The Smithsonian Environmental Archaeology Laboratory has been documenting the little-known 20th century shell button industry since 2015. \; Dr. Jim Gibbs will join us to reveal how butt ons were created from exotic marine shells in small towns and rural commun ities in Delaware and Maryland during the 1920's through the 1990's. \ ; Participants will see what the shops and machinery looked like\, hear ab out how the region's men and women relied on the cash earned during the Gr eat Depression\, and how plastic replaced shell\, leaving only small marke ts for the buttons on dolls\, and sequins on entertainers' costumes.
\nRegister to receive the link to the Zoom meeting the day before the eve nt. \; \;
\nIf you require an ASL interpreter or other a ccommodation for this event\, please contact us at virtualservices@stmalib.org \;with as much n otice as possible\, but no later than five business days before the event date.
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