This exhibit explored how 19th-century Americans performed and navigated the changing landscape of gendered fashion. Becoming Gendered offered guests, a wide variety of historic gendered garments for men, women, and children spanning over a century. Hegemonic gendered clothing for adult men and women is compared to the development of recreational and leisurewear. Understructures for men, women and even children are exhibited as evolving tools worn to achieve gendered ideals. Becoming Gendered: Garment as Gender Artifact was on view May 2023 – November 2024.

 Exhibit sponsor: