Description
CSA Mid-Atlantic Symposium
The First Amendment to the Costume Constitution: Freedom of Dress
October 9 - 10, 2026
Fashion Archives & Museum and Grove Forum
Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA
Registration for the full conference includes the Friday night reception, as well as Saturday’s lunch and afternoon snack.
Early bird registration ends on September 25, 2026. Registration closes on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Join the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions at the Fashion Archives and Museum of Shippensburg University for a joint mini-symposium on October 9-10, 2026. The theme of The First Amendment to the Costume Constitution: Freedom of Dress links to our national celebration of the 250th and explores American-related clothing topics.
On Friday, October 9, choose from two pre-symposium tours at local museums and a special Revolutionary afternoon tea and lecture with renowned tea historian and expert Judy Larkin. The symposium begins that evening with Kristina Haugland’s keynote address “Corsets at the Centennial: Showcasing Women Inventors, Dress Reform, and American Industry,” followed by an opening reception at the Fashion Archives and Museum. Visitors will also be able to view the current exhibit Happy Birthday! American Milestones from Lafayette to Today and enjoy seeing clothing and souvenirs from the different celebrations in 1826, 1876, 1926, 1976, and today.
Saturday, October 10, features an exciting roster of twenty- and ten-minute presentations that explore American dress history. Topics range in time and include early Federal menswear, drafting systems invented by women, Elizabeth Keckly’s Lincoln souvenirs, U. S. Postal Service uniforms, the influence of Native American design, and many other examples of intriguing research.
For full details and registration information, see the Mid-Atlantic or Southeastern Regions' events webpages.