Museum gallery walk will focus on fashion

San Bernardino County Museum Curator of History Michele Nielsen will lead an informative and fun gallery walk in the museum’s latest exhibit, “The Fabrics of Our Past,” on Friday, May 25, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Crossroads in History Gallery. The presentation, “Clothing of our Past: what we can learn from costumes,” is open to the public and is included with paid museum admission. Visitors will also receive a hand-out of tips and ideas for preserving their own clothing treasures based on artifact care techniques at use in museums.

“Today, the clothing and accessories we wear are an important part of our everyday life, influenced by everything from pop culture icons, to “green” trends. The Fabrics of Our Past gives us a chance to examine clothing and textile artifacts to learn more about the lives of the people who wore them and the world in which they lived,” said Nielsen. “Sometimes, subtle details allow us to think about their lives and circumstances in terms we can relate to—our own clothing and accessories.”

Find out how today’s “upcycling” and recycling of clothing is actually an old tradition. Why were children in the 1850s often dressed like their mothers? Bring along your own handbag or knapsack and compare your tote and its contents to those of the past to see how things were different, and how some things are the same.”

“We’ll also talk about how you can take care of your own quilts, uniforms, and beloved clothing items at home. Get ready to throw out your moth balls, cedar boards, bubble wrap, and dry cleaning bags! Surprisingly, they do more harm than good, as we will find out,” said Nielsen. “It is easier than you think to take good care of your clothing artifacts, and you don’t have to smell those moth balls.”

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. General admission is $8 (adult), $6 (military or senior), $5 (student), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sb countymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.