Explore the craftsmanship, creativity and history of 1700s fashion during an interactive program Saturday at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in downtown Southport.
“Stitching the 18th Century,” part of the museum’s “Deep Dive into History” series, is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum, 204 E. Moore St.
Supporter Spotlight
The program is to feature a mantua maker, a professional seamstress who created by hand intricate gowns directly on women’s bodies. Visitors will be able to try on various pieces of clothing representing both men’s and women’s attire from the 1740s to the 1780s.
“Fashion in the 18th century was not just about appearance. It communicated who you were, what you did, and where you stood in society,” said Shannon Walker, education curator at the museum, in a statement. “Clothing was an important marker of social identity, and creating it was a painstaking and skillful process.”
The program is being offered at no charge and is open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to drop in throughout the day to explore the exhibits, interact with the presenters, and immerse themselves in18th-century fashion and craftsmanship.
Walker, who began learning how to sew 18th century clothing more than a decade ago, will draft a mantua, which is a a popular style of draped and pleated dress worn in the 17th and 18th centuries, on a live model during the March 29 program.
“The clothing you’ll see and touch in this program is something you couldn’t buy off the rack – it had to be made by hand,” Walker explained. “It’s a very personal and intricate process.”
Supporter Spotlight
As part of the museum’s “Deep Dive into History” series, “Stitching the 18th Century“ ties into the museum’s larger theme this year to mark the 250th anniversary of when Fort Johnston was burned and destroyed by more than 500 Whig militiamen during the summer of 1775, spurring the Colony of North Carolina into a war.
Museum programs planned during the first half of the year will feature several related programs on the historical event and time period, culminating in a special July program.
The museum in conjunction with the Southport will host “In The Glorious Cause of Liberty: The 250th Anniversary of the Burning of Fort Johnston” starting at 9 a.m. July 19. There will be a symposium, living history demonstrations and an evening commemoration focused on the stories and individuals behind this turning point in history.
The April “Deep Dive” builds toward the July program, as well.
“Revolutionary Everyman” is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19 and delves into the life of an 18th-century North Carolina militiaman and how militiamen played a key role in the July 1775 events on the Cape Fear.
These programs are part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
A program geared for younger learners is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 called “Skipper’s Crew: Hop into Reading.” Participants will be able to make Easter Bunny-themed bookmarks. Lights will be dimmed and interactives muted during the first two hours to provide a calmer environment for those with sensory sensitivities. The program is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. For more information on the museum and its programs, call 910-477-5151 or visit ncmaritimemuseumsouthport.com.
