Dover Museum displays 80 years of prom fashion

NEW LONDON — Fashion changes. Nostalgia grows. The Dover Museum in New London puts both on display.

The newest display, running through June, shows off eighty years of changing prom fashion from 1942 to 2022.

Dover Museum volunteer Caroline Stephenson Lehman holds a special connection to the collection.

In 1956, Lehman made her junior year prom dress.

The sapphire dress is displayed backward to show a beautiful, sparkly belt fastener.

Lehman’s handy work can also be found in the newest dress on display.

The deep red 2022 dress belonged to her granddaughter.

“It had six layers to hem,” Lehman said of the alterations she gave the gown.

While the dress are beautiful to look at, there is more to this display than just the styles changing over time.

Lehman pointed out that two sets of dresses were actually mother daughter pairs.

One of these pairs covers a 22 year difference.

The other covers 25 years.

The rest of the museum is also open to be explored with promises of interesting discoveries in every little corner.

“We want to preserve the past of New London and immediate surrounding areas,” Lehman said was the mission of Dover Museum.

They do just that with an eclectic collection of every day items of the past, war memorabilia, and knowledgeable volunteers.

The Dover Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. May through October.

Interested visitors can also schedule an appointment to visit by calling (319) 367-2573

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com