Explore a wealth of researched resources tailored for historical interpreters from 1830 to 1870, enhancing your understanding and engagement with this fascinating era.

The Compendium

Welcome to Great Auntie Maude’s Curious Compendium of Mid-19th Century Knowledge!

Great Auntie Maude is a little prim, but she’s a reliable guide to the world of the mid-19th Century (1830-1870). Here you’ll find projects and articles to help you meet your own historical goals. Each has researched historical techniques, geometry, and notes. We believe Original Practice makes a lot of sense, and we encourage you to give it a try.

As with all our resources: each PDF is protected by copyright and licensing rights. They are intended for personal, non-commercial use. Do not make items for sale from these resources. To share the resources, please refer your friends directly to this site, so they will always have access to the most current version! Do not rehost, publish, or sell these PDF resources.

Draft-Your-Own with Elizabeth Stewart Clark

Draft-Your-Own Split Drawers

Draft-Your-Own Chemise

Draft-Your-Own Petticoat

Garment Study Projects

The Mahaffie Sunbonnet — Make a sunbonnet with features from a mid-century bonnet in the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Hand- or machine-sewn, with options for a plain or ruffled edge, you’ll use simple techniques to create your own 19th century sun protection. Click the image to open the PDF.