Material Matters: It's in the Details: January 28 & 29, 2012
This two-day workshop focuses on 18th-century material culture and is intended for collectors and people with an interest in learning more about objects of the 18th century and what they can tell us about history.
Presentations Include:
Death or Glory in the Place of Skulls—Throughout the year of 1776 the Pennsylvanians fighting in the Northern Department of the Continental Army had to survive and overcome the tremendous trials and tasks presented them during the evacuation of Canada and subsequent fortification of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, while enduring supply shortages, devastating sicknesses, and a constant threat of British invasion. This presentation presents a closer look at the way in which these soldiers spent the year of Independence. Joel Anderson is the Artificer Supervisor at Fort Ticonderoga and has been a self-employed historic tailor for several years with a keen interest in the supply of the Continental Army.
On Pins and Needles: The Archeological Remains of Clothing at Fort Ticonderoga—Fort Ticonderoga’s Curator of Collections Chris Fox will discuss the archeological remains of clothing and sewing related artifacts in Fort Ticonderoga’s collections. This session will provide an intimate look at the wide variety of buttons, buckles, sewing materials and cloth that was recovered during the reconstruction of Fort Ticonderoga.
“This is the Cap of Honour": Grenadier Caps and Cultural Literacy in the Age of Revolution—The tall, elaborate, and imposing caps worn by grenadiers remain amongst the most recognizable pieces of 18th-century military clothing. This presentation explores the variety and significance of these impressive pieces of headgear on both sides of the Atlantic. Matthew Keagle is a scholar of 18th-century Atlantic Material Culture with a focus on the culture of military uniforms.
New France Surgeons, their tools and trade—The mid-18th century is a fascinating period in the French surgeons' history, as their "manual" trade became recognized as a liberal profession. The workshop will give an overview of New France surgeons' origins and training, status and duties, instruments, and operations. It includes a small display of original implements. David Ledoyen is a heritage presentation coordinator in Montreal, Quebec. He is involved in historical re-enactments and has collected surgical instruments for more than a decade.
Equestrian Material Culture, The hidden meanings of 18th-century saddlery and horse furniture—Explore saddlery in the 18th century as a tool of social expression beyond its practical nature. See how nationality, class, liberty and loyalty were displayed through the saddlers’ decorative art. Stuart Lilie, current Director of Interpretation at Fort Ticonderoga, is a saddler by trade specializing in the history and construction of 18th- and early 19th-century saddlery.
Ubiquitous Undergarments: The Niceties of 18th-century Body Linen—This presentation is a clean look at the finer points of 18th-century shifts and shirts, from their manufacture, to their fashion, to the dirty details of their use for daily hygiene. Sarah Woodyard works at the Margaret Hunter Millinery Shop in Colonial Williamsburg where she is currently serving a seven year apprenticeship in the 18th-century trades of Millinery and Mantua-making.
Download the Material Matters brochure and registration form here.
Accommodations:
Best Western Ticonderoga Inn and Suites (518-585-2378) is offering a special discounted rate of $65 per night (plus taxes) for attendees at Material Matters: It's in the Details. Just mention that you are participating in Material Matters at Fort Ticonderoga.
