Professional women of the early and mid-1900s followed dreams and necessity to pursue careers and work that was often outside the norm—and that came with a price. Held to different standards, which are especially easy to see in dress, women usually obliged and persevered.
The unique challenges faced by pioneering professional women is apparent as you tour the exhibit Women at Work. Consider that Colonel Vera Jones, the highest ranking female Marine stationed in the jungles of Vietnam, was required to wear a girdle, hose and heals while her male counterparts wore fatigues. Or teachers at Auburn’s Central School who were dismissed from their positions once they married. Or the many layers in the traditional habits required of a Catholic nun. Each uniform on display brings with it the story of that profession and of the times.
The foundation of this exhibit is the remarkable collection of Alice and Steve Miller who have assembled hundreds of women’s historic military and nursing uniforms—complete from shoes to hats. Eight of the sixteen ensembles on display are on loan from their collection. Alice Miller has served as the guest curator with supplemental labels written by Green River College Professor, Dr. Michelle Marshman.
