Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #105841
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Description
Zilpah (Wadsworth) Longfellow mourned her brother Lieutenant Henry Wadsworth (1785-1804) after his death at the Battle of Tripoli in September 1804. It is said she wore this overdress, along with several corresponding pieces including a veil, bonnet, and shawl as part of her mourning attire. The overdress is all that survives of the dress itself.
The skirt is made from a slightly tighter weave fabric the bodice, suggesting the dress may have been altered later in the same decade. However, both fabrics are a sheer, black, plain weave gauze. A ribbon adds detail to the hem, but in keeping with mourning attire, there is little adornment. The overdress is extremely brittle.
Zilpah Longfellow (1778-1851) named her son, the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) in honor of her deceased brother.
About This Item
- Title: Zilpah Longfellow's mourning dress, Portland, ca. 1804
- Creation Date: circa 1804
- Subject Date: circa 1804
- Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: silk, cotton gauze
- Local Code: A85-876.1
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Clothing & dress
- Families--Maine--Portland
- Longfellow family
- Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth, 1807-1886--Family
- Longfellow, Zilpah Wadsworth, 1778-1851
- Mourning clothing & dress
- Mourning customs
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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More to Consider
Item 13203
Blowing Up of the Fireship Intrepid, Tripoli Harbor, 1804
Item 100199
Zilpah Wadsworth Longfellow, Portland, ca. 1846
Item 105342
Zilpah Wadsworth Longfellow's spencer jacket, Portland, 1827
Item 105485
Zilpah Longfellow's detailed silk gown, Portland, ca. 1822
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