Instructor: Jennifer Bowers is a living historian for the National Park Service. She specializes in niche historical narratives, bringing history to life while wearing historically accurate clothing. She is a graduate of USCA, a Navy Veteran, and enjoys dogs, yoga, & kayaking. Description: Step into the perilous world of 19th-century glamour, where beauty was quite literally breathtaking. This presentation uncovers the dark side of the Victorian aesthetic, from emerald-green gowns laced with arsenic to the toxic lead foundations that ravaged complexions. We’ll explore the explosive dangers of crinoline fires and the harrowing working conditions of the seamstresses who sacrificed their health for high society’s vanity. Join us to discover how the pursuit of the “perfect look” created a trail of environmental destruction and deadly consequences for creators and wearers alike.