THS Textile and Costume Collection
In 2025, the Truro Historical Society undertook a comprehensive re-cataloguing of our textile collection, which spans from the early 19th century through the mid-20th century.
More than 530 garments, accessories, and textile artifacts were meticulously catalogued, researched, organized, and archived as part of this effort.
This renewed level of documentation and care ensures that our collection is not only preserved for future generations, but also readily accessible—allowing us to integrate our textiles more effectively into exhibitions, educational programs, and interpretive displays.
Here’s a sampling from our collection:
Women's Collection
Women’s Dresses
Explore the Truro Historical Society’s collection of women’s dresses and discover how style has changed over time. From everyday outfits to elegant, high-fashion pieces, these garments show what life—and clothing—looked like for women in several different eras.
Women’s Hats
Explore a sampling of women’s hats from our collection—once essential accessories that expressed style, status, and personality. Browse these unique pieces and discover how materials and fashions changed over time.
Josephine Nivison Hopper Collection
Our collection includes three dresses belonging to Josephine (“Jo”) Nivison Hopper (1883-1968), an accomplished artist in her own right, donated to Truro Historical Society by Anton and Laurence Schiffenhaus.
Each summer, one dress is displayed in the Hopper Room on the second floor of the Highland House Museum, offering a personal glimpse into her life.
The Hoppers first visited Truro in 1930 and purchased their home here in 1934, returning every summer until their deaths.
