^{Iconic costume designs by Ruth E. Carter for film and television converge with fashion of the 1600s and 1700s in a new exhibition opening May 11 at Jamestown Settlement. View more images.}

Crossing time and place is a new special exhibition opening May 11 at Jamestown Settlement featuring the works of two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter.

At Jamestown Settlement, Carter's designs converge with historical fashion of the 1600s and 1700s to transcend time periods through a unique comparison of clothing styles and dress, from bodices and breeches to tailored suits and heroic feats in fashion.

Carter has created powerful pieces for acclaimed films and television such as “Yellowstone,” “Roots,” “Amistad,” “Malcolm X,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Black Panther.”

Visitors can view more than 60 of Carter’s original garments while also glimpsing her immersive process, historical research and attention to detail in every project she brings to life.

The special exhibition also showcases the work of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation historical tailors who dress interpreters depicting people living in early America, some based on period portraits and surviving garments on display in the museum’s gallery exhibits.

The traveling exhibit, organized by Ruth Costume Design and curated by Julia Long, will be on display for six months through December 1.

Special Exhibit included with museum admission

"Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design" is included with general admission to Jamestown Settlement: $18.00 for adults and $9.00 for ages 6-12 (beginning July 1, 2024: $20.00 for adults, $10.00 ages 6-12). An annual pass offers year-round access to the special exhibition, along with daytime programs and events.

Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive complimentary admission to both museums with proof of residency. Parking is free.

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Ruth E. Carter - History-making costume designer

Costume designer Ruth E. Carter is the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in any category. Her history-making designs in Marvel Studio's "Black Panther" films transformed the actors into a superhero king and his royal family. Combining symbolism and storytelling, Carter has created hundreds of costumes for superheroes, contemporary fictional characters and portrayals of men and women in history. 

Carter fuses traditional and contemporary styles while incorporating technology to deliver fashion and function, creating Afrofuturistic pieces that empower the female form, honor ancient cultures and invoke a deep sense of representation unlike any other costumes experienced on screen. 

Read more about Ruth E. Carter

Join us for more fashion-forward events

An Evening with The Tudor Tailor • June 7, 6:30 p.m. Jamestown Settlement

Join historical clothing experts for a free public presentation by The Tudor Tailor at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 7 in Jamestown Settlement's Robinson Foundation Theater. Learn more and register to attend.

The evening program is free and advance online registration is highly recommended.

Fashioned in History

On June 7-9, Jamestown Settlement will host its sold-out "Fashioned in History" conference, a biannual gathering of historical clothing experts from across the globe during a three-day conference to exchange authentic techniques to fashion ruff collars, buttons, bodices and breeches.

Dominion Energy is presenting sponsor of the special exhibition with additional support from James City County.