Historic Deerfield’s “Art of the Gentleman”

On 12 Apr 2008, Historic Deerfield will host a one-day symposium on “The Art of the Gentleman: Clothing and Accessories of the Elegant Elite in 18th-Century America.”

The program will deliver a full day of lectures, presentations, and workshops, including:

• “Starting Young: Boy’s Dress Suits” – Lynn Edgar
• “Whigs in Wigs: A Mid-18th Century Wigmaker in Deerfield” – Edward Maeder
• “A Family History of Elegant Attire: The Storer Family of Boston” – Henry Cooke IV
• “From Bookseller to Library: What Colonial Gentlemen Read”
• “Genteel Accessories: Buckles & Jewelry, Swords, and Canes” – Bill Hettinger
• “The Best Stuff: Fashionable Textiles for Gentlemen” – Mark Hutter
• “Striking a Pose: Proper Posture as the Key to Sartorial Success” – Mark Hutter & Henry Cooke IV

The symposium, which costs $100, will include lunch. For an additional $65, participants can enjoy “A Genteel Assembly,” an evening of entertainment with food and music at Historic Deerfield’s Hall Tavern, from 6:00 to 9:00. Participants are encouraged to wear period attire for the entire day if they desire.

Early registration is imperative. The deadline is 8 Feb 2008. For a registration form and other information, including accommodation options, contact Julie Marcinkiewicz, Coordinator of Special Events, at (413) 775-7179.

This symposium is organized in conjunction with Historic Deerfield’s display of men’s fashions titled “Clothes Make the Man,” at the Flynt Center of Early New Life, which opens on 29 March.