Tailor A - Historic Clothing & Dress na Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18^th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.  

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

The Tailor a role constructs 18th century-style garments and accessories from historically accurate patterns using both historical and modern sewing methods utilizing several different kinds of natural fibers including wool, silk, linen, and cotton. Choices related to construction may be needed and should be made with a clear and appropriate understanding of the fashion of the latter 18th century. All team members are expected to work quickly and execute the required tasks with speed and accuracy.

Main Duties:

•Constructs 18th century-style garments using knowledge of historical and modern sewing techniques as directed by the cutter/draper and first hands. Tailor A will execute those techniques using both hand sewing and machine sewing.
•Alters garments to Cutter/Draper’s or First Hand’s instructions.
•Assists Cutter/Draper or First Hands in fittings as needed.
•Consults with First hands, Cutter/Draper and Department Manager about finishing techniques to create an 18th century-style garment that is accurate, wearable, and presents a clear interpretation of daily clothing worn in 18th century Williamsburg.
•Communicates any complications, textile issues, garment construction problems or needs quickly and efficiently with the First Hands and Cutter/Draper.
•Analyzes the garment construction methods in accordance with the textile that is chosen and its specific needs in relation to the historical accuracy of the period represented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. If more efficient or historically accurate methods are discovered, those methods are immediately brought to the attention of the Cutter/Draper, First Hands, or Manager for approval.
•Consult with manager, specialized fashion trades people, or the Historical Clothing and Dress Committee to find direction for their technique and skill development as it pertains to clothing.
•Performs repairs/mending on garments to keep them in top quality working order.

Required Education and Experience:
•1-3 years in a professional sewing environment which may include Professional Costume shop, Tailor shop, Clothing Factor or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications:
•Interest in clothing and material culture of the latter half of the 18th century.
•Experience working on an industrial sewing machine.

Key Skills / Competencies:

• Ability to work in a fast paced, creative environment.
• Understands historical clothing terminology.
• Proficient in hand sewing.
• Ability to take direction and clearly communicate.
• Demonstrates a proactive commitment to professional development by continually expanding expertise in the clothing and material culture of the late 18th century through rigorous engagement with reputable academic and historical sources.

Typical Work Schedule:   Monday-Friday, 40 hours a week

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.