Clothing holds a special niche in history; as time wears on, fashions change, and preserving the clothing and textiles of different eras has become an important function for museums and historical institutions. Many museums that have collections focusing on historical clothing, such as Colonial clothing, also appeal to children, whether they are students researching a report, or just younger children exercising their budding curiosity.
Located in San Bernardino, California, a Special Place Children's Museum is a historical museum that appeals particularly to children. A hands-on museum, one of its highlights is a historical clothing section, where children can actually try on textiles from yesteryear, including Colonial-era outfits and other historical Americana outfits such as a cowboy or Native American dress. Other activities at the museum include a computer area, where kids can access a wide range of games, as well as educational videos and a karaoke machine. The museum also includes a gift shop and can arrange to host functions such as birthday parties.
One of the preeminent Colonial historical sites in America, Colonial Williamsburg treats adults and kids alike to the experiences of Colonial life in early America. A rich mosaic of museums, lodging and authentic Colonial exhibitions and enactments, Colonial Williamsburg is an educational vacation destination. Examples of Colonial clothing and textiles are the focus of many of its museums, including the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, which lists Colonial textiles among its collection; their online eMuseum also has a large number of textiles and Colonial costumes in its database. Authentic Colonial textiles, including leather goods, petticoats and gowns, and even authentic Colonial costumes for children, are also sold by many of Williamsburg's merchants.
The Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Research Center, located in the state of Nevada, is part of the Nevada network of state museums. An ideal learning center for older children or students, the Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Research Center focuses on historical textiles and clothing, and a sizable part of the collection dates back to Colonial times. Of special interest to children is a collection of historical children's wear and outfits. Other collections include flags, military dress and quilts. The research center also offers instruction on preserving heirlooms.
