Old, New, Borrowed, Blue: Weddings in the Tri-Cities

This exhibit examined weddings in the Tri-Cities from the 1880s to the present. The stars of this show were, of course, the dresses worn by brides, but this exhibit included every detail that makes a wedding complete, such as the suits worn by grooms, accessories, invitations, and even a cake! For some events, such as the wedding of Esther Savidge to Nathaniel Robbins V in 1891, the Museum has a significant number of items to display. For others, we have only a certificate or photograph of the celebrants. The exhibit explored changes in the material culture of matrimony through the decades. Examining weddings as cultural events, the exhibit explored important events in the history of Tri-Cities nuptials including notable “firsts” and changes in trends that shaped the ways we celebrate weddings today. The exhibit also highlighted the economic importance of weddings to the area, as the Tri-Cities has become an important destination for weddings and honeymoons since the 1880s. By approaching the topic holistically, the exhibition provided visitors with a comprehensive picture of how weddings have changed in the Tri-Cities from the 1880s to the present.