The Historic Collection of the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Texas at Austin is a resource for scholars, students and the citizens of Texas. The collection includes both study and museum collections that are edited continually for quality and educational potential. Current technology is used to make the collection accessible. Exhibition and storage facilities promote the best use of the resource. Growth and academic excellence are promoted through developmental efforts.

The Division of Textiles and Apparel, Department of Human Ecology, holds a collection of nearly 3,000 textile and apparel items. Artifacts date from an 1820 empire bodice in mint condition to 1980s women's daytime and evening apparel and accessories. Designers represented in the collection include Adolfo, Balenciaga, Beene, Capucci, Chanel, Connolly, de la Renta, Galanos, Givenchy, Halston, Herrera, Irene, Klein, Lacroix, Lanvin, Mainbocher, Pucci, Scaasi, St. Laurent, and Trigere. The collection includes numerous presentation gowns and a number of l960s/70s polyester doubleknits!

Every major period of fashion since 1850 is represented with garments and accessories. Our extensive hat collection dates from the 1880s. Shoes date from 1890.

Japanese and Indian textiles, along with representative American quilts, paisley shawls, and early embroidered shawls embellish the collection. A 900-piece commemorative textiles collection designed by Frankie Welch includes scarves, ties, umbrellas and bags commemorating all U.S. presidents from Lyndon Johnson to George Bush.