PORT TOWNSEND — It’s either black or white when it comes to summer clothing exhibits at the Rothschild House Museum.
“Black Dresses” is the textile exhibit at the museum at 418 Taylor St. in Port Townsend.
“Last year, we featured ‘Summer Whites,’ so we decided to go in the opposite direction this year with all black pieces,” said Becky Schurmann, exhibit designer for the Jefferson County Historical Society.
The dresses range from elegant 19th century evening gowns to a 1920s flapper chemise of black satin, she said.
Added Bill Tennent, historical society director: “No, it’s not a funeral — it’s more like an elegant cocktail party.”
The clothing is displayed on the main floor of the house and covers the span of time from the late 1880s to the 1950s.
The historical society has an extensive textile collection, but many of the pieces are too fragile to be on long-term display, Shurmann said.
“So these shorter exhibits are perfect.”
House Manager Phyllis Snyder said, “Visitors tell us that the clothing makes the house come alive and seem inhabited.”
The Rothschild House Museum State Park, which is managed by the historical society, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September.
Built in 1868 for D.C.H. Rothschild, a prominent Port Townsend merchant, the home is furnished with artifacts original to the Rothschild family.
It is the only Victorian house museum in Port Townsend.
Admission is $4 for adults and $1 for children from 3 to 12 years old. Admission is free to historical society members. It is free to Jefferson County residents on the first Saturday of each month.
Group rates are available by prior arrangement by phoning 360-385-1003.
For more information, see www.jchsmuseum.org.
