Modern Times and Modern Dress: Fashions of the Jazz Age

Join Rebecca Kelly, Executive Director and Curator of the South County Museum, as she takes you through the revolutionary fashions of the 1920s. The Jazz Age marked a dramatic shift in women’s fashion, as the restrictive corsets and elaborate garments of the Victorian era gave way to more relaxed, comfortable styles. This illustrated lecture will explore how the iconic flapper look—characterized by beaded and fringed dresses, shorter hemlines, bobbed hairstyles, and looser clothing—became synonymous with the freedom and independence that defined the era.

Rebecca will focus on how women in Rhode Island and across the country embraced these bold new styles, reflecting their growing independence, changing societal roles, and a new sense of personal expression. Whether for dancing the Charleston or engaging in sports, the fashion of the Jazz Age enabled women to move more freely and express their evolving sense of identity.

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.