SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Fashion Archives and Museum at Shippensburg University is marking America’s upcoming 250th anniversary with a new exhibition exploring how generations of Americans have celebrated the nation’s founding.
“Happy Birthday! American Milestones from Lafayette to Today” opened April 23 and examines commemorations tied to key anniversaries in 1826, 1876, 1926 and 1976 through clothing, textiles and historic souvenirs. The exhibit will remain on display through Nov. 19.
The exhibition highlights how patriotic celebrations evolved from modest observances into widespread cultural expressions reflected in everyday life. Artifacts on display range from 18th-century-inspired garments to flapper-era fashion and bold styles of the 1970s, illustrating how national identity has been shaped through dress and design.
Among the featured items is a rare early 20th-century child’s costume styled after George Washington, representing a tradition of dressing children in colonial attire for patriotic events. Another notable piece is a 1976 raincoat sold by Sears, featuring a lining printed with the signatures of the Declaration of Independence’s signers.
Museum Director Karin J. Bohleke said the exhibit benefits from collaborations with regional partners and private collectors, including object loans from Renfrew Museum and Park. Additional support from a 2025 Tourism Product Development Grant awarded to the Shippensburg University Foundation funded the involvement of professional exhibit designer Charles Mack.
Bohleke said Mack worked with Applied History students to develop the exhibit’s layout and visual presentation, providing hands-on learning opportunities. “It is a significant experience for students to see how a designer brings all elements of an exhibit together,” she said.
The exhibit also explores how industrialization and global trade influenced commemorative merchandise. Early items include souvenirs produced in England, underscoring that American-made patriotic goods were not always domestically manufactured.
Textile arts play a central role in the exhibit, including a custom quilt created by the Stitch’N’Peace Quilt Guild. The piece incorporates national, state and local imagery while recognizing women’s contributions to preservation and historical commemoration efforts.
An 18th-century embroidered suit is another centerpiece, restored through more than 100 hours of conservation work by museum intern Steph Craven and volunteer Joann Dunigan. The project involved detailed stabilization and stitching to preserve the garment for display.
“It was slow, meticulous work, but immensely rewarding,” Dunigan said. “Seeing the suit return to stable condition made every hour worth it.”
The museum is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., with Saturday hours beginning April 25. The exhibit will be closed July 4. Group tours can be scheduled by contacting the museum directly.
More information is available at fashionarchives.org.
