Pensacola Museum of History opens new military textile exhibit

On Friday, Feb. 13, the Pensacola Museum of History opened a new exhibit entitled "Dressing History: Fabric of War," located in the Textile Gallery on the second floor of the museum. Through the examination of uniforms and functional textiles, the exhibit focuses on fabric as a central component of military innovation, while also revealing how changing realities of war have direct consequences to chosen fabric material.

The military textiles that are displayed at the exhibit explore how fabrics have shaped the American military experience, from clothing soldiers wore, to materials that protected, concealed and supported them during war efforts. As the articles on display move from the mid-1800s to the modern day, guests can learn how fabrics directly evolved alongside changes in technology, the environment and global conflicts. Up-close looks at uniforms, functional textiles and accompanying accoutrements allow guests to discover the ingenuity behind designs of iconic military pieces.

"This exhibition highlights military textiles from the UWF Historic Trust Collection, many of which are rarely displayed," said Jessie Cragg, curator of exhibits. "As a military town, Pensacola has a deep connection to this history, and the exhibit invites visitors to take a closer look at the uniforms and materials that shaped military life."

Highlighted pieces displayed at the exhibit include a Union Army shell jacket, WWI uniform jacket, WWII U.S. Army "Eisenhower" jacket, WWII U.S Marine Corps Dress Blues uniform, 1940s Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service jacket, and U.S. Navy cadet uniform dated 1950. Modern pieces include a U.S. Navy uniform from the 1980s and U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight suit from 2015.

"It is amazing to see how our military uniforms have evolved over the years," said Rob Overton, executive director for the UWF Historic Trust. "However, we should never forget that they all were once worn by men and women who served our country."

The Pensacola Museum of History is part of the UWF Historic Trust properties and sites. Located at 330 South Jefferson Street in downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Museum of History is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information about the UWF Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org.