The newest exhibit hosted by the Belton Area Museum Association will open with a special program on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 2 – 5 PM at the Historic Belton Train Depot.
BAMA fashion flashback is an exhibit that showcases fashion and the way it has changed over the last 150 years. Featured in the exhibit are historic fashion advertising pieces, historic costumes from the 19th Century, vintage men’s and women’s clothing from the 20th Century, evening wear and accessories, and even an Antebellum mourning dress. Hats, shoes, jewelry, undergarments, and children’s clothing are also included in the exhibit. All pieces are either on loan from community members or part of the permanent collection of the Ruth Drake Museum.
Light refreshments will be served while patrons view the collection on display. Beginning at 3 PM, a program will be held which introduces a newcomer to our community. Beverly Todd, who has designed historically accurate fashions for stage and screen productions , will present some of her collection of fashions from the 20th Century and talk about their importance to the changing roles of men and women.
A short film special from a popular PBS series will be shown. It discusses how WWI affected women’s perceptions of themselves and the clothing that they wore.
Another highlight of the opening is a showcase of Victorian clothing presented by Pendleton Historic Foundation volunteers Chelsea Clarey and Meagan MacAlystre.
“We will be discussing Victorian clothing myths that have developed over the years, such as killer corsets, sinful ankles, and mandatory hats,” said Clarey.
To increase the enjoyment of the opening celebration, anyone attending is encouraged to come dressed in vintage or antique clothing or reproductions.
Sponsored by Anderson County ATAX and City of Belton HTAX, the event is free to the public.
For more information, please contact Shirah Marshall Smith, BAMA Director, at 864-338-7400 or 864-353-3708.
This child’s silk frock was worn by Retta Breazeale (Mattison) as a child in the late 19th Century. It will be on display in addition to many other fashion items of interest during BAMA’s newest exhibit “Fashion Flashback.”
