Virtual Lecture Series Module 3: Introduction to 19th-Century Western Fashion (1850-1879)

Join us for our 2025 Virtual Lecture Series: Introduction to 19th-Century Western Fashion, led by curator Brandon Brooks!

This curator-led series offers beginner students an introductory overview of 19th-century Western fashions for men, women, and children. Each 2-hour module covers roughly 4 decades, beginning in the 1790s and ending just before WWI. Graduates of this complete course will be able to visually identify specific 19th-century fashion eras with their associated silhouettes. This course will educate students on 19th-century garment terminology, the structures and components of clothing, social traditions of dress, and the mechanics behind how 19th-century fashion and garments were created.

Module 3 explores the industrial developments that significantly altered the appearance of women’s clothing, while men’s clothing continued its trend toward uniformity. War and conflict created a context for standardizing clothing sizes. The first bustle era began, and menswear became sleeker.

Register for all four sessions, or pick and choose your area of interest!
Module 1: 1790-1819 – Wednesday, June 11, 5p.m. – 7 p.m.
Module 2: 1820–1849 – Wednesday, July 9, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Module 3: 1850-1879 – Wednesday, August 13, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m..
Module 4: 1880–1909 – Wednesday, September 17, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

General access to one lecture: $45
Museum Member access to one lecture: $35
General access to all four lectures: $110
Museum Member access to all four lectures: $90