The Textiles and Clothing Department houses the Bertha and Edward Waldee Center for the Study of Costume. The Waldee Center helps encourage and promote the study, research, and appreciation of historic costume and textiles. It supports activities related to the Iowa State University Textiles and Clothing Costume and Textile Collection. Dr. Jane Farrell-Beck is curator of the collection.
Students use the collection in a variety of courses.
The surface designs and garment details are used as inspiration for designs. The collection provides examples of exquisite products from around the world for history and culture courses. Students research and display the products, as would be done in museum exhibits. Below are a few pieces from the Costume and Textile Collection. Iowa Style 1846-1996.