Tailor - Historic Clothing & Dress

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th‑century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living‑history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is 301 acres with 89 original buildings and 525 reconstructed buildings, staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and the John

D. Rockefeller Jr. Library. In addition, Colonial Williamsburg offers world‑class accommodations including the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels & Suites, and the unique Colonial Houses. Visitors may enjoy food and drink at on‑site restaurants and taverns.

About The Position

The Tailor constructs 18th‑century style garments and accessories from historically accurate patterns using both historical and modern sewing methods and a variety of natural fibers, including wool, silk, linen, and cotton. Choices related to construction must be made with a clear understanding of the fashion of the latter 18th century. All team members are expected to work quickly and execute tasks with speed and accuracy.

• Construct garments using knowledge of historical and modern sewing techniques as directed by the cutter/draper and first hands. Tailor A will execute those techniques using both hand sewing and machine sewing.
• Alter garments per Cutter/Draper’s or First Hand’s instructions.
• Assist Cutter/Draper or First Hands with fittings as needed.
• Consult with First hands, Cutter/Draper, and Department Manager about finishing techniques to produce accurate, wearable, and historically representative garments worn by ordinary people in 18th‑century Williamsburg.
• Communicate any complications, textile issues, garment construction problems, or needs quickly and efficiently with the First Hands and Cutter/Draper.
• Analyze garment construction methods in accordance with the selected textile and its specific needs, considering historical accuracy; if more efficient or historically accurate methods are discovered, bring them to the attention of the Cutter/Draper, First Hands, or Manager for approval.
• Consult with manager, specialized fashion tradespeople, or the Historical Clothing and Dress Committee to seek direction for technique and skill development.
• Perform repairs/mending on garments to keep them in top quality working order.

Required

Education and Experience:

• 1–3 years in a professional sewing environment such as a professional costume shop, tailor shop, clothing factory, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in clothing and material culture of the latter half of the 18th century.
• Experience working on an industrial sewing machine.

Key Skills /

Competencies:

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, creative environment.
• Understanding of historical clothing terminology.
• Proficiency in hand sewing.
• Ability to take direction and communicate clearly.
• Demonstrates a proactive commitment to professional development by expanding expertise in late‑18th‑century clothing and material culture through rigorous engagement with reputable academic and historical sources.

Typical

Work Schedule:

Monday‑Friday, 40 hours a week.

This is a non‑exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, as directed and approved by the supervisor.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Design, Art/Creative

• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos