- Celebrate Unique Heroes With Historic Costumes - kconners on Morguefile
Whether it's a school project, an extra-credit assignment, or a Halloween party ensemble, historic costumes are a fun choice for kids looking for something "different". Costumes are simple to make and supplies are easy to find, although a little needle and thread is required to embellish them.
From heroic figures to scientific genius, kids will learn more about the history behind the famous figure of their choice as they assume the role. Help them choose subjects that inspire them or share their passions, or encourage them to branch out and learn something new about themselves through a historic role.
Wartime Nurses
Celebrate some of history's unsung heroes with a costume representing the wartime nurse from the Greatest Generation. A basic costume is simple: a white jumper, white leotards, and white shoes. A plain white apron needs only a Red Cross symbol sewn to the top; a simple nurse's hat can be made from a sheet of white paper and a Red Cross drawn by marker.
To complete the ensemble, make a traditional nurse's cape from a costume black cape or a secondhand coat with the arms removed (stitch closed the arm holes). A few gold or brass buttons sewn at the collar with red ribbon ties adds the finishing touch to an old-fashioned nurse's uniform.
Famous Scientists or Inventors
America's greatest scientific minds are food for school presentations and whacky Halloween costumes, too. An old tweed coat and tie, along with messy "white" hair powdered with talcum creates a likeness of Thomas Edison. Bring along a light bulb or two to show off Edison's greatest invention – or a DVD copy of the Edison company films for a cool show that wowed audiences a century ago.
A suit and a white lab coat can transform an ordinary kid into the legendary George Washington Carver, one of America's greatest scientific inventors. Bring along a jar of peanut butter and a few spoons to show off one of Carver's greatest discoveries: a host of unique uses for peanut crops, including the sweet kid-friendly favorite in the jar.
Suffragette Marchers
March for women's rights in an old-fashioned costume inspired by historic suffragette photos. A long skirt and plain white blouse are the basics for the costume, but what really makes it shine is the flowered broad-brimmed tea party hat. Trim an old sun hat or gardening hat with loads of fake flowers.
Use a strip of white fabric and a fabric marker to create a "Votes for Women" sash or other message banner to wear to make clear the message of this sassy historic female figure.
WWI Soldiers
A creative eye for detail can craft a simple World War One soldier's uniform, complete with battle helmet. Use a plain khaki or brown button-up shirt to create a soldier's coat, using a few brass-colored buttons as substitutes for regular ones; replace the collar button as well, since a uniform coat is buttoned above the throat.
Cut off a pair of old khakis or brown trousers to make a pair of knee breeches, paired with a pair of brown knee socks and brown shoes. Make a simple soldier's cap from two pieces of light brown felt cut in a trapezoid shape. Sew them together, making sure the circumference fits around the soldier's head.
From soldiers to scientists, a cool historic costume is the perfect visual aid for a school report or special project. Celebrate history and Halloween fun at the same time with a subtle tribute to unusual famous figures.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
