uests were transported to the past this weekend as they dressed in Victorian clothing, sipped tea and learned about history.

The Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center held a “Mad About Hats” Victorian tea party in their second-floor ballroom Sunday afternoon. At the event, attendees could drink tea as well as eat finger sandwiches, cakes, scones and other desserts.

Guest speaker Alisa Dupuy, owner of Ladies of History, also gave a presentation on a range of subjects within the Victorian era. Topics included the history of tea, early inventions such as photography during the Industrial Revolution and the evolution of Victorian fashions such as hats, undergarments and dresses worn during the 1800s.

The dress of the times

Dupuy explained that she has always enjoyed history and has been performing historical presentations and re-enactments through her business Ladies of History established in 2006.

Aside from Victorian era shows, Dupuy performs as figures ranging from the period of Queen Elizabeth I to World War II.

Dupuy also explained the importance of learning about the lives and the impact of women throughout history.

“Most of my shows are about women in history and I think for too long we didn’t hear about all of the amazing things that women did. So my goal is usually to bring the names of women who did important things to light and also to debunk myths.”

Dupuy concluded by emphasizing the importance of learning about history and supporting historical organizations.

“I just think that it’s really important to keep history going. This country has so much to offer in terms of historical places and it’s really important to support the groups that are trying to keep these places open and known to the public. So anything that anyone can do to help keep these places going by visiting them or attending their events goes a long way to achieving that goal.”

A hat above the rest

Being a formal event, attendees arrived dressed in their best attire. Many people even wore hats for the title of Most Fantastic Hat.

The winner of the contest was Nile Wilson from Lancaster.

What stood out about Wilson was the fact that she handmade not only her hat, but also her dress and her two daughters’ outfits as well.

Wilson explained that she loved being able to dress up for the occasion, especially considering that in modern times, reasons for wearing fancy clothing do not often come up.

A major reason why Wilson enjoyed the event was to see the samples of Victorian clothing in person as opposed to photos or behind a glass.

“I think my favorite part was seeing actual samples of garments because you don’t often see them or get to touch them.”

Wilson talked about how she enjoyed Dupuy’s presentation on Victorian fashion.

“I just like learning. I love history and I just love learning about the outfits throughout time and how they changed and how the silhouettes of women changed over time.”

Keeping the center alive

Organizers Barbara Mumma and Karliene Zack said that the proceeds of the event will go back into operating costs for the museum and cultural center as well as the Kemmerer Carriage House.

Mumma emphasized Jim Thorpe’s impact as a historical town as well as how they differ from other towns in preserving their origins.

“People need to cherish their heritage, and this town really is a beautiful historic town. For other people, their towns don’t maintain their buildings or keep them, but when you come here you feel like you’re back in the 1800s.”

Zack encouraged people to attend the museum to learn about the area’s rich history.

“It’s important because we tell the story of Mauch Chunk and when and why we became Jim Thorpe and it’s a very important and interesting story. If you come to the museum you’ll learn all about how important this little town was to the Industrial Revolution in this country and all of the amazingly rich people who lived here.”

An event titled “Treasures of Mauch Chunk” is tentatively scheduled in November at the museum where attendees can view all of the most recent acquisitions on display.

For more information on future museum events, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MauchChunkMuseum.

To learn more about Ladies of History, visit www.theladiesofhistory.com.