Making a Splash: Resort Fashions in New England 1870-1900

Join Rebecca Kelly, Executive Director and Curator of the South County Museum, as she explores the transformative role of New England’s resort towns, from Newport to Watch Hill, in shaping the fashion landscape during the Gilded Age. In this illustrated lecture, Rebecca will highlight how these seaside destinations helped propel New York’s sportswear industry, establishing a distinct fashion identity separate from Paris’s haute couture.

The lecture will focus on the rise of the “Gibson Girl” aesthetic—sporty American women dressed in simple shirtwaists and walking skirts, idealized as the epitome of athletic elegance for activities like golf, tennis, and carriage driving. Rebecca will also showcase the vibrant clothing and millinery shops in Rhode Island, spotlighting the enterprising women who ran them and the impact they had on the region’s fashion scene.

Reservations are required. Please note that tickets purchased for this event are non-refundable. 

About Rebecca Kelly:

Rebecca Kelly is the Executive Director and Curator of the South County Museum in Narragansett, RI. A textile historian and artisan, she specializes in America’s Gilded Age fashion, particularly the contributions of under-recognized women designers. Her current research focuses on New England resort towns, exploring the role of women in creating and selling sportswear. An expert in color psychology and plant symbolism, she leads natural dye and hand-sewing workshops. Kelly holds a bachelor’s in art history and a Master’s in Textile Conservation from the University of Rhode Island, where she also teaches.

About South County Museum:

Founded over 90 years ago, the South County Museum preserves southern Rhode Island’s coastal and rural history through diverse collections, including antiques, high-fashion garments, and everyday items. Its School of Craft offers classes in fiber arts, woodworking, blacksmithing, and letterpress printing. The museum also features a working farm with Rhode Island Red chickens and sheep for its fiber shed studio. Located within Canonchet Farm Park, the museum provides scenic walking trails that connect visitors to both history and nature.