French Fashion, World War One, and Your Ancestors

The Photo Detective

A number of years ago I attended a conference in Kansas City Missouri. With a free afternoon, I decided to visit the National World War I museum. The National World WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting, and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history, and experiences of the war. It was designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial.

There is a sense of wonder and discovery when visiting a museum for the first time. What artifacts will be on display? What new information will be passed on through the interpretative exhibits? And for me, what photos might be there. There were no stories passed down in the family of men who served in the Great War or of women who aided the war effort. Exhibits inspire thought, dialogue, and learning to make the experience of the Great War (because no one thought there would be another) relevant to present and future generations. The National World War I museum is now among my favorites.

As the Photo Detective, I’ve seen my share of images taken during the war years including men and women in uniform as well as everyday dress. Those photos show how fashion evolved during the Great War. There were new styles introduced influenced by the conflict such as trench coats and wristwatches for instance.

There is a new exhibit currently on display and online at the National World War I Museum: Silk and Steel: French Fashion, Women and WWI explores the role of the French fashion industry and how those changes to dress occurred.

Related Episodes:

Episode 93: 1918 Pandemic Fashion and Tips for Analyzing Clothing Clues

Episode 75: One Man’s World War One Journey

Episode 31 A World War One Resource

Links:

• National World War 1 Museum and Memorial
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About My Guest:

Doran Cart is Sen

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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