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LeClaire's Women in History Tea Party series continues with an 'unmentionable' topic

The second tea party in the series will be held on June 8. The topic is Victorian-era nightgowns (scandalous to talk about at the time) and their influences.

LE CLAIRE, Iowa — The public is invited to join the Buffalo Bill Museum of LeClaire at its second Women in History Tea Party on Saturday, June 8 at the Holiday Inn Express LeClaire at 1201 Canal Shore Drive. The cost is $15 per person. 

This tea party will focus on an 'unmentionable' topic—or, what would have been at the time it was popular. Guest speaker Carol Kenealy will present on women's nightwear during the Victorian period. 

Kenealy will dive into the history of the garments from 1860 to 1900, with examples, and share how they were influenced by fashion, fabrics, sewing techniques, lifestyles and customs. 

With each nightgown she shows, Kenealy will also discuss the major historical events of the decade it represents. According to the museum, specific topics of interest will be the woven cloth industry, the first sewing machines for domestic use, the pearl button industry, different types of ruffles, nightcaps and the introduction of ready-to-wear.

There will also be sweet treats, coffee and tea provided. Guests are also encouraged to dress up in era-appropriate clothes, although it is not required. 

The Women in History Teas are a fundraiser for the museum's upcoming Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, happening June 29-30. A group of reenactors will bring 30 cowboys on horseback to Cody School to perform the biggest show they've done in 10 years, according to the museum's executive director, Rita Farro.  

The first tea party in the series focused on the so-called Harvey Girls.

You can reserve your tickets here, or by calling the Buffalo Bill Museum at 563-289-5580. 

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