Now How Does This Petticoat Go?

Those of us who volunteer at A Day In Old New Castle every year not only have a chance to help the charities and historical groups that organize the day, but we get to see locals and visitors in Colonial and Victorian garb. (At left, a friend in red gown greets visitors on The Strand)

So if you ever wondered what goes into dressing in period costume, you now have a chance to see the secrets in "Underneath It All--Undressing the Colonial and Victorian Woman." This program will be presented by the Delaware Historical Society on Thursday, November 17 at 6:30 pm at the Delaware History Museum at 504 N. Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware.

Another friend of mine, Betsy Martino, (who has a business supplying Colonial costumes) with the help of a "colonial servant," will demonstrate changing from a day dress to "underpinnings" to a ball gown. In the second half of the program, Thomas Tear will present a fashion show with models coming on stage in said underpinnings and add pieces of clothing, sort of a reverse "strip tease."

There will be an admission charge, details at http://www.hsd.org/Programs/Underneath_it_all/Underneath%20it%20All_2011.htm

RSVP by November 15 to deinfo@dehistory.