Fabric of a town: ‘Worn History’ exhibit showcases clothing, textiles
Author visit July 25 explores local Civil War history
By Lisa Scagliotti | July 17, 2026 Ryan Geary hangs a quilt made to commemorate the town’s bicentennial in 1963, containing images of local landmarks. Photo by Cheryl Casey
The Waterbury Historical Society has mined its extensive collection of local artifacts, choosing a unique selection for its newest exhibit, “Worn History: Clothing, Textiles & Identities Across Generations.”
Now on view in the Steele Community Room at the municipal complex, the display’s pieces tell stories woven through everyday life.
“Worn History” explores how clothing and textiles reflect the lives, identities, traditions and experiences of the people who made, wore and preserved them. The selection of garments and other fabric-based artifacts spans multiple generations. Details included with each piece highlight the important roles of these everyday objects in telling the story of Waterbury's past.
Often among the most personal items preserved in museum collections, textiles carry stories of family, work, celebration, craftsmanship and community. This exhibit invites visitors to look beyond the fabric itself and consider the people whose lives are woven into every stitch.
The exhibit will be on display for approximately two months and is free and open to the public in the Steele Community Room during regular hours at the municipal complex at 28 N. Main Street.
‘Worn History’ items include a Waterbury High School letterman’s jacket and cheerleader uniform and several quilts. Photo by Cheryl Casey
Weekend program with historian Alice Evans
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An upcoming opportunity to view the exhibit and take in a local history discussion will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, when the Waterbury Historical Society hosts a presentation by author and historian Alice Evans in the Steele Room.
Evans researched and wrote “Our Suffering Brave: Waitsfield Boys & Men in the Civil War,” published in 2023. It tells the story of the 163 men and boys from Waitsfield who fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. Evans will share details of some of their individual stories during their service, as well as those of some of Waterbury’s soldiers who served in the same regiment.
Her research touches on records by Civil War surgeon Dr. Henry Janes from Waterbury, whose detailed patient records include one of the Waitsfield boys whom he treated. The Waterbury History Center in the municipal complex is the former home of Dr. Janes, where a sizable collection of his personal belongings is on permanent display.
The program with Evans is part of the historical society’s quarterly series and Waterbury’s ongoing VT250 initiative marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
All historical society programs are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Donations are always appreciated to help support the organization’s work. More information is online at waterburyhistoricalsociety.org.