Angel Day

We had the opportunity to be an "angel" for a day, as a working volunteer at the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum.

It started with viewing their current exhibit, "Nineteenth-Century Costume Treasures" and we were allowed to take photos!

Here's just a small sample of my favorites:
A complete catalog of the exhibit is available for pre-orders, I've ordered mine.

Then it was time to get down to work, cataloging new items for the collection.

We attached both cloth and paper labels:

Photographed items:

Each item was completely described in a computerized database, including measurements, textile content, colors, damage and any other outstanding features and the photos were uploaded for each item.

Then they were sorted into items ready for storage and those needing conservation. Those items that were ready, were carefully packaged and labeled for storage - awaiting their opportunity for further study or exhibition.


It made for a very enjoyable day, plenty of vintage clothing to examine, a chance to learn how a museum catalogs and prepares items for inclusion in their collection and time spent with others who treasure the textiles of the past.