Workshops

The Perfect Hand-Sewn Buttonholes: Made easy!

$20
~Sara Gonzalez

Do you struggle with hand sewn buttonholes? Do you try with all your might, but they just don’t look good? Sara will unveil the secrets to hand-sewn buttonholes on a myriad of different fabric types and garment projects. Learn what you need to know to make the perfect hand sewn buttonholes in this crash course workshop! Hand-sewn buttonholes will help you “step up” your 18th AND 19th century garments!

Utilizing Technology

for Living History
***Free***
~Kristen Mrozek

The internet is an amazing tool that has so many uses for a museum or living history organization; posts on Facebook can advertise events, blog posts provide visual elements of history, while Youtube videos can truly bring an activity to life to anyone with a connection. Using technology impacts the way a group can communicate and effectively reach a larger audience. The workshop lead by Kristen Mrozek will offer guidance for using these resources to better serve your organization. Attendees will have the opportunity to review their or their/group's online profile and provide tips for reaching a wider audience. A laptop/tablet will be helpful to actively participate in this workshop.

Youth Discussion
***Free***
~Kristen Mrozek

Hey Young People! This is for you! We will return to the thoughtful discussion of youth in living history, and how we can attract even more young people. During this workshop, young people will communicate their perspective of living history while interested adults may quietly observe and take notes. In addition, young people will be asked to participate in a group project that visually represents their thoughts. As always, they will receive a book in the area of their interest to promote their future research.

Victorian Hair Flower 1

$35

~Lucy Cadwallader

Each participant will be shown how to construct their own hair flower using the "gimp" technique. Supplies will be available to complete a flower. If you elect to bring your own swatch of hair, it must be at least 10 inches in length and the diameter of a pencil-place in a zip lock bag. You may opt to make your hair flower into a boutonniere, displayed in a glass paper weight/shadow box or encased in a pendant. Please contact Lucy if you wish to purchase paper weight/shadow box or pendant, supplies are limited.

1860’s Fabrics 101:

Training the period eye
$5
~Sara Gonzalez

Have you ever wondered how to know if a fabric is period correct? Is it possible to go to a fabric store and just know if that cotton print is appropriate for the Civil War years or to throw it out the window with the rest? How do you determine these questions if it doesn’t say “reproduction?” What type of fabrics did they actually have and use frequently in the 1860’s? Get the answer to these questions and more in this brief lecture class by fabric enthusiast Sara Gonzalez, all while you pour over images of original textiles and discover their uses!

This class is FREE to everyone to took this class in 2019. It has been updated with LOADS more information!

Wolcott House Tour

~Museum Docent

Curious about the beautiful Wolcott House where we hold the workshops? The six buildings on site date to the 19th century, and contain significant importance when learning about the past. A museum docent will review the history about the people who lived in and used the spaces. This is a walking tour, so be prepared to go up and down stairs.

Up Close and Personal Clothing
***Free***
~Glenna Jo Christen

Join Glenna Jo Christen for an in depth, interactive experience with the items on
display in our museum display in the Farmhouse. Go beyond static displays and photos and feel for yourself the difference
between period cotton and wool fabric, look inside garments and accessories to
see up close the hidden features and details and learn which are unique or
typical for the era. Learn the context for who would wear or use different items
and for what purpose. Take measurements of garments of specific interest to
you. Feel free to bring your cameras, pencils and paper (no pens please).

Note: Please come with freshly washed hands to avoid transferring natural oils to
the originals.

Victorian Hair Flower

& Wreath Construction 2

$40

~Lucy Cadwallader

For those of you who have taken the beginner hair flower workshop-and feel comfortable weaving the gimp pattern-Lucy is offering an in depth class where a variety of hair flower techniques will be introduced....we will focus on the actual construction of a wreath.

There will be Victorian wreaths on display for your viewing and also reproduction pieces to inspire your creativity!

19th Century Ladies' Drawers

$95
~Sara Gonzalez

Drawers are a necessary 19th century underpinning! In this workshop, we will be taking measurements and cutting out a set of period accurate 19th century drawers in your size, then work through construction. All instructions will be given to take home, in case you do not finish your drawers in class. An overview on extant drawers and recommendations on trimming them will also be shown.

Sunday, March 29

Saturday, March 28

Bonnet Veils
$15+

Nylon Net Kit $29.95

Cotton Net Kit $65

~Kim Lynch

Have you noticed these lovely nets attached to bonnets? Bonnet veils were generally black lace in the shape of an orange wedge, worn with the straight edge draped over the front edge of the bonnet brim to hang evenly just below the wearer's chin. Veils served multiple functions depending on the situation; screening from the sun's glare and small flying insects an implied request for privacy when out on city streets or traveling on public transportation.

In this workshop you will make a veil from a kit. Both nylon and cotton net kits

are available.

Circus Paper Toy Theatre

$30

~Kay Dodge

This workshop will teach participants about the popularity of paper toy theaters from 1830 until the 1870’s. We look at some beautiful images of antique theaters and discuss the various types that were available in the 1860’s. Participants will then construct their own reproduction paper toy theatre. All supplies will be included in the workshop fee to include circus toy theatre, adhesives, scissors, character wands, and any other supplies necessary to complete the project.

