Costume & Textile Society

Do you love all things fabric and textile? Are you interested in learning more, sharing your knowledge, and meeting a group of enthusiasts who are invested with the same passion? The Costume and Textile Society is for you and we invite you to join.

Founded in 1984 to support the Costume and Textile Department of the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Society also provides many educational, creative and social opportunities for its members.

C&TS members can volunteer to plan and attend a variety of events:

  • Lectures by speakers such as designers, fashion historians, curators, authors, collectors
  • Visits to fashion and textile-related exhibitions
  • Social events—Fall Kick-off Meeting and Annual Meeting in the spring
  • Occasional fundraisers that provides supplemental funds to the Costume and Textile Department

Whether you are fascinated by the history of costumes and textiles, the social and economic aspects of the textile and garment industry or the contemporary fashion designs, we encourage you to join the Costume and Textile Society.

Complete the C&TS registration form to join or renew your membership today!

Please note that C&TS memberships are only available to current Wadsworth Atheneum members. Not a member? Click here to join or renew today!

C&TS Membership Levels

Fashionista ($50)                                                                                  

  • Newsletter with calendar
  • Listing in Directory

Student ($10)
All benefits above with proper ID

Fiber Artist ($100)
All benefits above, plus:

  • Special recognition in the Membership Directory
  • One free museum guest pass

Tailor ($250)
All benefits above, plus:

  • 50% off one C&TS event

Collector ($500)
All benefits above, plus:

  • One free C&TS event
  • Private behind the scenes tour of new acquisitions – based on curatorial availability

Gold Thread Circle ($1,000)
All benefits above, plus:

  • One free C&TS event
  • Private curator-led tour highlighting the integration of costumes and textiles in the permanent collection and exhibitions

For more information email membership@thewadsworth.org.

Image: Detail of Jacket, 2008. Dries Van Noten. Silk, cotton, and metal fiber, with cork beads. Gift of Linda Cheverton Wick, 2019.17.7