News Release

What, No Clothing Stores on the Frontier?

Image of a straw bonnet, blue dress, and a white petticoat laid out on the floor.

NPS Photo: C. Brenner

News Release Date: February 17, 2020

Contact: Carl Brenner, 620-223-0310

Fort Scott National Historic Site is celebrating Women's History Month in March with two living history clothing workshops focusing on mid-19th century women.

The Bonnet Workshop is Saturday, March 7, from 9 am to 1 pm and the Petticoat Workshop is Saturday, March 14, from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Please call or text Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 to reserve a spot.

Bonnet Workshop: During this bonnet workshop, you will learn the popular styles of the time period and create a straw bonnet for yourself or the fort's "magic room" clothing closet. Knowledge of basic hand sewing skills is recommended. Please call or text Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 by Friday, February 21 if you plan to attend. You will receive a materials list upon registration if you are making a bonnet for yourself. This includes a source for ordering the straw bonnet form you will need for the workshop. Supplies for individuals making bonnets for the magic room will be furnished.

Petticoat Workshop: Learn about mid-19th century skirt supports and create a corded petticoat for yourself or the fort's "magic room" clothing closet.  Basic sewing skills are required. A sewing machine is desirable but not mandatory as the fort has two machines available. Please call or text Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 by March 7 if you plan to attend. A materials list is available for those creating their own petticoat. Fabric and other supplies are available to those making petticoats for the magic room.

From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.