River Gods & Sturdy Yeomen: Connecticut Clothing in the Age of Revolution 1760-1790

During the years prior to the Industrial Revolution, clothing was considered as necessary protection to the wearer, a store of value, and an outward expression of socioeconomic status. Today these garments provide us with an invaluable window into the material culture of past times

Using examples of men’s clothing from the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History and other collections in the state, Henry Cooke will examine the interrelationship of fashion, commerce, politics, and technology that were responsible for creating these garments and how they help us to better understand the lives of Connecticut’s early citizens.

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s collection of men’s and women’s clothing is unique in the number, variety and quality items from the mid to late 18th century. Many of the garments are identified to their original wearers, who range from ordinary citizens to the colonial elite. Their lives would intersect and collide during the Revolutionary era, as Connecticut’s citizens struggled with the economic, social and military costs that also found their outward expression in their clothing, which was preserved as a reminder of that struggle.

This program is part of the Museum’s “Made to Last” series, which pairs items from our collection with modern day artisans who discuss change and tradition in their field of expertise.

This program is free, but spaces are limited, so please reserve your spot now.

For information on how to request specific accommodations, including ASL interpretation, please visit our Accessibility at the Museum page.