In the early 1980s, Peggy Fields came up with a creative way to extend the Blair County Historical Society (Altoona, PA) into the community. She had been cultivating an interest in the history of women’s clothing since she volunteered at Hanna’s Town, a colonial fort and town near Greensburg, PA. When she re-located in Altoona, she volunteered at both the historical society and Fort Roberdeau, another Revolutionary War period site. She recruited several models and began researching and constructing historically accurate clothing from the late 18^th through the 20^th centuries. Over the decades, more than 75 costumes were recreated, including not only the main garment but all the underclothing and accessories.

Peggy and her models responded to invitations across Pennsylvania and other eastern states to present style shows. The program became a popular fund-raiser for the Society, Fort Roberdeau, and the Quaint Corner Children’s Museum and Discovery Center (Altoona, PA). The series grew to include many specialty shows, including weddings, sporting clothing, the American Revolution and Civil War periods, and the 1920s.

Welcome to Peggy's Closet!

Click photo for details about this outfit.