Fabulous Friday - Textile Tales Show and Tell

For October's Fabulous Friday program, cultural historian Dr. Torsten Homberger will dive into the textile archives of the Buffalo County Historical Society and highlight some interesting (and sometimes surprising) finds from the collections. Dr. Homberger's talk will explore the historical significance of clothing, material culture, and the meaning that we imbue in objects such as uniforms and other physical items. Using a selection of items from the collection that will be brought out and placed on display for his talk, Dr. Homberger will explain the origins of items that include a child's World War I-era uniform, a German child's Luftschutz (aid raid) helmet from World War II, and more. The program will take place on Friday, October 11 at 2:00 pm in the Family History Center at the Trails & Rails Museum.

 

Bio: Torsten Homberger is a native of former East Germany who earned his Ph. D. in Modern European History from Washington State University. He currently works in UNK’s Department of History as an Associate Professor teaching a variety of courses on modern Europe. His monograph, entitled The Honor Dress of the Movement: A Cultural History of Hitler's Brown Shirt Uniform, 1920-1933, focused on the intersection of fascist politics and popular culture. Homberger’s current research interests include political uses of culture in authoritarian states, such as the Nazi regime and East Germany.