The History of 4-H Clothing Clubs in New York State: A Preamble to Sustainable Fashion Education?
Thursday, March 20, 4-5pm
Mann 160
Can historic 4-H clothing club curricula from the 20th century serve as a valuable source of sustainable fashion practices for today? Join us for a presentation by Samantha Alberts, doctoral student studying Fiber Science and Apparel Design and 2024 recipient of the College of Human Ecology Graduate Archival Research Fellowship, as she shares with us the research she conducted on 4-H clothing club curricula from 1930-1990 and this very question. By analyzing archival materials from Cornell University’s Division of Rare and Manuscripts Collection and conducting 22 interviews with previous club participants and leaders, Alberts’ study explored how historical educational approaches might inform contemporary sustainable fashion design practices. The research investigates both the ecological insights and potential social limitations of these early educational methods, seeking to provide nuanced insights that could help address the environmental challenges posed by the fashion industry today.
Samantha Alberts is from Herkimer, New York and is a first-year PhD student in the College of Human Ecology. Alberts research explores integrating archival and oral histories into the realm of sustainable fashion. Her work emphasizes community outreach, youth development, and exploring how history can inform and enhance modern-day sustainable fashion practices.
This talk is hosted by Mann Library and the College of Human Ecology. Light refreshments will be served.
To attend this talk virtually, please register here: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zMFp-SMQRjWpKDRaCb6YYQ#/