During 2021, the Western Heritage Center’s (WHC) intern textile project documented, evaluated, and photographed clothing in the WHC museum collection. The collection, totaling nearly 500 individual pieces, includes wedding gowns, military uniforms, party dresses, athletic uniforms, western apparel, and more. Highlights from the collection will be featured in the Spring 2022 exhibition, Cocktail Hour: Highlights from the WHC Clothing Collection.

The WHC textile collection offers a unique, but accessible glimpse into the past. Stories of work, play, fashion, socio-economic class, religious faith, and even politics are woven into each dress, jacket, and shirt. Examples of women’s underclothes illustrate the march to women’s liberation. Wear patterns on men’s denim pants show the effects and efforts of agricultural work. Length and material of children’s outfits document the cultural stages of aging and maturity. By preserving these pieces, the WHC can preserve these stories and share them with our community through relevant, engaging exhibitions.

The cocktail hour will be open at the Western Heritage Center from March 1st, 2022 to October 1st, 2022.