Wilderness Road Regional Museum

  • About
    • Hance-Alexander Family
    • Living History
    • Wilderness Road
  • Archives
    • Research Resources
  • Education
  • Exhibits
  • Events
  • Museum Store
  • Contributions
    • Become a Member
    • Donation Form
    • Hance Ledger Fund
    • Volunteer
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

March 17, 2015 By Museum Staff

Plain & Fancy: Fashion of the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

The purpose of this exhibit is to show museum visitors the clothing, shoes, and accessories of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Because early photographs often show very stoic black-and-white images of people, a vibrant and multidimensional view of the people’s fashion over time allow visitors, especially younger people, to associate more humanity with the colors and patterns (red paisley scarf), the trends (pannier hoops – bustles on the sides instead of on the backs of dresses), the unexpected (early 19th century brassiere that looks like a loose-fitting silk camisole, a stark difference to the tight-fitting corsets) and the gaudiness (bird-adorned hat). Some local stories are included in the exhibit – Jennie Cloyd Wysor’s beaded purse; Sarah Jackson McGavock’s wedding shoes, wedding photo, and calling card; and crudely stitched garters from niece Gertrude to aunt Gertrude from Eagle Rock, VA.

wrrm plain and fancy

Filed Under: Blog

Museum Information

5240 Wilderness Road
Dublin, Virginia 24084
(540) 674-4835

Hours of Operation
Wednesdays, 1:30-4:30 PM
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM


Tours for groups can be arranged by calling during museum hours, or by using our contact form.

All donations should be sent to:
Wilderness Road Regional Museum
PO Box 373
Newbern, VA 24126

You can also sign-up for email updates by using the form below.

Museum Updates

Sign-up to receive our email newsletter (approx. 1 per month).
* = required field

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright 2013

Wilderness Road Regional Museum is Owned and Operated by the New River Historical Society

Site Developed and Managed by Digital Pure LLC