A great new exhibit at the Mill Museum: “Blue Collar, White Collar, Pink Collar: Work Clothes in American History.” The exhibit features 23 outfits (21 on mannequins), 10 hats, and dozens of vintage photographs, most from the Museum’s collection, some borrowed from members of the community. The exhibit traces the evolution of work clothes from the Colonial Era to the 1980s. Learn about the transition from “made for somebody” to “made for anyone.” Learn why women mill workers in the 1800s and early 1900s “dressed for safety.” Learn why turn-of-the-century middle-class clothing was “not suitable for work.” Learn why, in the 1940s and 1950s, “when you went to work, you dressed like a lady.” And more! Old-time baseball uniforms. A pair of coveralls from Electric Boat daubed with gray and green submarine paint. An American Thread Company truck driver’s uniform. Partly funded by a grant from Connecticut Humanities, part of the CH Work in Connecticut initiative. Admission, $7. Seniors and students, $5. Members free. The Museum is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 to 4.
The Windham Textile & History Museum
411 Main St. Willimantic, CT
860-456-2178