History in Our Soles: The Story of Shoes Exhibit

Image of exhibit The Story of Shoes, open now through June 2014 at the Franchere Education Center, Mabee Farm Historic Site.

Shoes carry us through the world. A farmer pulls on his wooden clogs to head out into his field, a bride steps into a pair of satin heels on her wedding day, businesspeople slip on their shoes before going to work. What we put on our feet varies based on our age, occupation, and activities. Shoes can tell the people around us our occupations, our fashion sense, or our status in society. They may lace, tie, or Velcro, but each one of them has a story hidden in their sole. We invite you to step into the exhibit and experience pieces of our past, as told by these wonderful shoes.

You can learn more about what shoes tell us about history and daily life at the exhibit The Story of Shoes, now on exhibit through June 2014 at the Franchere Education Center at the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction. A sneak peek at the exhibit and some of the artifacts on display are included here. For more information about the exhibit, please contact our Educator/Assistant Curator Jenna Peterson or call 518-887-5073.

The shoes of Deborah Glen of Scotia -- made from satin and careful, slow stitches -- are indicative of clothing and accessories of a wealthy woman. Glen's matching dress is also on display. Image of exhibit The Story of Shoes, open now through June 2014 at the Franchere Education Center, Mabee Farm Historic Site.

Image of exhibit The Story of Shoes, open now through June 2014 at the Franchere Education Center, Mabee Farm Historic Site.

One of a number of pairs of women's wooden clogs on display. In the Netherlands, much of the country sits in low, damp ground. It is great for tulips, but not so good for your feet! As a result, many people wore clogs. When Dutch immigrants came to the New World, they brought the idea of clogs with them. Clogs keep the feet dry and warm, and keep your regular shoes from falling apart. Image of exhibit The Story of Shoes, open now through June 2014 at the Franchere Education Center, Mabee Farm Historic Site.

Shoes from H.S. Barney & Company in Schenectady. During the Industrial Revolution, shoe-making became quick and easy, and shoe sizes became standardized. The first American department stores opened in the late 1840s. Everything a family needed, in multiple styles, all in one place. Howlain Swain (H.S.) Barney arrived in Schenectady in 1836 and began to work in the dry goods business. In 1855, he purchased interest in Barringer & Company dry goods. By 1858, he bought out his partners and became the owner of the company, which he renamed H.S. Barney & Company. Barney’s remained in business through 1974. Image of exhibit The Story of Shoes, open now through June 2014 at the Franchere Education Center, Mabee Farm Historic Site.