Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Research Center
Cathy M Koos
Bustles, ladies’ drawers, stockings, doilies, jewelry, quilts, eyeglasses, a one-of-a-kind monkey fur jacket. What do these items all have in common? You can find an extensive collection of these and more at the Nevada State Museum’s Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Research Center, https://www.carsonnvmuseum.org/marjorie-russell-clothing-and-textile-research-center/
Located on an obscure corner of Carson City, Nevada, this branch of the Nevada State Museum holds a treasure trove collection of clothing and textiles from mid-18th century to the present.
courtesy Jan Loverin
This extensive collection also includes a fancy-dress array of Nevada First Lady inaugural gowns as well as feathery, ornate show girl costumes. Men’s, women’s, and children’s under- and outerwear and a vast assortment of flat textiles like tablecloths and shawls round out the collection.
I first visited the research center several years ago, then last year attended a lecture by Curator Jan Loverin on Victorian undergarments. With degrees in biology and home economics, Loverin began her career with the Nevada Historical society and segued into her passion with textiles at the Marjorie Russell textile center.
During Curator’s Corner in October, Jan presented the ever-ubiquitous bustle, including Lily Langtree’s own bustle as well as a retail wire business and a homemade coil spring bustle.
Sierrawave.net
Opened in 1991, Loverin has been with the center for over 30 years. With historical garments scattered throughout the state historical society, railroad museum, state museum, and private collections, the research center was created with the intent to gather the scattered garments and textiles into one carefully managed and controlled location. To round out the center, a well-stocked library is available to researchers.
The center does not take drop-in visitors but does take prearranged group tours. During non-Covid times group minimum size is 10, with a suggested $10 per person donation. During Covid times, group size is reduced to 5 and requires masks and social distancing of visitors. Call 775-687-6173 for reservations.
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