This year marks a momentous occasion for the Museum of Riverside as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. To honor this remarkable milestone, the Museum’s Heritage House is unveiling a special exhibition, “Roaring Riverside: Fashions of the 1920s,” which opens to the public on September 6, 2024. The exhibition promises to transport visitors back in time to an era of glitz, glamour, and social revolution, capturing the essence of the 1920s through the lens of Riverside’s most fashionable residents.
The Roaring Twenties, known for its cultural dynamism and radical shifts in fashion, is brought to life in this exhibition, which highlights the wardrobe and accessories of some of Riverside’s most prominent women of the time. On display are dresses and accessories once owned by iconic figures such as Minerva Cook Estudillo, Frances Tetley Harthan, Elizabeth K. Magarigal, Lela Lockwood Noble, and Lydia Ryan. These women were not just style icons of their day but were also influential figures within Riverside’s social and cultural circles. The exhibition sheds light on their lives, showcasing the stunning outfits they likely wore to some of the city’s most exclusive venues, from the historic Mission Inn to the Loring Theater, where they would have been seen enjoying the latest performances and social gatherings.
The dresses on display are more than just garments; they are works of art that reflect the carefree spirit and joie de vivre that defined the 1920s. Richly beaded and adorned with intricate designs, these pieces sparkle with the same energy and optimism that characterized the decade. Visitors will be able to admire the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating these outfits, which served as both fashion statements and symbols of the newfound freedom and independence women experienced during this era.
The Museum of Riverside’s history is as rich and vibrant as the fashions it now celebrates. The Museum was born from a celebration itself, with its inaugural event taking place on December 12, 1924. Over the past century, the Museum has grown to become a vital institution in the Riverside community, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region’s cultural and historical heritage. The “Roaring Riverside” exhibition is not only a tribute to the fashions of the 1920s but also a reflection of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to education, preservation, and celebration of Riverside’s unique history.
To complement the exhibition, the Museum of Riverside is hosting a series of free, family-friendly events that invite the community to engage with the exhibition in a fun and interactive way. On Friday, September 13, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., visitors can take part in a special guided tour with the Curator, who will provide deeper insights into the exhibition, the stories behind the garments, and the lives of the women who wore them. This intimate tour offers a rare opportunity to learn about the historical context of the fashion and how it reflected broader societal changes during the 1920s.
For those looking to experience the lively spirit of the Roaring Twenties firsthand, the Museum is hosting a special event on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy musical performances by students from the Riverside Arts Academy, who will bring the sounds of the 1920s to life. Additionally, guests can participate in Charleston dance lessons led by guest instructor Tatyana Alford, who will guide participants through the energetic steps of this iconic dance that swept the nation during the Jazz Age.
The “Roaring Riverside: Fashions of the 1920s” exhibition will be open until January 2025, giving visitors ample time to explore this fascinating period in Riverside’s history. The exhibition not only celebrates the centennial of the Museum of Riverside but also offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how fashion and culture have evolved over the past century, and how the 1920s continue to inspire modern-day aesthetics.
For more information about the exhibition, events, and the Museum of Riverside, follow the Museum on Facebook and Instagram. The Museum of Riverside is proud to have the support of the City of Riverside in bringing this exhibition to the community.
Don’t miss this chance to step back in time and experience the glamour, excitement, and transformative power of the 1920s at the Museum of Riverside’s Heritage House. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fashion aficionado, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, “Roaring Riverside: Fashions of the 1920s” is an exhibition that promises to captivate and inspire.
