Reconnecting
June 2026
Hello friends,
It's been a long time, too long, since I sat down to create a blog post. I'm reconnecting with my passion for antique fashion, specifically women's Victorian & Edwardian attire of the Gilded Age.
Life has a way of getting one sidetracked. My detour began right around the Covid virus in 2020. My relationship and business took a total nose dive. I began having health issues and was struggling to do my job. I had developed an autoimmune disease, which really slowed me down. It sounds simple on paper. It was anything but simple, it was very complicated and overwhelming. I gave the business over to my partner and left MA to focus on my health, and my family, in PA. With that said, all of my interests took a back seat for two years. All of my energy was focused on trying to navigate my new normal and simply getting through the day.
I used to present historic fashion programs several times a year, traveling all over the east coast. After everything happened I wasn't sure if I would ever be able to present another one. I had more not so good days than good days, physically and emotionally.
In 2022 I got offered a job at the Pittston Memorial Library. At first I was hesitant, but I knew that I needed to get outside of my four walls if I was ever going to begin to heal. Books have always been a source of inspiration and delight for me. I was really looking forward to working in a library setting. Soon I got involved in the Friends of the Library planning committee. I was asked if I would present a "Gilded Age" Victorian & Edwardian fashions program at a ladies afternoon tea. I debated the decision. I was still struggling. Could I do it? I remembered many years ago when I was going through one of the most difficult times in my life. Taking a step out of my comfort zone and letting Victoriana Lady Lisa take the lead brought me out of my depression. I was willing to take the chance that it would work again. (It did!)
The library hosted the tea social on May 25, 2022. It was wonderful! We had a sold out event of 125 ladies. I'm happy to say that I was inspired not to pack my traveling museum trunks away. 😊
My ensemble is a circa 1900 Edwardian traveling suit. The hat is a vintage piece that I embellished with vintage flowers and Ostrich feathers.
All clothing & accessory pieces on display are authentic antique and vintage from my personal collection.
Greater Pittston Memorial Library Tea Social Program June 25, 2022
with author/historian Victoriana Lady Lisa
Ocean Grove is a quaint Victorian town in NJ. Many years ago our family vacationed there. If someone blindfolded you and dropped you off on one of the streets you would think you were in Cape May, NJ. However, unlike Cape May, numerous bed & breakfasts are beach front with lovely views of the ocean. There's nothing like a sunset over the ocean! Imagine my delight when I was contacted to present my traveling museum program for Ocean Grove's Illumination Night August 13, 2022.
Victoriana Lady Lisa presenting Fashions of "The Gilded Age" in Ocean Grove, NJ August 13, 2022
My ensemble is a circa 1900 Edwardian summer tea dress. My hat is a vintage piece that I embellished with vintage flowers and Ostrich feathers.
All clothing & accessory pieces on display are authentic antique and vintage from my personal collection.
Victoriana Lady Lisa presenting Fashions of "The Gilded Age" in Ocean Grove, NJ August 13, 2022
Illuminated Victorian homes in historic Ocean Grove, NJ
In 2023 I was invited to present a Victorian & Edwardian fashions program with my antique traveling museum in Scranton, PA. The Everhart Museum was celebrating their 115th anniversary. It was an honor to be a part of the Everhart history community day celebration.
My ensemble is a circa 1900 Edwardian traveling suit. The hat is a vintage piece that I embellished with vintage flowers and Ostrich feathers.
Author/historian Victoriana Lady Lisa at the Everhart Museum's 115th community day celebration
May 20, 2023
In August of 2025 I was invited back to Ocean Grove, NJ for their Victorian weekend celebration.
Anytime that I can be surrounded by 1800's architecture I'm in my happy place.
Victorian Weekend Ocean Grove, NJ
Beautiful gingerbread style Victorian homes abound
in Ocean Grove, NJ
Clarks Summit, PA is a wonderful area full of culture. One of the town gems is a fantastic place for community, arts and education called The Gathering Place.
In January of 2025 I had the pleasure of joining their committee of volunteers. They have numerous events for the community and also feature a permanent art gallery which features various local artists. I've enjoyed lectures, art shows and creative workshops. (I recently taught a workshop on making journals.)
When the committee asked me to present a "Gilded Age" fashions program I jumped at the chance.
June 6, 2026 Victoriana Lady Lisa at The Gathering Place, Clarks Summit, PA.
All photos are of my maternal ancestors.
My ensemble is a white cotton lawn shirtwaist with a lace insert skirt, circa 1900.
"Lucy" on the dress form is a lovely floral tea dress with matching slip, circa 1900.
The hats are vintage pieces that I embellished with vintage flowers and Ostrich feathers.
All clothing & accessory pieces on display are authentic antique and vintage from my personal collection.
I still deal with health issues, unfortunately.
Someone very dear to me once said, "To do is to heal."
I do what I can, when I can.
Besides, I'm Irish, we're survivors. 💚
Thanks for catching up with me.
Warm regards,
Lady Lisa
June 2026
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