Family Day at the Library of Congress: 250 Years of American Fashion

Draw inspiration from collections displays of the Library’s fashion holdings to create your own fashion designs. Library experts from the American Folklife Center, Prints and Photographs Division, and Science and Business Reading Room will share insights into the icons, expression, tradition and industry of American fashion. Meet experts in 18th century historical costume from Mount Vernon and explore African American fiber arts traditions with the Legacy Collective. Join an author talk with Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest of the Little Rock Nine, and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton. They will discuss “Carlotta’s Special Dress: How a Walk to School Changed Civil Rights History,” a true story about a girl, her home-made dress, and the historic fight to attend an all-white school in Little Rock, Arkansas. A book signing will follow. Activities will be held on the mezzanine level of the Jefferson Building from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is free but timed-entry tickets are required to enter the building. Separate ticketing is required for the 11 a.m. author talk.