In this lecture, Geneva Historical Society staff member Alice Askins will explore the meaning of fashion during this tumultuous period in American history. While there were fashion leaders in the 1860s, most people wanted to avoid being “disagreeably conspicuous.” Men and women wanted to look comme il faut – French for “as it should be.” Ms. Askins will introduce the audience to some of the complicated factors that shape clothing choices, with a look at how they influenced the way Americans dressed during the Civil War years.

Alice Askins has been the Site Manager for the Geneva Historical Society’s Rose Hill Mansion since February of this year. Prior to coming to the Society, Ms. Askins did graduate research on social and costume history at the University of Rochester and previously worked at the Rochester Museum & Science Center and the Oswego Historical Society. She has also consulted on clothing for the Wayne County Historical Society and the Broome County Historical Society.

The program begins at 7:30 at the Geneva Historical Society at 543 South Main Street, Geneva. Parking is on the street or in the Trinity Episcopal Church lot across the street. Call the Society at 315-789-5151 for more information.