Giving Tuesday: Marjorie Russell Clothing & Textile Research Center

After the whirlwind that is Black Friday we like to participate in a relatively new tradition, “Giving Tuesday.” Today, 20% of proceeds from all American Duchess orders will be donated to the Nevada State Museum’s Marjorie Russell Clothing & Textile Research Center.

This collection is dear to my heart. I’ve written about the Marjorie Russell collection a few times in the past. It’s Nevada’s best kept secret for dress historians, researchers, and costumers, as this unassuming little bunker in the high desert holds a significant collection of 19th and 20th century Nevada-provenance historical clothing, and even has a few surprises like my favorite bright yellow 1780s robe a l’Anglaise.

As part of the Nevada State Museum, the Marjorie Russell Center shares funding with several railroad museums, historical societies, and other locations and focuses. It is rare for the center to receive a direct donation, so this is our mission!

On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, we’re donating 20% of the proceeds from all orders on both our USA and European websites directly to the Marjorie Russell Clothing & Textile Research Center to support ongoing conservation, study, documentation, and exhibition of these important historical garments and accessories.

The Marjorie Russell Clothing & Textile Research Center is located in Carson City, Nevada, and is open to the public by appointment only. Curator Jan Loverin has managed the collection for decades and is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about these artifacts. For those passing through Carson City, Nevada, call 775-687-6173 to schedule a time to visit.

A few choice gowns from the collection – a Fortuny Delphos gown worn by Ludavica Graham, Eileen Dolan’s 1866 brown silk wedding gown, and a 1909 white chiffon gown worn by Una Reilly Dickerson to the opening of the Governor’s Mansion.

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