Course Description
Issues concerning preservation, accession/deaccession, databases, and display of historic clothing and textiles in museums and galleries. Introduction to collection management, exhibitions, educational use, funding, and publicity. The class will also participate in projects specific to the Historic Clothing and Textiles collection that is housed in the Special Collections Library.
Athena Title
Museum Clothing and Textiles
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Analyze, evaluate, and cite published research in the field of museum studies (in relation to historic clothing), new museology (in relation to historic clothing), and fashion or dress exhibitions and collections management. Conduct research including the Historic Clothing and Textiles collection that is housed in the Special Collections Library using appropriate conceptual or historic frameworks (referring to this research in assignments). 1. Perform proper textile preservation, conservation, and storage 2. Execute basic techniques in design and preparation for historic clothing and flat textiles exhibits 3. Discuss the multifaceted and interdisciplinary environment of museums/galleries in the twenty-first century 4. Analyze current budget issues, including fundraising, grants, and sponsors 5. Define concepts and vocabulary of museums and galleries 6. Understand museum and collections occupations, professional societies, and management personnel systems 7. Practice registration and cataloging practices with donor information and databasing 8. Explore procedures for item acquisitioning, work with donors, and deaccessioning 9. Research key exhibitions, archives, and museum professionals 10. Perform projects for the Historic Clothing and Textiles collection
Topical Outline
1. Textile preservation, conservation, and storage 2. Basic techniques in design and preparation for historic clothing and flat textiles exhibits 3. Interdisciplinary environment of museums/galleries in the twenty-first century 4. Budget issues, including fundraising, grants, and sponsors 5. Concepts and vocabulary of museums and galleries 6. Museum and collections occupations, professional societies, and management personnel systems 7. Registration and cataloging practices with donor information and databasing 8. Procedures for item acquisition, work with donors, and deaccessioning