This past November, the Plymouth Antiquarian Society welcomed two esteemed textile conservators, Katy O’Donnell of KWO Textiles and Renee Walker-Tuttle of ConText LLC, to the Hedge House for a preliminary assessment of our remarkable historic clothing collection. Spanning over a century of acquisitions, this collection reflects the lives and stories of generations past. The conservators’ visit marks the first step in an ambitious effort to better preserve and exhibit these artifacts, with a comprehensive inventory reconciliation planned as a priority for 2025.

During their visit, the conservators conducted a detailed examination of storage spaces and cataloging practices. They assessed the cubic footage of storage areas, noted item types and quantities—from hats to shoes to garments—and identified potential risks such as environmental factors and pest vulnerabilities. Their initial recommendations include improvements to climate control, lighting, and safety measures, aligning with national conservation standards.

Beyond their on-site work, the conservators will provide PAS with a strategic roadmap for collection care and management. This plan will address improved storage solutions, workspace needs for cataloging textiles, and strategies for potential deaccessioning of duplicate or non-mission-aligned items. They will also share resources such as grant opportunities and connections to museum storage experts to help PAS implement these recommendations.

This project is essential for the long-term preservation of our historic clothing collection, one of PAS’s most significant cultural assets. By addressing current challenges and planning for future growth, including hiring a part-time Collections Manager, we are ensuring these artifacts can continue to educate and inspire. The inventory reconciliation in 2025 will be transformative, helping us better understand our collection and opening new opportunities for public engagement through exhibitions and educational programs. This initiative represents an exciting new chapter for PAS as we safeguard these irreplaceable pieces of history for generations to come.

The Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s 74th old-fashioned Summer Fair will be held on Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Hedge House, 126 Water Street, Plymouth. Shoppers can browse the fair tables for attic treasures and collectibles, second-hand books, gifts, crafts, and vintage and contemporary jewelry. Some of Plymouth’s finest home cooks contribute fresh-made goods to the Bake Table. It all takes place under a tent on the Hedge lawn, making this a rain-or-shine event.

The Antiquarian Fair also features a raffle with chances to win a 10-ft. kayak with paddle, a tour and beer tasting for 10 people courtesy of Mayflower Brewing Company, kid’s bicycles, specialty-themed gift baskets, and more. Raffle tickets are now available at $1 each or 6 for $5 at the Antiquarian Society main office at the Hedge House. Call 508-746-0012 or email info@plymouthantiquarian.org to arrange a time to stop by and purchase your raffle tickets. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the event. The drawings will be held at 5 p.m. on August 24. Winners do not need to be present for the drawing but all prizes must be picked up in Plymouth.

The historic 1809 Hedge House will be open for tours during the event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child, $5 for Plymouth resident adults, and $2 for Plymouth resident children. Members of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society are admitted for free.

All proceeds support the Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s mission to preserve and share local history. Founded in 1919, the Plymouth Antiquarian Society is Plymouth’s largest organization dedicated to preserving historic houses and landmarks. Serving as Plymouth’s historical society, the nonprofit organization interprets the community’s post-Pilgrim history in three historic museums dating from the late 17th to the early 19th century.