Abstract

Dress archives are critical repositories of material culture that preserve garments, textiles, and related objects as primary sources of historical evidence. Unlike written records, which often showcase elite perspectives, clothing provides insight into the everyday lives, identities, and experiences of individuals across social classes. This project examines the significance of dress archives and documents the process of organizing and preserving the Eastern Kentucky University Applied Human Sciences Department’s dress collection. Through an assessment of existing materials, storage conditions, and preservation needs, this study identifies both the challenges and opportunities present in managing a mixed media, partially undocumented collection. Guided by the core archival principles of provenance, original order, and respect des fonds, this project develops and implements a practical organizational framework to improve accessibility. Other literary sources were consulted on what researchers look for in archives. In addition to establishing a classification system, the project emphasizes proper conservation techniques, including the use of acid-free materials, appropriate storage methods, and environmental considerations. Research into professional archival practices and comparable collections further informs the methodology, highlighting the importance of balancing preservation with accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings. Ultimately, this project demonstrates that even small-scale archival interventions can significantly enhance the research value and longevity of a mixed media archival collection.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-4-2026

Mentor

Dr. Angela Dial

Mentor Department Affiliation

Applied Human Sciences

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

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Additional Files
K.Farler Archival Manual.pdf (90 kB)
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