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Professor Irma G. Bowen began collecting items in 1920 as a hands-on teaching tool for students in the Home Economics department at the University of New Hampshire. The collection was named in Bowen’s honor after her death in 1947, and by the time it transitioned to the University Museum in 1969, the Bowen Collection had gained new significance. With most of the objects donated by local colleagues and families, the preserved items were recognized as an unexpected archive of New Hampshire heritage on a personal scale, a glimpse of lives otherwise invisible to the historical record.

This digital catalog continues the Bowen Collection's mission to teach while expanding its reach by making it more widely accessible to those interested in the design, technique, artistry, and historical relevance of clothing.

Robe à l’anglaise, ivory silk damask, c. 1750-1770
Robe à l’anglaise, ivory silk damask, c. 1750-1770
Stockings, pre-1750
Stockings, pre-1750
Robe à l’anglaise, printed cotton, c. 1770, front view
Robe à l’anglaise, printed cotton, c. 1770
Quilted petticoat, yellow silk, 18th century, petticoat with dress, front view
Quilted petticoat, yellow silk, 18th century
Stays, green wool and natural linen with whalebone, c. 1780, front view
Stays, green wool and natural linen with whalebone, c. 1780
Woman’s red wool cloak, c. 1750-1800, front view
Woman’s red wool cloak, c. 1750-1800
Pochette, mid-18th century, front view
Pochette, mid-18th century
Dress, blue and white striped linen, homespun, c. 1800, front view
Dress, blue and white striped linen, homespun, c. 1800
Pattens, 1760-1790, side and front view
Pattens, 1760-1790
Shoes, black wool with latchets, 1760-1770, side and front view
Shoes, black wool with latchets, 1760-1770
Brown linen stays, 1780-1790, front view
Brown linen stays, 1780-1790
Bonnet, traditional German folk hat of metal lace, 19th century, side back view
Bonnet, traditional German folk hat of metal lace, 19th century
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