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Description
“Clothing is a tangible and relatable window into the past, and a great way to connect us with history,” says seamstress and historical researcher Emily Stringham, a purveyor of authentic and exquisitely crafted period clothing to museums and living-history sites around the globe. Stringham will bring some of her finest work to the Pardee-Morris House during, “Mantua-Maker and Milliner: An Exploration of Women’s Trades in the 18th Century,” on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. For weather updates check our Facebook/Instagram pages or visit https://www.newhavenmuseum.org.
Stringham, who is also is the owner of the renowned shop, “At the Sign of the Golden Scissors,” will guide visitors on an exploration of 18th-century gown making and millinery, two of the most common female-dominated trades of the period. She will discuss how women’s clothing, specifically gowns and mantuas and their accessories, were created and worn by women in the New England area during the American Revolution. Hand-stitched examples of gowns, caps and other fashionable accessories from her shop will be available to view in person.
Noting her life-long love of history and historical clothing, Stringham adds that her mother taught her how to sew, and as a teenager she began collecting vintage and antique clothing. “When I entered the world of living history, I really became interested in learning how to make items using historical techniques. I continue to enjoy studying and collecting antique and vintage textiles to learn from and to use as inspiration for my work.” She adds, ”The wonderful thing about studying historical clothing is that there is always something new to learn.”
About Emily Stringham
Stringham is a skilled seamstress and accomplished historical researcher with years of experience in the living-history community. She has a background in independent museum and textile studies, including many years working as an interpreter and research assistant for a small living-history museum. She holds a B.A. in history and is a member of the Costume Society of America. In addition to sewing patterns, kits, and ready-made and custom-made items, her Golden Scissors shop also provides a selection of workshops and special programs and demonstrations for museums and living-history sites.
New Haven Museum thanks community partner WSHU 91.1 FM for supporting the 2026 summer season.
About NH250
This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement “America 250” and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.
About the Pardee-Morris House
Located at 325 Lighthouse Road, in New Haven, the Pardee-Morris House dates from about 1780, and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Built by Amos Morris around 1750, the house was burned by the British during their raid on New Haven in 1779 and rebuilt and expanded by the Morris family. In 1918, William S. Pardee, a descendant of the Morris family, willed the property to the New Haven Colony Historical Society, today the New Haven Museum. For a complete list of summer events at the Pardee-Morris House, visit: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/pardee-morris-house/ For New Haven Museum’s event calendar: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/events-calendar/ Sign up for e-blasts at info@newhavenmuseum.org.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum, founded in 1862 as the New Haven Colony Historical Society, is located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue. The Museum collects, preserves and interprets the history and heritage of Greater New Haven and through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach brings more than 375 years of the Elm City’s history to life. For more information visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @newhavenmuseum or call 203-562-4183.
Date & Time
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Venue Details
Pardee-Morris House
325 Lighthouse RoadNew Haven, Connecticut 06510
