Death by Petticoat

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottsgrove Manor:

Mary Miley Theobald will conduct a lecture, “Death by Petticoat: American History Myths Debunked", at historic Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. and again at 12 noon 

Theobald is a Virginia-based author and historian who holds a BA and MA in history from the College of William and Mary and taught American history and museum studies at Virginia Commonwealth University for 13 years.

Mary Miley Theobald

The author of numerous magazine articles, 10 non-fiction books, a mystery series, and four podcasts, Theobald also runs the “History Myths Debunked” blog. 

In her lecture at Pottsgrove Manor, Theobald will speak about common American history myths, including several pertaining to the clothing worn by Americans’ ancestors. 

Theobald will also be signing copies of her book, “Death by Petticoat,” which will be for sale at the site.

The noon session will be a repeat of the 10 a.m. session. Seating for each session is limited. 

Call the site at 610-326-4014 to make reservations. There is a $2 per person suggested donation for this event.

The program kicks off a new exhibit at Pottsgrove Manor, entitled, “To the Manor Worn: Clothing the Eighteenth-Century Household.” 

To modern sensibilities, the clothing people wore in the past can seem strange, uncomfortable, or even unhealthy. 

This exhibit will give visitors a better understanding of clothing and fashion in colonial America, through displays of reproduction clothing as well as a number of original pieces, including items on loan from the collections of Cliveden, Stenton, Wyck House, the Landis Valley Museum, and the Chester County Historical Society. 

Not only will the exhibit showcase mid-eighteenth century fashion, it will also place what people wore in a broader historical context. 

How were clothes made, and who made them? What materials were used, and where did they come from? Who wore what, and why? 

The exhibit will be open through Nov. 2 and can be viewed on a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor during regular museum hours.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King St. near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown. 

Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3 p.m. 

The site is closed Mondays and holidays. Groups of ten or more should preregister by calling 610-326-4014. 

For more information, visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.