Talk to explore women’s undergarments

Corsets, girdles, brassieres, petticoats, chemises, bloomers, stockings, bustles and hoop skirts. That may sound like wardrobe inventory for actors in “Gone with the Wind” (and you wouldn’t be far off) but these ladies’ undergarments represent how women throughout history have outfitted themselves in accordance with the prevailing image of ideal womanhood. If what strikes you is how restrictive many of these garments were, you might be on to something.

Diane Johnston, a theatrical costume designer with 35 years of professional experience, will explore the connection between the restrictions on women’s bodies and the limitations placed by society on women themselves in a free presentation, “Hidden Layers: Women’s Undergarments and How They’ve Shaped Ladies’ Liberties.” The talk at the Camas Public Library on March 5 is one in a series of Clark County Historical Museum events featuring speakers from Humanities Washington.