Exhibits
Opening May 11, 2024
How did local women in the small Vermont town of Middlebury dress themselves and how did they deal with their burgeoning aspirations to keep up with the fashionable trends trickling in from the larger world? From Homespun to Couture offers a window onto the sartorial tastes of local women and the growing Middlebury tailoring scene from the 1800s to the early 20th century. Historic photographs, fashion publications, business advertisements and merchants’ ledgers, dresses, bonnets, shoes, and fashion accessories from the Museum’s archival and object collections on display reveal what Middlebury women made, wore, and purchased in the town’s early days.
Jerry DeGraff, a native Vermonter from Essex Junction, served four years in the Navy before working many years in local building trades. As he honed his skills as a craftsman, a Christmas gift in 1994 gave him the motivation to try his skills at another trade - constructing model boats from scratch. Model Boats: The Craftsmanship of Jerry DeGraff features DeGraff’s fine skills and attention to detail.
Patent Pending: Ingenuity and Innovation in Vermont features many patents, ideas, and inspirational “firsts” that have come out of Vermont - the sheer number may surprise you! While patents abound for everyday objects - including the clothespin, a fishing spoon lure, and even the sports bra - others include globally significant innovations like the first electric motor and our modern Global Positions System (GPS). There is no limit to who or what may be the next great innovator or innovation to come from Vermont. Maybe it will be you!
Thanks to our 2024 Exhibit Sponsor
