Every piece tells a story...

Our extensive textile collection is the 2nd largest in the Midwest and features:

• Items as far back as 1740
• Dresses from 1790-1970
• Commercial items from the 1800’s
• Women’s Outerwear and Underwear
• Men’s Clothing
• International Clothing
• Uniforms
• Coverlets
• Quilts
• Table and Bed Linen
• Accessories for both Women and Men​
• Handmade items from Lace to Fans
• Hats
• Shoes

Featured Textile Item

Coverlet (1846) | Rachel Lincoln Drake

Assistant Director and Textile Curator, Jeanne Doan shows off the Drake coverlet.

This hand-stitched coverlet was made by Rachel Lincoln Drake in 1846. The piece was Drake's last, as she worked on it during her "final illness". It is made of fine muslin and employs several forms of stitching including French knots, honeycomb stitch, and sat & stitch. Drake even made her own fringe!

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