Decorated Hairnets
$38
~Betsy Connolly Watkins

As demonstrated in countless original images, hairnets (both decorated and undecorated) were one of the most popular accessories for women of all ages in the mid-19th century. These functional bits of frippery kept the hair neat and tidy while also accessorizing the ensemble.

In this workshop, we will discuss hairnets and look at different examples of hairnets. Participants will have the chance to try their hand at creating a decorated hairnet using ribbons, beads, and tassels. Basic hand sewing skills are necessary to complete this workshop.

1860s Gymnastics
$5
~Amanda Fross

Gymnastics was a new phenomenon in the 1860’s. Explore the history and fashion of this new form of exercise. At the end of the lecture, participants will receive instructions to try out different gymnastics exercises of the era.

The 18th Century Shift
$95
~Sara Gonzalez

We will be taking measurements and cutting out a period accurate 18th century shift in your size, then work through construction! All instructions will be given to take home, in case you do not finish your beautiful shift in class. An overview on extant shifts will also be shown.

Required materials:
• Fabric scissors, ruler, measuring tape, sewing machine, pins, hand sewing needle, thimble, and white/off white cotton sewing thread. Notebook and pen for notes.

What is provided:
• Linen yardage for your shift, Pattern/drafting instructions, & instruction on construction.

Toxicity in Reenacting

~Amanda Fross

~Megan Reisener

Almost everyone has experienced toxicity within the living history community, especially with the rise of social media. This may have you asking if there is anything we can do to stop the cycle. This session will be separated in three parts. First, we will identify what specifically is toxic behavior within the community, second, we will brainstorm how we can positively combat these negative behaviors, and third, we will end the session with a round table discussion on specific experiences.

A Workshop

@ the Soiree

***Free***

~Self Lead

Looking for an excuse to practice first person? The Wolcott House is the perfect opportunity! A special room in the house will be set aside for participants wishing to engage in polite conversation and experience authentic surroundings.

Participants will be given information in advance to help prepare for a possible role. Games and other interactive items will be available on site.

Have a question? Email

citizensforumofthe1860s@gmail.com

and we will respond within 24 hours.

Workshops

ThE ciTIZEN'S foRUM OF THE 1860S

Friday, March 27

Click Here for PDF Version of Conference Information

The Spirits of Wolcott House

$5
~Museum Curator

There are many who have walked the halls of the Wolcott House and claimed that the past residents remain. They say that these everyday objects and spaces of the past swirl with energy. Join us as the museum curator guides a tour through the house at night, reliving these stories and legends.

Every old house has a little history...but this historic site has a ton!

Victorian Hair Table Weaving

$125+

~Lucy Cadwallader

Each participant will be shown how to construct their own piece of 19th century hair jewelry using historical techniques. Students will be provided with all of the necessary tools to complete a tablework piece of hair jewelry, such as a necklace, bracelet, or watch fob.

Make Your Own

Hardback Blank Book
$20
~Bob Sullivan

In this workshop you will be taught elements of book-binding and will make your own blank book.

You will learn proper sewing techniques for binding a stack of paper as a book, how to create a cover, attaching endpapers, and finalizing the book. The workshop includes a kit with all the materials necessary to make 1 blank book with 50 sheets of blank paper covered in marble paper and half-bound in cloth. Book covers made in this way can also be used as covers for phones, tablets, and other modern devices that

find their way into camp.

Up Close and Personal Clothing
***Free***
~Glenna Jo Christen

Join Glenna Jo Christen for an in depth, interactive experience with the items on
display in our museum display in the Farmhouse. Go beyond static displays and photos and feel for yourself the difference between period cotton and wool fabric, look inside garments and accessories to see up close the hidden features and details and learn which are unique or
typical for the era. Learn the context for who would wear or use different items
and for what purpose. Take measurements of garments of specific interest to
you. Feel free to bring your cameras, pencils and paper (no pens please).

Note: Please come with freshly washed hands to avoid transferring natural oils to
the originals.

Up Close and Personal Clothing
***Free***
~Glenna Jo Christen

"It Was a Dark and Stormy Night… Popular Reading

of the Mid 19th Century

***Free***

~Glenna Jo Christen

A brief overview of popular literature of the era and the roles reading played in society, including who was reading what kinds of materials. This will be followed by a discussion of the value (and pitfalls) of reading what people of your chosen era were reading, for persona development and a unique and important source for learning about the social and material culture of the era.

Examples of original books will be available to learn what to look for in used book stores and antique stores to find books of your own to read.Participants will receive lists of the best and better sellers of the era for future reference. The lists include notations of books

that are still in print.

Men’s Basic 3 Button Shirt Workshop

Intermediate to Advance Sewers Only
$45
~Sandra Root

Learn to make a men's basic, 3 button shirt! This workshop will include an overview of men's shirts from 1850-1860's. An essential item in every man's wardrobe. You will learn to make a pattern and cut out the shirt using measurements, as well as insert arm gussets and neck plackets. There will also be instruction on proper buttons and button holes.

Full written instructions for completing the shirt are included. Students may not have time to completely finish the shirt, but will have a full understanding on how to finish the construction.

***Needed for Class***
Sewing machine, sewing accessories