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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.

  • Man’s vest, blue silk embroidered with flowers, 1850-1860, front view
    Man’s vest, blue silk embroidered with flowers, 1850-1860
  • Swiss waist, black silk, 1850s-1860s, back view
    Swiss waist, black silk, 1850s-1860s
  • Swiss waist, cream silk, 1850s-1860s, front view
    Swiss waist, cream silk, 1850s-1860s
  • Boots, white satin side-laced, 1852-1854, side and front view
    Boots, white satin side-laced, 1852-1854
  • Dress, brown silk with black fringe trim, 1853-1863, front view
    Dress, brown silk with black fringe trim, 1853-1863
  • Dress, green taffeta plaid silk with black silk pleated trim, 1853-1863, front view
    Dress, green taffeta plaid silk with black silk pleated trim, 1853-1863
  • Dress, green and tan striped silk with woven trim, 1853-1863, front view
    Dress, green and tan striped silk with woven trim, 1853-1863
  • Shoes, white satin evening slippers, 1854-1856, side and front view
    Shoes, white satin evening slippers, 1854-1856
  • Walking dress, three pieces with bodice, skirt, and sash, beige barege with purple stripes and leaves, 1860s, front view
    Walking dress, three pieces with bodice, skirt, and sash, beige barege with purple stripes and leaves, 1860s
  • Shoes, white kidskin slippers with pinked bow, 1860s, side and front view
    Shoes, white kidskin slippers with pinked bow, 1860s
  • Men’s dressing gown, 1860s, front view
    Men’s dressing gown, 1860s
  • Dress for half-mourning, shot silk purple silk satin, 1860s modified in the 1890s, front view
    Dress for half-mourning, shot silk purple silk satin, 1860s modified in the 1890s
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