through her family; her grandparent's love of old houses, her maternal grandma's reproduction quilting, her father's antique interests. Most of her childhood was surrounded by something to do with history whether it was her regular trips to antique shops or historic homes or living history museums. Her first experiences participating in the 19th century world was at the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, NY dressed in a white Regency era dress as one of the ‘thirteen maidens’ in their Independence Day celebrations. Anna began Civil War Reenacting while in college in 1996.

Anna is a freelance researcher and author, writing several articles and a booklet From Field to Fashion: Straw Bonnets and a digital book Victorian Shawls. She has a degree in Sociology from SUNY Geneseo and a Family Development Credential from Cornell University. She recently relocated from upstate New York to Alamagordo, NM where she continues her research and seeks out living history activities.

 

NEEDLEWORK COMPETITION

 

Many of you are interested in reproducing mid-19th century clothing and accessories. It's time to get out your work basket and create an entry for this year's competition for the best reproduction of a tobacco bag c.1855-1865. 

            Your entry must be a style commonly found and used between 1855 and 1865 and should be made using period construction techniques. You may use any period technique or material, including but not limited to embroidery, Berlin work, knitted, crocheted, beadwork, cloth or leather.

            Two prizes will be awarded: one for the best reproduction as judged by the speakers; and one for the entry selected by popular ballot of the conference participants. Judging will be based on total points awarded for:

Pre-registration is requested so we may plan display space. A registration form can be found elsewhere on this page and will be included in the confirmation packet.  Not sure if you'll get your entry finished?  Pre-register just in case; there are no penalties if you decide not to enter.

 

“ANGELS PROJECT”

 

            We ‘borrowed’ the concept for this project from the Costume Society of America, which has conducted Angels Projects in conjunction with their annual symposia for several years.

On Wednesday, March 3, a limited number of Conference participants will have the opportunity to serve as behind-the-scenes volunteers at selected local museums. Volunteers will assist museum staff with a number of tasks, including but not limited to: preparing and packing original garments in archival boxes, cutting and assembling archival materials to mount three dimensional objects, storing and filing periodicals and photographs, assisting with data entry, moving boxes to and within storage areas, and other tasks as assigned by the institution and staff.

            Participation is limited. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis; a waiting list will be maintained in the event additional space becomes available. There is no fee for participants; however volunteers must supply their own transportation to and from the museum locations. 

 

Participating Institutions

 

            The Shippensburg University Fashion Museum and Archives is a unique educational laboratory and museum dedicated to enhancing an understanding of society through the study of costume. The Archives collects, preserves and interprets, in its historical and societal context, its holdings of apparel and related objects, which range from the 18th century to the present, with emphasis on items associated with middle-class and working Americans and with Pennsylvanians. The collection pays special attention to individuality, design and quality of fabric and construction.  Limit: 12 volunteers, male and female.

 

Additional participating institutions will be announced as soon as details are confirmed.

 

MARKETPLACE

 

The Marketplace features a select group of merchants offering carefully selected and documented merchandise. Some of the goods offered at previous conferences include: fabrics, trims, buttons, accessories for men and women, paper goods, books, children's toys, millinery, gentlemen’s hats and accessories, needlework tools and accessories, lacemaking and needlework supplies, antique jewelry, clothing and decorative accessories, music, current magazines and periodicals.  The Marketplace will be open:

Admission is complimentary to conference participants; the general public may attend for a nominal fee.  Individual and 3-day passes are available. A complete list of vendors and merchandise will be published at a later date.

NOTE:  Merchant inquiries and requests for an application should be sent to Deborah McBeth, 28 Forest Street, Danvers, MA 01923 or at DLMAMSTS@aol.com  Space is VERY limited and efforts are made not to duplicate the selection of merchandise.

 

 

HOTEL INFORMATION

 

Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center

1150 Camp Hill Bypass

Camp Hill, PA  17011-3734

(717) 763-7117 phone

(717) 763-4518 (fax)

 

            The Radisson Penn Harris is 15 minutes from the Harrisburg International Airport and five minutes from downtown Harrisburg and the Amtrak train station.  It is within close proximity of I-81, I-83, I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) and US Route 15.   Driving time is 1 hr 45 min for those flying into Baltimore-Washington International airport.  Historic sites in the area include Gettysburg (35 miles), the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg (5 miles) and the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle (20 miles).  The Radisson provides a complimentary 24-hour van service to and from the Harrisburg airport and the train station.

