July 9, 2009	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Museum Director
For Immediate Release		(253) 288-7437

Women's Suffrage Revealed Through Undergarments

White River Valley Museum Offers Unique Look at Women's History

AUBURN, Wash. – Throughout history, society has placed certain expectations on how women should look. "Suffer for Beauty: A Revealing Look at Women's History Through Undergarments" is an historical examination of how women have responded to – and suffered from – ever-changing societal norms of beauty and the undergarments that served as the foundation for achieving the look of their time. The exhibit opens at the White River Valley Museum Aug. 12 and runs through Nov. 8.

"The history of women's undergarments reveals more than lace, snaps and straps," museum director Patricia Cosgrove said. "It offers unique insights about what society thought of women and expected from them at a certain point in time."

"Suffer for Beauty" displays women's undergarments and beauty aids by era. The exhibit starts with bustles of the 1870s and 1880s accentuating a woman's derriere, waist and bosom, and moves to the crushing corsets of the late 19th century. Corsets were used to cinch a women's waist to the popular hourglass silhouette of the time. The ideal waist for a woman was 18 inches and tight corseting often caused indigestion, constipation, broken ribs and liver failure.

The late 19th century also brought groups of women active in anti-slavery and temperance movements lobbying for equitable treatment and sensible clothing. The Rational Dress Movement included reforming women's undergarments and helped pave the way for less-binding fashions during the Progressive Era (1900 - 1920).

For a short while (1911 - 1914) women's undergarments took a slight step backward with the popularity of the hobble skirt. These long, narrow skirts and the knee-length corsets often worn with them impeded a woman's stride, causing her to "hobble."

World War I (1914 - 1918) meant leaner times and a lack of steel for civilian use, including to manufacture corsets. Limited steel and the earlier development of rubberized elastic materials in 1911 helped the girdle replace the corset. The long hobble skirt also took a hit during World War I as the hemlines of women's skirts began to rise in an effort to save material and women were encouraged to work more outside the home.

After World War I, "Suffer for Beauty" visits the freeing 1920s, the economical 1930s and the masculine influences in women's wear that occurred when women filled men's factory jobs during World War II.

The exhibit concludes with Christian Dior's "New Look" in the late 1940s. Ironically, the "New Look" seemed to bring women's fashion full-circle. The signature shape was characterized by a lengthy full skirt, large bust and small waistline reminiscent of bustles and corsets.

"Suffer for Beauty" is courtesy of guest curators Dr. Michelle Marshman and museum director Patricia Cosgrove. The exhibit is sponsored by 4Culture, Seattle Foundation and Washington Women’s History Consortium.

UPCOMING "SUFFER FOR BEAUTY" EVENTS
The following events are offered in conjunction with the exhibit "Suffer for Beauty: A Revealing Look at Women's History Through Undergarments." Unless otherwise noted, events are included with museum admission.

Film Screening: "Not for Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony," Aug. 29, 1 - 3 p.m.
Ken Burns's Emmy® Award-winning documentary recounts the trials, tribulations and triumphs of two pioneer women striving to give birth to the women's movement.

Lecture and Slideshow: Women and the Right to Vote, Sept. 18, 6 - 8 p.m.
"Suffer for Beauty" guest curator Michelle Marshman presents on the history of women's suffrage in Washington state.

The Golden Oldies Presents: A Fabulous Vintage Fashion Show! Sept. 26, 2 - 3 p.m.
Highlighting a century of fashion highs and lows, this entertaining, educational look at the history of women's fashion includes live music and hilarious commentary. Admission is $5 adults and $4 seniors/children. Museum admission included.

Family Day: Dressing Up! Oct. 10, noon - 4 p.m.
Don’t miss a hands-on celebration of "Suffer for Beauty" that includes fun for the whole family.

About Mary Olson Farm

The White River Valley Museum is working with the City of Auburn to restore Mary Olson Farm, the most intact 1880s family farm in King County. It opens in late 2009 as a living history and environmental learning site. The farm is a King County Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Significant features include an 1897 barn, a 1902 farmhouse and two salmon runs in Olson Creek.

About the White River Valley Museum

The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on local Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railroad.

The White River Valley Museum is the best local history museum in the state according to the 2007 Washington State Visitors Guide.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 918 H St. SE in Auburn. Regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors and children, and free on Wednesdays. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.