The Tama County Historical and Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday May 5, at the Museum in Toledo.

The guest speaker will be Kelly Schott of Gladbrook who will be discussing fabrics. The program, “What Fabrics Tell Us”, is about the role and importance of fabrics in history.

All fabrics tell stories, whether the fabric is a dress, quilt, sofa cover, shawl or a hat, the possiblities are endless. Every item tells a story, it speaks of how it was made, it tells a date, it tells its purpose.

Fabrics also express joy and sorrow: wedding dresses to mourning clothing, they are all expressions of feelings. Fabrics allow for personal expression and have hidden meanings that follow strict etiquette rules.

For example: with 19th. Century mourning clothing, you had to wear a dull black. It could not reflect the light, but as time passed – six months to a year later, you could wear a different shade – type of black, so when you went out people could judge as to what stage of mourning you were in.

Just like today, blue is pretty standard for baby boys, and pink for baby girls. Even if you are unsure of the baby’s gender, the coloring of the clothing and accessories will tell you if it is a boy or girl – again Fabrics.

The public is invited to the museum, and encouraged to bring a special piece of fabric to the program. Schott will try to date the item and explain the history behind it and why it is what it is. At previous talks people have brought wedding dresses, grandma’s baby clothes, civil war quilts etc…

The program will conclude with a short talk on the proper storage and care of fabrics.