Tailor - Historic Clothing & Dress

HISTORIC CLOTHING & DRESS 250 First St Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

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 the 301‑acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 reconstructed buildings that appear as they did in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life.

The Foundation also owns and operates two world‑class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John

D. Rockefeller Jr. Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world‑class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites, and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on‑site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes.

Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

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

• Construct 18th‑century‑style garments using knowledge of historical and modern sewing techniques as directed by the cutter/draper and first hands; execute those techniques using both hand sewing and machine sewing.
• Alter garments per the Cutter/Draper’s or First Hand’s instructions.
• Assist Cutter/Draper or First Hands in fittings as needed.
• Consult with First hands, Cutter/Draper, and Department Manager about finishing techniques to create an 18th‑century‑style garment that is accurate, wearable, and presents a clear interpretation of daily clothing worn 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 the garment construction methods in accordance with the chosen textile and its specific needs relative to the historical accuracy of the period represented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. If more efficient or historically accurate methods are discovered, bring those methods immediately to the attention of the Cutter/Draper, First Hands, or Manager for approval.
• Consult with manager, specialized fashion trades people, or the Historical Clothing and Dress Committee to find direction for technique and skill development as it pertains to clothing.
• Perform repairs/mending on garments to keep them in top quality working order.

• 1‑3 years in a professional sewing environment which may include a professional costume shop, tailor shop, clothing factory, or equivalent.

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

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, creative environment.
• Understands historical…