Fashion is a powerful tool used to signal wealth and status. But who were the dressmakers skillfully creating the garments for privileged Newporters? This Thursday, Theresa Guzmán Stokes, …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continue |
Register to post eventsIf you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here. Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content. |
Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.
Fashion is a powerful tool used to signal wealth and status. But who were the dressmakers skillfully creating the garments for privileged Newporters? This Thursday, Theresa Guzmán Stokes, President of 1696 Heritage Group and Executive Director of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, will present the life and history of dressmaker Mary Dickerson (1830-1914). Dickerson owned a “Fashionable Dressmaking Establishment” located off Bellevue Avenue and created dresses for the prominent people of Newport during the Gilded Age. She also established the first federation of African American Women’s Clubs in Rhode Island.
Elaine Nichols, Supervisory Curator of Culture at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, will join to discuss the life and work of Ann Lowe (1898-1981), one of America’s most significant designers. Lowe created the bridal gown and bridal party dresses for the Newport wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy in 1953, although she was not credited for her work at the time. Ms. Nichols and Ms. Stokes will discuss the prejudices that Dickerson and Lowe faced and why it is important to remember their valuable contributions to fashion and history.
Join the Preservation Society of Newport County this Thursday, Feb 9th at Marble House, or join virtually, as their Gilded Age lecture series continues!
WHEN: Thurs, Feb 9th at 6pm
WHERE: Marble House, 596 Bellevue Ave Newport, RI 02840 / Zoom
MORE INFO: Registration is required and can be done on their website. Click here. $20 per in-person non-member ticket - $15 per in-person member ticket - $10 per Zoom ticket