The Costume Council Presents | Threads of a Nation: A Celebration of Style & Statesmanship

The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to the opening night celebration of Threads of a Nation: Preserving Presidential Clothing, an exhibition that features garments and accessories associated with John Adams, George and Martha Washington, and Abraham and Mary Lincoln, alongside rare objects and documents that provide historical context.

As the nation observes its 250th anniversary this year, we examine US history through the clothes of those who helped shape it and discover how fashion, politics, and personal identity became woven into the story of a new nation.

The evening begins with a presentation by fashion historian and curator Timothy Long, who will explore one of the Museum’s most treasured objects. For over a century, the Chicago History Museum has held a suit of black silk velvet worn by George Washington. Drawing on years of his research in the leading repositories of the nation’s history, this evening reassembles a wardrobe long scattered—and asks what it reveals about the nation’s first president.

Following the presentation, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while exploring Threads of a Nation at your own pace. Museum staff will be on hand throughout the exhibition to answer questions and share additional insight on the objects on display. Guests also have the opportunity to participate in an exciting selection of auction offerings throughout the evening as well as enjoy live “Get Ready with Me” historical fashion demonstrations by the Chicago Historical Costume Society.

General Admission: Costume Council member, $175; nonmember, $200

VIP: Costume Council member, $225; nonmember, $250

VIP benefits include:

Champagne reception and exclusive preview

Recognition on all event marketing materials

Meet and greet with Timothy Long

Schedule

5:30 p.m. – Pre-event VIP champagne reception and meet and greet with Timothy Long

6:00 p.m. – Doors open, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served, silent auction bidding begins

6:30 p.m. – Presentation by Timothy Long

7:00 p.m. – Reception and self-guided exhibition viewing

8:15 p.m. – Bidding for silent auction concludes

8:30 p.m. – Silent auction winners announced

9:00 p.m. – Event concludes

Co-Chairs: Anika Allen and Katie Beard

Event Committee: Moni Adorjan, Athena Golianis, Courtney Hopkins, Karen Peters, Frank Rubel, Carol Seeling, and Karen Zupko

Beverage Sponsors

In-Kind Sponsors

Moni and Bryan Adorjan

Constance K. Barkley

Gibson’s Italia

Knee Deep Vintage

Rhonda Marcucci

MS Collections