From March 15 through May 3, the Saco Museum will have an exhibition of 200 years of fashionable women's and men's clothing.

Dressing well has long been an important mark of social status.  For 18th century American colonists, England served as the source for both the latest styles, and the fabrics and accessories that were needed to keep up with the prevailing taste.

Here in New England, the inhabitants of smaller cities and towns were just as concerned about dressing fashionably as those who lived in large urban areas such as Boston.  They were eager to purchase quality goods so that they too could “cut a fine figure.”

The desire to keep up with current fashions changed little over the next two hundred years, although people began to look to places other than England for the latest styles and fabrics. The mechanization of the textile industry, the invention of the sewing machine in the 1850s, and the availability of ready-to-wear clothing by the early 20th century made it easier and more affordable for people of all economic levels to dress well. Clothing styles changed, but people continued to strive to look their best.

Drawn from the collection of the Saco Museum, as well as other local institutions in Maine and New Hampshire, “From the Elegant to the Everyday” will focus on the clothing worn by the inhabitants of northern New England from the mid-18th through the mid-20th centuries.

It will include not only examples of "best" dress, but also items of everyday clothing.  After all, fashionable attire was not confined to just special occasion garments or the clothing of the elite; even ordinary clothes reflected the current style of their day.  A variety of accessories will be on view as well.  

A free public opening reception will take place at the Saco Museum on Friday, March 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Dyer Library/Saco Museum is located at 371 Main Street (Route 1) in historic downtown Saco.  Free parking. Museum is handicapped accessible.  Museum hours and sdmission: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 12-4 p.m.; Friday 12-8 p.m. (free from 4-8 p.m.); Saturday 10 a.m to 4 p.m.; and Sunday 12-4 p.m. (June-December only).  Regular admission: Adults $5; Seniors & Students $3; Children (7-18) $2; Children 6 and under, no charge. 

Admission is always free to DL/SM Card holders and their guests. Group tour rate available for groups of eight or more.  Group tours must be scheduled in advance. For additional information about group tours, please call 207-283-3861, ext. 115 or visit www.dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org.