Suffragettes in Corselettes: The Evolution of Underwear and the 19th Amendment (NWL)

For centuries, women have allowed themselves to be squeezed, twisted, and squished to conform to desired shapes. The history of underwear reveals a lot about women’s changing roles in society – how we perceive ourselves, and how we’re viewed by others. The 1910s saw an end to the hourglass figure with a tiny waist. Women were finally able to breathe and move more freely. Did the demise of tightlacing help women gain the right to vote in 1920? Underwear matters.

This presentation is hands-on and participatory. Tight corseting exerted 22 pounds of pressure on internal organs – find out what that actually feels like! Experience the difficulty of completing everyday tasks while wearing a corset. Have you ever relay raced in a hobble skirt?!

Herstory Unsanitized presentations explore the engrossing “taboo” subjects omitted from history. When a zany teacher and grounded green witch join forces, they create Grounded Goodwife. Velya Jancz-Urban’s gregarious personality and Ehris Urban’s serene energy enable this mother/daughter duo to connect with audiences. Their delivery is funny and frank. Laugh, grimace, and honor our foremothers’ journeys.

PARKING: There is ample library event parking in the nearby Isham Garage. Please bypass the garage kiosks and come directly to the Noah Webster Library Meeting Room, 20 South Main Street, where you may validate your parking with your license plate number.