An outstanding nineteenth century clothing exhibit will be visiting Belmont Mansion from September 9-12. The PNJW collection is thought to be the largest private collection of Civil War-era civilian clothing on display in the U.S.
This unique exhibit, of over 300 items, is normally seen only in state and national parks; however, it is making an appearance in Nashville for one weekend only, at the Belmont Mansion.
This unique exhibit, of over 300 items, is normally seen only in state and national parks; however, it is making an appearance in Nashville for one weekend only, at the Belmont Mansion.
In addition, clothing accessories such as jewelry, parasols, shawls, shoes, boots and a collection of early photographs, including daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, carte-de-vistes, and tintypes will be on display. Serious researchers are also welcome to closely examine the artifacts and photography for personal use is welcomed.
Collection owners Phillip and Janine Whiteman, of Atlanta, have been researching and exhibiting their collection for several years. They are members of the Costume Society of America. In 2001 they were named Volunteers of the Year at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Mark Brown, the Executive Director of the Belmont Mansion states, “This is the most comprehensive and outstanding collection of clothing from the mid-1800s that I have ever seen. I am thrilled that they have agreed to exhibit at Belmont! It is such a rare opportunity to examine such a wide variety of clothing close up.”
The Belmont Mansion has long been a fixture in Nashville history. Built by Joseph and Adelicia Acklen in 1853, Belmont Mansion is considered to be the most elaborate domestic interior built in antebellum Tennessee, and is today the largest house museum in Tennessee. Adelicia Acklen was one of the wealthiest women in America, and Belmont Mansion is one of the nineteenth century homes where the story revolves around a woman.
The PNJW clothing exhibit will run from September 9th to 12th. Touring Hours are from 10am to 4pm. Admission for the clothing exhibit is $5 for adults. All students are free with a college ID. The exhibit is included in the $10 regular adult admission for those persons wishing to take a normal house tour. For more information, please visit the Belmont Mansion website or call 615-460-5459.
Tammy here again: Here are some of my own pics I snapped today...and remember, these are all period dresses. Not reproductions.
Beautiful display of gowns with cards describing the type of dress and its defining characteristics.
Beautiful Wedding Gown (of course, I'd need three of them in order to wrap around my waist! Sheesh...)
The clothing display is set up in the Grand Salon of the Belmont Mansion. Lovely!
Me and my dear friend (and college roommate) Polly Alexander (no relation, we both just happened to marry "Alexanders".
I'll post more pics this week. But truly, if you're in the Nashville area, do try to go if you can. You won't be disappointed! And plan on a tour of the Belmont mansion too. Tell them Tammy sent you. Belmont is a beautiful antebellum mansion, and...the setting of my next three books!