            A block of rooms has been saved at $100.00 plus tax per night with 1- 4 persons per room.  To receive the discounted rate, please state that you are with the Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference.  The hotel will honor the reduced rate until February 1, 2010 at which time the price will return to the standard rate.

 If you would like to extend your stay to include days before or after the conference, the hotel will honor the conference rate for your entire stay. 

Hotel check-in begins at 3:00 PM.  Early check-in may be permitted if rooms are available.

When registering, please advise the hotel if you are disabled or have special needs.  Handicapped and first floor rooms have been reserved for the conference but the number of available rooms is limited.  We respectfully request that only participants who need special consideration request these rooms. 

 

SCHEDULE

(Subject to Change – Times are Approximate)

Wednesday, March 3

9:30     Angels Projects at area museums.

 

Thursday, March 4

8:00     Registration Opens – Hotel Lobby

9:00     Pre-Conference Workshops and Tours – Morning and All-Day Sessions

1:30     Pre-Conference Workshops and Tours – Afternoon Sessions

7:30     Welcome Reception with Parlor Games led by Michael Mescher – Governors Ballroom. Meet the speakers and your fellow participants.  Take part in period games led by Mike Mescher. Watch a slide show of highlights from previous conference. Enjoy light refreshments. Win a door prize! Wrappers, dressing gowns and other forms of period lounging attire are welcome but not required.  

 

Friday, March 6

8:00     Registration Opens – Convention Center Lobby

9:00     Pre-Conference Workshops – Morning Sessions

11:00   Marketplace opens.

1:30     Pre- Conference Workshops – Afternoon Sessions

5:00     Displays open

7:00     Marketplace closes. Conference Opens. Combined session – all participants will attend. Welcome.

7:05     Nicky Hughes – A Day in the Life of Senator and Mrs. Golladay

8:20     Stand and stretch break

8:30     Program A: Virginia Mescher – Not in Polite Company: Nineteenth Century Sanitary Protection

            Program B: Jim Johnson – A Community Caught in the Crossfire; the Citizens of Sharpsburg Before, During and After the Battle of Antietam

9:45     Sessions close. Judging of competition entries. Displays open until 10:30 PM. 

 

Saturday March 7

7:00     Breakfast – Ballroom South

7:30     Marketplace opens.

8:00     Opening Remarks – Presentation of Speakers’ Dresses and Vests – Combined Session Ballroom North

8:30     Concurrent Programs A and B begin

Program A

8:30     K. Krewer – Cars and Coaches, Steamboats and Sidesaddles: Modes in Motion

9:45     Break

10:15   Anna Worden – Narrow Strands of Silk: Mid-Nineteenth Century Ribbons Used for Embroidery

Program B

8:40     Phillip Whiteman – Nineteenth Century Money and Banking: Civil War Money, Northern and Southern

9:55     Break

10:25   Brian Koenig – One Leg at a Time: Men’s Trousers of the Mid-Nineteenth Century

12:00   Lunch Served – Ballroom South. Displays and Marketplace open.

Combined Sessions

1:30     Briant Bohleke – Francis “Frank” Johnson, America’s First African-Ambassador of Music

2:45     Break

3:15     Bruno J. Pino and the Wildcat Band – Providing Comfort and  Encouraging Patriotism: The American Brass Band Movement during the Civil War

4:30     Sessions Close

5:30     Displays and Marketplace close

6:00     Reception – Ballroom South

6:30     Dinner – Ballroom South

8:00     Formal Ball

 

Sunday, March 7

7:30     Breakfast – Ballroom South

8:00     Marketplace opens.

8:30     Annette Bethke  – Too Far From the Ruckus: The Texas Home Front during the Civil War

9:45     Break

10:15    Carolann Schmitt – Scenes from Everyday Life? Mid-Nineteenth Century Genre Paintings

11:30    Closing remarks

12:00    Conference closes

12:30    Marketplace closes

 

Save the Date! The Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference will celebrate its 17th Anniversary on March 3-6, 2011

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

 

How do I register for the Conference?

Printable registration forms (Excel and PDF formats) are at the following web links.  Registration forms are also included in the Conference brochure.  Contact us if you would like a conference brochure and/or registration form mailed to you. Please complete a separate form for EACH participant.

 

Click HERE to download this entire web page in PDF format (approx. 26 pages)

 

Click HERE to download the 2010 Conference Flyer in PDF format

 

Click HERE to download the conference registration form in PDF format

 

Click HERE to download the conference registration form in Excel format

 

You may register:

Genteel Arts LLC

PO Box 3014

Gettysburg, PA  17325-0014

 

Conference registration is limited and workshops fill up quickly.  Don’t be disappointed; early registration is strongly encouraged!

