Suffragettes in Corselettes: The Evolution of Underwear & Our 19th Amendment

Join us to laugh, grimace, and honor our foremothers’ journeys while we learn about the history of underwear and what it reveals about women's changing roles in society. For centuries, women have allowed themselves to be squeezed, twisted, and squished to conform to desired shapes. 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. Try on a bum roll, farthingale, and crinoline.

Herstory Unsanitized presentations explore the engrossing “taboo” subjects omitted from history. When a vivacious 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. 

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