Workshop: Collections Camp: Textiles (June 2026)

Workshop Description 

Do you have clothing and/or textiles in your museum collection? Do you want to learn more about storing and displaying these items safely to prolong their lifespans, and understand more about their dates and constructions? This two-day workshop will focus on the care and conservation of textiles in museum collections, including storage, exhibiting, identifying unknown dates and materials, and more. Spend time working with an expert to learn how to be a better steward of your textile collection.

Details

FORMAT: On-site group workshop

LENGTH: Two days 

DATE: June 22-23, 2026

LOCATION: Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Hartford, CT

MATERIALS: Workshop materials will be provided upon registration and in-person at the event.

COST: $300 AASLH Members/$425 Nonmembers
** Price increases $50 after May 22 2026! (Early bird discount applied automatically at checkout) **

OPEN REGISTRATION: January 14, 2026 - June 15, 2026; 35 participant limit

BOOK DISCOUNT CODE: Registrants for this workshop also receive a 30% discount on Karen DePauw's book The Care and Display of Historic Clothing with a promo code in their confirmation email.

Participant Outcomes

As a result of this workshop, participants will:

• Gain general knowledge of the basic types of costumes and textiles common in American museum collections.
• Gain general knowledge of the particular needs of costume and textile collections including proper identification, handling, and basic conservation.
• Become familiar with some of the current issues and trends in the preservation of costume and textile collections.
• Explore the variety of issues related to exhibiting and storing costume and textile collections.
• Become familiar with simple conservation procedures that are safe to perform on their costume and textile collections.
• Be aware of when they should call a professional conservator for problems with their costume and textile collections.

Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email or mail. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Programs staff at 615-320-3203 or learn@aaslh.org.   

Where is this workshop being held? 

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 

1 Elizabeth St, Hartford, CT 06105

I am driving to the workshop, where do I park?

The museum has two large parking lots and you are free to park in any of them. Handicap accessible parking is to the right of the building.

I'm without a car for the workshop, can I take an Uber?

Uber and other ride shares are available in Hartford.

How do I get in the building?

Please enter through the auditorium door entrance. Look for the sandwich board outside the entrance!

Can we eat and drink in the meeting space?

Yes, food and drink are allowed at your table. We encourage you to keep liquids in a lidded container to prevent spills.

How will lunch work?

Both days we will stop for a lunch break at the attendees expense. Typically, attendees will carpool to nearby places to grab a quick bite and head back. It allows locals to share their knowledge, show off the local flavor, and for attendees to make connections from around the country and build relationships with fellow professionals in the history field. The Museum suggests Parkville Market and Tangiers for something close and quick.

What about dinner?

Dinner is on your own but feel free to use that time to continue spending time with your fellow attendees. The Area Restaurants document link below will let you download a document of places to eat near the museum, in Hartford, and in West Hartford.

Area Restaurants

Have more questions? Email arthur@aaslh.org and we will get back to you!