 

What is included in the registration fee?

The registration fee includes admission to the Welcome Reception, conference sessions,

Ball, displays, and Marketplace; conference notebook; door prizes; all meals and breaks on Saturday and Sunday; and preferred registration for the pre-conference seminars, tours and workshops (additional fees for pre-conference sessions). 

 

How do I make payment?

Payment may be made by check, money order, Visa, Mastercard or Discover.  We do not accept American Express, foreign currency or your first-born child.  Checks or money orders should be made payable to Genteel Arts LLC.

 

Do you accept installment payments?

A two-payment plan is offered.  The first payment of $125.00 must be included with the registration form; the second payment of $125.00 (includes a $5.00 handling fee) must be received no later than January 4, 2010 or penalties will apply.  Full payment for pre-conference workshops and seminars must be included with the initial registration form.

 

I’m a poor college student on a very limited budget. Do you offer a student discount?

A reduced registration fee of $175.00 is offered to full-time college students. Please note you’re the name of your college or university on the registration form.

 

May my son/daughter attend?

Well-behaved young ladies and gentlemen age 17 and under are also encouraged to attend with a responsible parent or adult.  A special registration rate is available.  Junior participants receive the same benefits as adult participants.

 

What meals are included with the registration fee?

Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon breaks; Sunday breakfast and morning break.    

 

I’m a vegetarian.  Will there be something I can eat?

A vegetarian option is available for Saturday dinner; please indicate your preference on the registration form.  All other meals are buffets with a variety of selections that should accommodate most diets.  Please contact us if you need more specific information; the hotel will attempt to accommodate medically necessary diets.

 

Are there any programs for guests who are not participating in the conference?

Your guest may join your for dinner and the ball on Saturday evening, or attend just the ball. Please include his/her name on the registration form. If your guest will be with you for the entire weekend, a complete meal package including the welcome reception, all meals and admission to the ball, Marketplace and displays is available.  Guests may also purchase individual passes for the Marketplace. And there are many attractions – both historical and general interest - in the area.

 

Do we dress in period attire?

Your best period attire is requested but not required for dinner Saturday evening.  You are invited but not required to wear your period wrappers, dressing gowns, smoking jackets or lounging attire for the Welcome Reception Thursday evening. Casual dress is appropriate for the rest of the time.

 

Please explain the seating at dinner.

In true Victorian fashion, we assign seating at dinner so that you may meet someone new who shares your interest in Civil War era clothing and culture.  However, we understand that some of you prefer sitting with someone you already know.  Dinner guests, of course, are seated with their partners.  Please indicate your seating preference on the registration form.  Tables are set for groups of eight.

 

I’d like to sign up for Program A, but I’d also like to attend one of the presentations in Program B.  Can I cross-over for that session?

Yes, if (and it’s a big “if”!) space permits.  Seating is limited for Program B, and preference is given to those who registered for that program.  Once all available space including standing room is filled the doors will be closed. 

 

Can I sign up for specific programs, i.e. two sessions in Program A and two sessions in Program B?

No.  Limited space and logistics prevent us from accommodating such requests.

 

Can we come to the ball if we’re not participating in the Conference?

Admission to the ball is limited to Conference participants and their guests until February 10. If space permits, non-conference participants may purchase tickets at that time. Please contact us to be placed on a wait-list. 

 

Does the notebook include the handouts for all of the presentations?

No, the notebook only includes the handouts for the joint sessions and the program for which you are registered.  However, you may order a set of handouts for the other program for an additional fee.  Please indicate your wishes on the Registration Form.

 

How far is it from the hotel to the Conference Center?

The hotel and Conference Center are in connecting buildings.  No long walks, no driving. 

 

Does the hotel have a restaurant or coffee shop?

The hotel has a full-service restaurant - “The Bridges” - open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  There are also several restaurants and fast-food options within walking distance or a short drive. 

 

This is going to be our vacation.  Can we arrive at the hotel a few days early, or stay over a few days?

Yes!  And the hotel will honor the conference rate for your entire stay.  You must state you are with the Ladies and Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference when registering to receive the conference rate for your entire stay.

 

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

A $15.00 handling fee will be charged on all cancellations.  Full refunds for cancellations made on or before January 25, 2010.  50% refunds for cancellations made on or before February 6, 2010.  No refunds after February 6, 2010; however substitutions will be allowed, or the amount may be applied toward registration for the 2011 Conference.

 

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Posted September 1, 2010