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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.

Hat, black velvet with feathers, early 20th century, front view
Hat, black velvet with feathers, early 20th century
Belt, early 20th century
Belt, early 20th century
Buckle, silver and glass, early 20th century
Buckle, silver and glass, early 20th century
Children's shoes, black leather with strap, early 20th century, front view
Children's shoes, black leather with strap, early 20th century
Bathing suit, navy wool with white braid, 1900-1910, front view
Bathing suit, navy wool with white braid, 1900-1910
Hat, pale cream with purple ostrich plumes, c. 1900-1915, front view
Hat, pale cream with purple ostrich plumes, c. 1900-1915
Boy’s dress and vest, white cotton piqué decorated with a leaf and loop braid pattern, 1900-1917, front view
Boy’s dress and vest, white cotton piqué decorated with a leaf and loop braid pattern, 1900-1917
Mourning dress, striped black silk with black embroidered appliqués, c. 1900, front view
Mourning dress, striped black silk with black embroidered appliqués, c. 1900
Man’s vest, yellow corduroy, c. 1900, front view
Man’s vest, yellow corduroy, c. 1900
Dress, black silk open weave over purple silk taffeta, c. 1902, front view
Dress, black silk open weave over purple silk taffeta, c. 1902
Jacket, black wool with large scalloped revers, pouched front, and topstitched silk trim, c. 1902, front view
Jacket, black wool with large scalloped revers, pouched front, and topstitched silk trim, c. 1902
Bathing suit, navy wool with white soutache, 1904, front view
Bathing suit, navy wool with white soutache, 1904
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