6:00-6:45
Buttons, Buckles, and Bayonets: What People Wore to the American Revolution.
Sara Rivers Cofield will share her extensive knowledge about the everyday clothing and accessories of American men and women c 1770-1790, with emphasis on the durable hardware that survives in the archaeological record.
She will bring along some of the rarely viewed artifacts from the collections held at the Maryland Archaeological conservation laboratory, such as buttons, buckles, and wearable weapons that you can look at up close and personal (No Touching Though!) She will also share some of her 18th century garments from her private costume collection.
Speaker Bio: Sara Rivers Cofield is an archaeological curator who has been collecting antique clothing since the 1990s. Since becoming the Curator of Federal Collections at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory in 2004, she has developed a niche expertise in archaeological “small finds,” especially metals such as equestrian artifacts and personal adornment hardware. The historic garments she collects as a hobby help her teach other archaeologists how to put artifacts such as buttons, buckles, parasol parts, purse frames, and crinoline wires in the context of the fashion history they represent.
Join the speakers from 6:45 to 7:30 to see first hand some of the compelling and authentic 18th century artifacts from the State’s collection
Revolutionary Spirits: Colonial Chesapeake Taverns
Rod Cofield, Executive Director of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, will share stories about colonial Chesapeake taverns. Hear stories of drunken brawls, see artifacts from colonial taverns, and learn of connections to the American Revolution. Cofield will also provide an overview of how Jefferson Patterson helps promote historic preservation and local heritage Statewide. (Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum connects people to the past through history and archaeology and supports the preservation of Maryland’s cultural and natural resources. )
Speaker Biography – Rod Cofield is the Executive Director at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. Rod was previously the executive director at Historic London Town and Gardens. He spent the first few years of his museum career at Historic St. Mary’s City. During his time in the museum world, Rod has had the pleasure of researching and interpreting such topics as colonial hearth cooking, square-rigged ships, early printing in Maryland, and taverns. Rod is a native Marylander always happy to learn about the history of the Chesapeake region.
