Costumes & Textiles Collections The costume and textile collection numbers approximately 12,000 items and spans the 17th century to the present. The costumes constitute the museum's best known collection; it is recognized nationwide by costume historians for its excellence in 19th century women's clothing. This collection includes approximately 400 dresses; 90 coats; 140 shawls; 350 hats, caps, calashes and hoods; 100 pairs of shoes; 110 pelerines, chemisettes, and undersleeves; 40 jackets and sacques; 350 items of women's underwear and nightgowns; 70 parasols and umbrellas; 200 bags, purses, and wallets; 240 fans; 500 pieces of jewelry; 70 military uniforms (men's and women's); 250 items of men's outerwear; and 500 items of baby and children's clothing. The collection includes accessories such as collars, cuffs, ties, fichus, buttons, pieces of dress trimming, ribbons, pieces of dress fabric, etc. The textile collection includes about 100 quilts, blankets, bed covers, and overshot coverlets; scores of sheets and pillowcases, tablecloths, napkins, and window coverings. Among these textiles are important early and mid-eighteenth century examples of linen napkins, crewelwork bed hangings, calamanco quilts, sheets, and blankets from prominent Northampton families. Approximately 50 samplers and embroideries, mostly from the late eighteenth and early 19th centuries, are included in the textile collection. Historic Northampton also has an impressive lace collection (approx. 1000 pieces), ranging from small scraps and doilies to large veils and shawls. Approximately 35 hooked, braided, and Oriental rugs are owned by the museum.

Esther Stoddard Embroidered Picture