LSMSA Alum discusses 1860s fashion with 'Topics in Women's History' Class

Safety has been paramount as the school has brought students back to campus in cohorts. Classes are hybrid so virtual students can participate from home. Sheffield joined virtual students on a Zoom call in coordination with Lankford’s in-person classes. Two 1860s style dresses that Sheffield created with a grant while she was in college were on display for students to examine while she discussed women’s clothing during that era.

“I'm so excited that my students had this opportunity to hear from a favorite alum and to observe her work and learn from her,” said Lankford. “Textile history is not a major focus of mine, so Rachel's perspective was refreshing and insightful.”

Sheffield is currently working for First State Heritage Park in Dover, Delaware, sewing historical garments. 

The opportunity for Lankford and Sheffield to collaborate came about while Rachel was home in Natchitoches over the Christmas break. They met (socially distanced) to catch up. 

“I’ve been focusing on historic fashion for an entire year now and it is the most amazing, fun, and humanizing way I’ve ever been able to study history,” said Sheffield. “I’m so thrilled that I can share my love and my knowledge with the Women’s History students, and I hope it inspires them too.”

The “Topics in Women’s History” class touches the women’s suffrage movement, increasing racial issues, access to education, and examines the difference between working women and women who emphasize their roles as wives and mothers.

Sheffield also plans to pop in later in the semester to talk about fashion in the 1880s and during the women’s suffrage movement. Her mother Juliana Sheffield, Assistant Director of Operations at LSMSA, helped set up the dresses for Lankford's class.