Peoria, Ill. – An exhibition celebrating “A Century of Beautiful Brides” will open April 7 at the Peoria Historical Society’s Flanagan House Museum on Glen Oak Avenue in Peoria from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. At the exhibition, Flanagan’s rooms will be filled with elegant mannequin displays of exquisite bridal finery spanning the years 1870 – 1970 including Titanic-era silhouettes, roaring 1920s flappers, Silver Screen glam from the 1930s and sleek satin Dior gowns of the post-war era. The exhibition will be open from April through June on the first Sunday of each month, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Wedding portraits from every era – many quite amusing to our modern tastes – will be displayed along with men’s and women’s wedding accessories and jewelry.

Complementary sweet treats and wedding punch will be available as well.

“It’s incredible to see all the different types of wedding fashions throughout the decades,” said Walter C. Ruppman, Executive Director, Peoria Historical Society. “From Gibson Girl elegance all the way through the hippie-influenced weddings of the 1970s, this is a great exhibition for anyone getting ready to have a wedding or interested in wedding fashions.”
Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children or $10 for adults to view both Historic House exhibits. Other times and dates for private/group tours can be scheduled by calling the PHS office. For more information, visit peoriahistoricalsociety.org or call 309-674-1921.
The Peoria Historical Society’s roots can be traced back to 1839 and was officially incorporated in 1934. Since that time, the Society has sought to preserve and promote the unique history of the central Illinois River valley. Today, the Society continues to protect and celebrate the heritage and history of the great city of Peoria.