SERC is proud to host Sara Rivers Cofield, for a special “after hours” event at the Woodlawn House. Rivers-Cofield will share her extensive knowledge about the everyday clothing and accessories of American men and women c 1770-1790, with emphasis on the durable hardware that survives in the archaeological record.
She will bring along some of the rarely viewed artifacts from the collections held at the Maryland Archaeological conservation laboratory, such as buttons buckles, and wearable weapons that you can look at up close and personal (No Touching Though!) She will also share some of her 18th century garments from her private costume collection.
Plan to come early and explore the extensive local history exhibition at the Woodlawn house, which is the oldest extant house in the Smithsonian’s collection!
Speaker Bio: Sara Rivers Cofield is an archaeological curator who has been collecting antique clothing since the 1990s. Since becoming the Curator of Federal Collections at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory in 2004, she has developed a niche expertise in archaeological “small finds,” especially metals such as equestrian artifacts and personal adornment hardware. The historic garments she collects as a hobby help her teach other archaeologists how to put artifacts such as buttons, buckles, parasol parts, purse frames, and crinoline wires in the context of the fashion history they represent.
