Pages

Showing posts with label living history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living history. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Personal Post: Life at the Museum

Life at the Museum 
Circa: 2014

Historic 1883 John and Lottie Moore Home
It's been a busy few weeks at the museum to say the least! Between a Murder Mystery Event, Thanksgiving and Christmas Candlelight Tours I have hardly had time to sleep, let alone blog. However with Christmas quickly approaching things are beginning to slow down  and  I will be able to bring you some fabulous holiday posts starting today!  While I love sharing my favorite recipes, D.I.Y. projects, decorating ideas and more, I thought that it would be fun to share something a little more personal and give you a  glimpse into my life at the museum.  
 

This fall we had the opportunity to create new and wonderful events for the museum, many of which we have been dreaming about for a year or two! In November we hosted our first Murder Mystery Event at the Historic Moore Mansion. Following the untimely death of our speaker, guests searched the home high and low for clues in an attempt to solve the mystery and bring the killer to justice. Now, when I say search the home high and low I meant it.  One of my first tasks was to clean a 131 year old attic. To most it would be a daunting and possibly depressing job, however I jumped at the chance and dragged/recruited one of our amazing interns to help! I discovered that all you need is a great attitude, plenty of brooms and a fabulous soundtrack! "Shake It Off" was a favorite for the day and very appropriate due to the large amounts of dust on everything.  
Katie and I cleaning up the attic
The Murder Mystery event was amazing and we already have plans to host another one this spring! My husband was a great sport and provided the "dead body" for our evening. Sadly to his dismay he was murdered before the hors d'oeuvres and champagne were served. He is truly the best and I don't know what I would do without him.

Chris and I before he was murdered on the stairs...
Following the Murder Mystery I turned my attention to my next project, preparing the Cottage for our annual Candlelight Tours. Every year during the first week of December  our museum offers special evening tours of our beautiful historic homes that are decorated for Christmas and lit by candles. This year I had the pleasure of decorating our historic 1850's cottage for this holiday season with the assistance of our wonderful docents and staff. Our cottage is a wonderful home that was built in Richmond, Texas in 1855 by the grandson of the Jane Long "The Mother of Texas."

The theme was Christmas during the Civil War in Texas and we led guests on a guided tour of this home sharing a glimpse of how the family would have celebrated Christmas Eve in 1861. It was a magical evening and sitting in the home filled with candlelight and Christmas carols echoing in the background, for a moment you felt as is you had been transported back in time. 


Oh and did I mention that I had to dress in costume to lead our tours? It is a tough job but someone has to do it!

While the museum may keep me busy, it also offers wonderful opportunities and memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.  If you would like to see a little more of my everyday vintage life you can  follow me on Instagram at Jessn012!

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Living History: Summer Breeze

Summer Breeze
Circa: 1900's

      Today marks the beginning of a new series that brings history and fashion to life! When searching for fashion inspiration I often can't help but look towards the past. So many of the items we see on the catwalks of Paris and New York are influenced by styles and designs that are hundreds of years old. This summer one of my go to pieces is my long black skirt. I can dress it up for a night out or pair it with a cute tank top and sandals for a relaxed weekend getaway. 
      When I came across this beautiful and haunting photograph of a lady looking out over the water I not only fell in love with the image but it reminded me so much of what I have been wearing all summer. Granted in Houston during August the high collar shirt would have to go but overall I love the simple and timeless look! 

The Inspiration

I know the solemn monotone
Of waters calling unto me; 
I know from whence the airs have blown
That whisper of the Eternal Sea. 
                                                    John Greenleaf Whittier


          Below is my modern take on this beautiful Victorian beach look. You could create a fabulous vintage look with all of these items or choose one or two to add a touch of the past to your beach ensemble. I love the combination of a light airy white blouse paired with beautiful black skirt.  I found two perfect tops and couldn't choose... so I just included both!  With my fair complexion, a hat  and an umbrella are a must when I am spending all day at the ocean. I love the classic and timeless feel of this beautiful straw hat and gorgeous lace parasol. One of my most prized antique finds is a vintage straw hat from a turn of the century department store in downtown Paris, Texas! 
          What is an outfit without accessories?  Some of my favorite pieces of vintage jewelry are cameos.  If I am lucky enough to find them in a store or estate sale I buy them every time. They feel so regal, classic and will always be in style. Therefore, when I came across these earrings I was instantly in love!   And of course my look would not be complete without the perfect purse so I chose to go against tradition and chose a beautiful gold shell clutch for a touch of fun and whimsy! 
       I hope that this new series will inspire you to not only look to your current issue of Vogue for fashion inspiration, but also turn to your great grandmother's photographs, a fabulous vintage postcard or even a vintage magazine! Living History doesn't have to mean a costume, rather it's about bringing a touch of the past to your everyday life....and wardrobe! 

Summer Breeze