A study in nineteenth-century American costumes based on Mary Todd Lincoln and Thomas 'Tad' Lincoln

An interest in nineteenth century history led to a desire to study the construction of American garments during this period. The historical figures, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Thomas "Tad" Lincoln, her son were selected as the basis of a study of mid-Victorian costume pattern-making and construction.; The main goal in pursuing this project was to gain a better understanding of the historical zeitgeist of the period and the pattern making and construction of American women's, and children's nineteenth century garments. The objectives of the thesis were to: (1) study, organize and research what Americans wore in the mid-Victorian era; (2) examine the life of Mary Todd Lincoln and her son Thomas "Tad" Lincoln between 1860 and 1865; (3) use background research to identify shapes, develop scaled patterns and construct exhibit-worthy garments that were representative of the wardrobe of Mary Todd Lincoln; and (4) use background research to identify pattern shapes and develop scaled patterns for Thomas "Tad" Lincoln.