DAMARISCOTTA — The Chapman-Hall House Historic Site will host a fashion show, “Fashion in Colonial New England,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Damariscotta Baptist Church. This event will be the last of the year’s programs celebrating the 260th anniversary of the arrival of the Nathaniel Chapman family in Damariscotta, according to news release from Lincoln County Historical Association. Chapman has been referred as “father of Main Street” by some local historians because of the site of his homestead.

Everyday wear, as well as special occasion garments typical of the mid-18th century, will be featured in the program, including an introduction to the basic foundation garments popular in the day. Discover the meaning of “a flying gown,” a “pet-en-l’air” or “small clothes.” Learn why fishermen wore “slopes.” A narrator will explain the importance of fashion accessories such as the style of one’s pearl necklace and the use of pattens by ladies at home and about town.

All the garments in the show are on loan from the collections of Louise Miller of Waldoboro and Susan Murata of Swanzey, New Hampshire, according to the release. Louise Miller, education coordinator of the association, has worked on textile exhibits for Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts and as an administrator at Fort at No. 4 Living History Museum in New Hampshire. Susan Murata is a volunteer consultant and seamstress for the Historical Society of Cheshire County in New Hampshire. Both women do historical presentations and living history events.

Admission is free, though donations are welcome. “Fashion in New England” proceeds benefit the Chapman-Hall House and its preservation and education projects. The Chapman-Hall House is at 270 Main St. and is open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sundays. This historic site closes for the season Oct. 4.

The Chapman-Hall House is part of association, a nonprofit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Courthouse in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum in Wiscasset. For more information about the association, visit lincolncountyhistory.com.

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