Descriptive Entry

This accession consists of the records of curators Claudia Brush Kidwell and Anne Wood Murray documenting exhibition planning, development, and production in the Division of Costume, and when that Division was known as the Division of Costume and Furnishings and the Section of American Costume which, prior to 1969, was within the Division of Political History at the Museum of History and Technology. Also consists of a small amount of records that date back to when various divisions and departments in the United States National Museum were responsible for the costume collection. Other staff members represented in these records include domestic life curator Barbara Clark Smith, and museum specialists Shelly Foote and Carol Kregloh. The records primarily document the exhibitions "Suiting Everyone," "Men and Women: A History of Costume, Gender, and Power," and "Getting Dressed: Fashionable Appearance, 1750-1800"--the Costume Study Gallery section for the exhibit "After the Revolution: Everyday Life in America." In addition there are records pertaining to the creation of the Hall of American Costume, as well as smaller exhibitions. Materials include correspondence, memoranda, and notes; proposals; schedules; meeting minutes; budget summaries; floor plans and drawings; scripts; installation photographs and slides; object lists; reports; advisory committee information; news releases, press clippings, and reviews; visitor comments; catalogs and brochures; fund raising information; audiotape recording of Kidwell interview; and supporting documentation.