Civil War Era Exhibit at the Belmont Mansion: September 9-12, 2010

photo from http://images.travelpod.com/users/cobra1899/pauls_journey.1201312680.belmont-mansion-x2.jpg

The largest private civil war era collection will be stopping at the Belmont Mansion September 9-12, 2010. The following is a description of the collection from the Belmont Mansion website:

An outstanding nineteenth century clothing exhibit will be visiting September 9-12. The PNJW collection is thought to be the largest private collection of Civil War-era civilian clothing on display in the U.S. This unique exhibit, of over 300 items, is normally seen only in state and national parks; however, it is making an appearance in Nashville for one weekend only, at the Belmont Mansion.


Visitors will have the incredible opportunity to closely examine the historic items. The amazing collection will include 15 women’s dresses and over 10 men’s garments, as well as a large collection of bonnets. In addition, clothing accessories such as jewelry, parasols, shawls, shoes, boots and a collection of early photographs, including daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, carte-de-vistes, and tintypes will be on display. Serious researchers are also welcome to closely examine the artifacts and photography for personal use is welcome.

Collection owners Phillip and Janine Whiteman, of Atlanta, have been researching and exhibiting their collection for several years. They are members of the Costume Society of America. In 2001 they were named Volunteers of the Year at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Mark Brown, the Executive Director of the Belmont Mansion states, “This is the most comprehensive and outstanding collection of clothing from the mid-1800s that I have ever seen. I am thrilled that they have agreed to exhibit at Belmont! It is such a rare opportunity to examine such a wide variety of clothing close up.”

The Belmont Mansion has long been a fixture in Nashville history. Built by Joseph and Adelicia Acklen in 1853, Belmont Mansion is considered to be the most elaborate domestic interior built in antebellum Tennessee, and is today the largest house museum in Tennessee. Adelicia Acklen was one of the wealthiest women in America, and Belmont Mansion is one of the nineteenth century homes where the story revolves around a woman.

The PNJW clothing exhibit will run from September 9th to 12th. Touring Hours are from 10am to 4pm. Admission for the clothing exhibit is $5 for adults. All students are free with a college ID. The exhibit is included in the $10 regular adult admission for those persons wishing to take a normal house tour. For more information, please call 615-460-5459.

photos from http://belmontmansion.com/