The Newport Historical Society and the Rhode Island Historical Society have teamed up to offer professional development programs geared towards public history practitioners. These educators include but are not limited to: reenactors, living history enthusiasts, museum professionals, tour guides, docents, community historians, historical costumers, and those interested in creating garments based on historical techniques, as well as teachers and writers.
Entitled History Space, the workshops are designed to assist those with a curiosity in early American material culture who wish to learn more about Rhode Island’s unique place in the 18th and early 19th centuries and to cultivate anyone who wishes to participate in the organizations’ living history pursuits, specifically the August Stamp Act Protest reenactment in Newport and the Providence-based What Cheer Day in October. To view a PDF flyer of the following schedule, click here.
February 21 and 22, 2015 from 9:30am-4pm
To Turn a Good Leg: Men’s Breeches Workshop
Rhode Island Historical Society Library, 121 Hope Street, Providence, RI
$115 per person; Kit costs Linen $80, Wool $110, Cost for instructor to cut breeches kit from your cloth: $40; Pattern only: $15.
To register, click here.
During the 18th Century, breeches were the principal form of fashionable men’s trousers. Henry Cooke, principal of Historical Costume Services, will lead participants through the construction of a pair of breeches, either from a kit supplied by him, or from cloth supplied by participant. The different types of stitches, details of construction and fitting will be covered, as well as finishing techniques. While you may not finish a pair of breeches in this weekend class, if you have good to moderate sewing skills, you will come close. Breeches kits are available in a variety of Kochan and Phillips woolens, along with linen osnaburg, and brown or indigo blue dyed linen. Space is limited to twelve students.
Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 5:30: Living in a (Colonial) Material World
Newport Historical Society’s Colony House
Washington Square, Newport, RI
Free, click here to register
The material culture surrounding life in the 18th and early 19th centuries is a central source for learning about how people lived before the age of catchy pop songs, smart phones and even sewing machines. This talk introduces participants to the world of material culture and offers a foundation for creating a living history persona. Learn what research resources are available and how to read extant objects to help build a foundation for developing an accurate reenacting impression. Attendees will view and discuss extant objects, such as an embroidered pocket from the RIHS collection and caps from a private collection, and will leave with an outline of research resources to begin creating their own personal colonial world.
Thursday, April 9, 2015, 5:30pm-7:30pm: Market Wallet Workshop
Newport Historical Society’s Colony House
Washington Square, Newport, RI
$22 class fee includes a precut fabric kit and thread
To register, click here.
An all-purpose and unisex carrying item for those portraying a civilian or militia impression, a market wallet is a rectangular bag with an opening in the center. Whether you’re a novice or experienced sewer, this evening class teaches participants how to sew an 18th century wallet from a precut linen kit. The class includes an introduction to basic hand sewing stitches; participants will leave with a partially completed wallet and the skills needed to complete the project. Space is limited to ten participants; registration required. Previous sewing experience is helpful, but not necessary.
Saturday, May 2, 2015, 9:30am-Noon: Apron Workshop
Rhode Island Historical Society Library
121 Hope Street, Providence, RI
$30 class fee includes a precut fabric kit and thread
Click here to register.
In the 18th century, ladies of all levels in society wore an apron every day. This morning class teaches the skills needed to hand sew a linen apron appropriate for a working woman. The class offers an introduction to hand sewing stitches; participants will leave with a partially completed apron and the skills needed to complete the project. Registration required by April 29th. No experience necessary.
May 2, 2015, 1pm-3pm: Sewing Session
Rhode Island Historical Society Library
121 Hope Street, Providence, RI
Free, click here to register.
Stuck on a historical sewing project? Need help fitting a garment? Join the Rhode Island Historical Society and the Newport Historical Society’s experienced staff members during this free session for help with your historical sewing project.
May 2 & May 3, 2015, 9:30am-4pm
Fashionable Accessory, Practical Necessity: The Waistcoat
Rhode Island Historical Society Library
121 Hope Street, Providence, RI
$115 class fee
Kit costs: pattern only $15; pattern with kit cut from participant cloth $30; complete kit cut from Kochan and Phillips Wool $120; or Linen $75.
Click here to register.
During the second half of the 18th century, the man’s waistcoat underwent dramatic change. Starting as a long skirted relatively straight cut garment in the 1750s and early 1760s, it evolved into a garment with short angled skirts, and by the 1780s began to dispense with skirts altogether and begin to take on the appearance of the vest of today’s suits. Participants in the workshop will have the opportunity to make one of these three styles. During this two day class, learn 18th century construction techniques under the guidance of expert tailor Henry Cooke. There is also an option to add sleeves to the waistcoat and create a frock coat.
May 16, 2015, 9:30am-2:30pm: Petticoat Workshop
Rhode Island Historical Society Library
121 Hope Street, Providence, RI
$55 registration fee includes a petticoat kit and thread, click here to register.
Does your 18th century petticoat have a drawstring? Are you confused by sewing directions that instruct you to flat fell a seam? Learn how to hand sew a period-correct 18th century petticoat from experienced staff members at the Rhode Island and Newport Historical Societies. This class includes an introduction to the stitches needed to construct this basic garment. Participants will leave with a partially completed petticoat and the knowledge needed to finish the project. Registration required by May 11th. No experience necessary.
