12/04/20 (Fri)
1920s Fashion in the Governor's Mansion
Stunning inaugural gowns worn by First Lady Grace Sorlie in the 1920s show the decade’s dramatic shift to a more carefree women’s style. Farewell, corsets! Hello, flapper dresses!
News and Events
11/24/20 (Tue)
Hats and Hunting: Fashion and Feathers in Our Museum Collection
The long-tailed pheasant was first introduced to southern North Dakota in 1917. At that time, pheasant feathers were becoming popular accessories in the millinery industry, and feathered hats were in demand as haute couture for the wealthy.
11/19/20 (Thu)
Western Symbols Tell Stories of Cattle Culture
Our upcoming Fashion & Function: North Dakota Style exhibit squeezes quite a collection of stories into the 5,000-square-foot Governors Gallery. One of those stories involves a military scout's buckskin suit.
11/12/20 (Thu)
Sisters Help Us Properly Dress Our Nun
Preparing one outfit for the upcoming Fashion & Function: North Dakota Style exhibit was beyond our expertise. To dress a mannequin in a Benedictine sister’s habit, we had to call in some experts.
11/02/20 (Mon)
Remembering A. Kirk Lanterman
Today I think of A. Kirk Lanterman who we lost a year ago. The State Historical Society of North Dakota and its Foundation miss him, a great friend. He never forgot North Dakota and we will never forget what he and his wife, Janet, did for education and tourism in North Dakota.
10/27/20 (Tue)
Red Berry Woman, Red Berry Style
A teal satin evening gown that will no doubt be a showstopper in the Fashion & Function: ND Style exhibition has arrived on loan from its designer Norma Baker-Flying Horse.
10/26/20 (Mon)
Spooktacular Fashion: Four Vintage Halloween Masks
Remember those inexpensive boxed costumes and uncomfortable masks you’d buy at a local drug store? This week we’re providing a spook-tacular look at four Fashion & Function: North Dakota Style artifacts.
10/19/20 (Mon)
Wouldn't It Be Wunnerful, Wunnerful?
If you remember Saturday night baths and then being bundled in your pajamas and robe in front of the TV to watch The Lawrence Welk Show on a huge 17-inch screen, you will have your heartstrings strummed in Fashion & Function, scheduled to open in early 2021.
10/14/20 (Wed)
An Army of Aluminum Foil Mannequins Takes Shape
There’s a bit of Mannequin Madness going on in the collections preparation room! The Fashion & Function: North Dakota Style exhibit is taking shape! Get a first glimpse inside the prep area where a mannequin parade is lining up with a unique use of foil tape.
10/09/20 (Fri)
Miss America’s Gown & Wonder Woman Boots Have Arrived!
The AEM team continues to dress mannequins for Miss America’s appearance in the upcoming Fashion & Function: North Dakota Style exhibit. You’ll be able to view her Miss America sash and beautiful black velvet coronation gown. The coronation gown is gorgeous, and Cara’s North Dakota story of persistence and grit in attaining her Miss America role is inspiring.