Mission

We are committed to the ongoing work of fashion historians who seek to uncover and illuminate narratives that broaden our understanding of the world and its people. Historical research is not static; rather, it is ever evolving. As such, we resist one-dimensional accounts of fashion history and over-simplification of the past. We strive to understand the more nuanced and sometimes contested nature of fashion, clothing, and textiles in historical memory and to act as stewards of the archival objects held in the public trust.  

Vision

The ISU Textiles and Clothing Museum will ​be a leader in ​innovative teaching ​strategies, ​rigorous scholarly research, and ​meaningful service/outreach among ​its peer fashion museums and collections within Apparel, Merchandising, and Design​-related academic departments.

Values

  • Respect  
  • Accuracy in the presentation of information  
  • Source analysis from primary and secondary sources  
  • Reinterpretation of ever-evolving narratives  
  • Public relevance  
  • Contextualization  
  • Research Integrity  
  • A commitment to rigor in the ongoing work of fashion and textile history  
  • Stewardship of objects held in the public trust  
  • Object-based and experiential learning  
  • Care of objects and their associated narratives held in the archives