CIVILIAN COSTUME Competition

Civilian Costume Events

The N-SSA is dedicated to preserving multiple facets of cultural history of the American Civil War, including the civilian clothing worn during the time.

Created to encourage historical research, this competition and the wearing and display of authentically reproduced garments, adds educational components for both the participants and general public alike.

The competition is open to anyone interested in civilian clothing worn during the years 1861-1865. With a 60 plus year history, the committee utilizes a scoring system aimed at awarding accuracy in research, construction, knowledge, and overall appearance.

In order to compete in competition, you need to be issued a competitor number, register according the established procedures and not have previously been barred from N-SSA activities.

152nd Fall National Costume Committee Photos

The Costume Committee displayed antique undersleeves, for education and study. Our own handmade undersleeves will be the Special Project for the May 2026 Nationals.

Friday's workshop "take-away" was a reproduction dance card and journal. Peggy Edwards-Shaw provided kits and instructions.

**Elizabeth Weaver-1st Place, Children's Best Visual**
Elizabeth is wearing a rural farm dress, in a cotton print calico fabric. Her accessories are a sun bonnet, apron and sturdy boots for farm chores.

**Edward Weaver-2nd Place, Children's Best Visual**
Edward is quite proud to wear the same uniform as his father: a gray sack coat and trousers, leather cap pouch, canteen, CSA belt buckle, leather boots and wool kepi.

**Beth Hines- The Susan Brisban Award, for her handmade collars and cuffs, Seamstress-Beth Hines**
Beth, winner of the Susan Brisban Award for collars and cuffs, displays beautiful whitework on linen, with pulled and drawn threads and rolled hems.

**Nelda Platz- 1st Place Women's Semi-Formal (Regular Competition), and Delaney Award, Seamstress- Nelda Platz**
Nelda has become quite the seamstress, sewing and starching underpinnings, and creating a seasonal brown cotton print dress with bishop sleeves, ruffled cuffs, and a simple round bodice. Nelda will be warm, wearing her brown wool paletot coat with black lace trim, and a quilted wool hood. This unusual hood pattern is sourced from Kay Fig Patterns, and was recreated from Der Bazar, La Mode Illustree, and Godey's 1860.

Fashion Show

The Costume Committee of the N-SSA entertained the troops with a timeline fashion show. Here are some highlights from the event.

Costume Commitee’s Schedule

Workshop/Sewing Circle Topic/Item

Spring 2026 - Chemisette

Fall 2026 - TBD

Susan Brisbane/Special Project Items

Spring 2026 - Undersleeves

Fall 2026 - Chemisette

Spring 2027 - TBD

Civilian Costume Committee Events are held in Memorial Park. In case of inclement weather, competition is held in the lower level of the Museum.

COMPETITION FEES:
Sewing Circle – no fees charged, all are welcomed to attend.
N-SSA member’s child: $3.00
N-SSA member, teen or adult family member: $5.00
Non-member adult participation: $10.00
Non-member children under 12 years of age: $5.00 (exception of Boy’s Civilian, which is under 15 years of age)

Costume Competition Forms

Getting Started in the N-SSA Costume Competition 2024

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Susan Brisbin Special Project award is presented at each nationals. The costume committee determines the single item for this competition. The item could be an underpinning, accessory, or specific article of clothing.

The item may be for a man, woman or child.
Items are judged on a point system.

Judging for the Special projects is held on Saturday of each nationals and you must register for this competition.

Click here for Registration Form

Examples of our Judging Forms

The Costume Committee has a new Facebook page: Civilian Costuming in the N-SSA. On this page you will find, informative articles, resources, photos and competition results, the link is below.

Civilian Costuming in the N-SSA | Facebook