Preserving Everyday History: Kiki Smith's Journey with the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection

The Photo Detective

Kiki Smith, a professor from the theater department at Smith College, joins the “Photo Detective” podcast to discuss her unique journey with the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection. Initially joining the department temporarily, Smith found herself organizing a chaotic costume storage area into a vital educational and research resource. Her book “Real Clothes, Real Lives” documents 200 years of women’s everyday attire using items from this collection. With a focus on ordinary garments rather than high fashion, Smith emphasizes the stories and social history these clothes tell. Her efforts have transformed the collection into a recognized academic and historical resource, gaining attention for its unique focus and prompting further institutional support.

• Her book, “Real Clothes, Real Lives,” explores 200 years of women’s attire, focusing on garments from everyday life.
• Smith’s work highlights the importance of preserving ordinary clothing for educational and historical insights.
• The collection started modestly but grew through contributions and Smith’s persistent efforts to catalog and display the items.
• There is currently an exhibit of clothing from the collection at New York Historical

Related Episodes:

Episode 181: Clothing Care at the New Canaan Historical Society

Episode 135: Stitch by Stitch: Saving Historic Clothing a Piece at a Time with Conservator Maria Vasquez

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About My Guest:
Kiki Smith is the Director of the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection that was founded 42 years ago by a student and is based there in the basement of the Theatre Building near the Costume Shop. The collection now numbers over 4000 pieces. Her book Real Clothes, Real Lives: 200 Years of What Women Wore (Rizzoli), published this September, documents garments and accessories that are what she calls “real” clothes worn by “real” women for all aspects of their lives.

She is also a professional costume and set designer, working with theatre companies including Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox, Ma and the Talking Band in New York, and received an Obie Award for a production with that company.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The P

I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations.

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