Home » Meetings » Meeting – September 27, 2016 – From Corsets to Calling Cards; Dress and Decorum in Victorian America

Meeting – September 27, 2016 – From Corsets to Calling Cards; Dress and Decorum in Victorian America

26 September 2016

What was the most popular petticoat color in the 1860s?  How does a lady sit on a chair in a hoop skirt?  Which clothing color was highly poisonous to the wearer?  Come to the opening monthly meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood on Tuesday evening September 27th to learn the answers.  Laurie MacDonnell-Gaulke, an actress/storyteller will explore the nuances of Victorian manners and changing fashions in a delightful romp through the Victorian era in America.  Laurie creates historical portrayals of real women with real stories to tell.  Using primary sources whenever possible, she strives to present each character in a historically, culturally and socially accurate manner.

Laurie has a Master’s degree in cultural anthropology; her research skills and her talent as an actress and storyteller bring historical figures to life in an entertaining and educational way.  Participation in WWI re-enacting and vintage dancing along with an avid interest in period etiquette and manners give her the knowledge to ensure that her portrayals are believable as well as entertaining.

Laurie’s credits include performances at William Paterson University, Caldwell College, Military Through the Ages in Williamsburg, Virginia; local chapters of the NJ DAR, Belvidere Victorian Days, the Morris Museum, Fosterfields Living History Farm, statewide historical societies and Women’s Clubs.  During 1996-1997 she was artist in residence at The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum in Springfield, MA.

Everyone is invited to attend this delightful meeting where you are whisked back in time to the Victorian era and participate in an “etiquette academy” run by Miss Charlotte. The meeting is free and open to everyone. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the program.

The meeting starts at 8:00PM on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. The meeting is held at the Scotch Hills Country Club located at Plainfield Avenue and Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains.

For more information about this meeting please write to us.

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