The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is going high style with the Stylish Ladies: 100 Years of Women's Fashion, 1890-1960 exhibition that will go on view Sunday, March 2, 2003, and remain in the museum's gallery until April 27, 2003. On Sunday, March 2, 2003, there will be an opening reception free to the public from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. in the museum gallery.

Enjoy the 30 varied fashions as they give the viewer a tour of a woman's role in the community from 1860 through 1960. In the 1860s women gave support to the family and attended social obligations. Ladies busied themselves with events related to the home that were of little interest to the men in their lives. This is displayed by an 1860 Afternoon Gown, worn when visiting, an 1885 Tailor-made Walking Suit, worn when the lady decided to go for a stroll, and an 1895 Evening Dress, for formal social functions. As time moved into the 20th century there is an obvious transition as women begin to take active roles in the business world, community development, and the military, a movement obvious by the 1950s. There is a 1910 Tea Gowns, a 1926 Party Dress, elegant Flapper Dresses, circa 1920, and the Little Black Dress of the 1960s. But in the illustrations for the later periods that is a Gabardine Business Attire, a W.A.C. and W.A.V.E.S Uniform, and a Red Cross Uniform with badges.

The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is under the administration of Secretary of State W. Fox McKeithen. Museum hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m..until 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. Admission fees will be charged for adults and students. Children 5 years old and under will be admitted free. All scheduled school tours are free. All admission fees are waived on first Sundays.

The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is handicap accessible and parking is free.