The Cranston Historical Society invites you to their Annual Victorian Tea & Talk: “Head to Toe: Hat and Shoe Fashions1750 to Present” — A Presentation by Laura Johnson, PhD, Historic New England Collection.

Join Historic New England Curator, Laura Johnson, PhD, for a fascinating talk showcasing hats and shoes worn in New England, 1750 to the present. Ms. Johnson indicates that hats and shoes were the most luxurious and decorative aspects of dress for women and men. She will share stories about social status and personal style of early shoes, bonnets, wedding headpieces, designer hats including pillbox, silk top hats and men’s boots, to contemporary headwear and even gold stiletto heels!  Head to Toe explores the creation of these ‘fashion’ accessories and their effect on New England’s economy, workforce, and environment and how fashion influences our self-image.  Maybe you still have your favorite shoes or hat from by gone days you can wear to the tea!

Pianist, Andrew Kaplan of West Warwick, will greet guests playing musical selections on the Mansion’s 1880s Steinway Grand piano.

The Cranston Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational and historic preservation organization which includes the Governor Sprague Mansion Museum and colonial Joy Homestead. Visit: www.cranstonhistoricalsociety.org /www.facebook.com/cranstonhistoricalsociety