Designed by Dempsey: Creations of a Morristown Irish Dressmaker

Mrs. R.F. (Catherine) Dempsey (1850-1931) in many ways broke the pattern of a turn-of-the-century dressmaker. Her longevity alone was unusual, with a career that spanned at least 40 years, marriage, and children. Like many of her local colleagues though, she was the daughter of Irish immigrants. At a time when dressmaking was the 3rd largest occupation for women and a rare opportunity at female entrepreneurship, she designed and created dresses for Morristown’s well-to-do ladies out of her home, labeling her work to mark it as her own. One of the best-represented local dressmakers in museum collections, six of her elegant creations form this exhibit.

Free with museum admission.

Exhibit is on display February 4 through July 14, 2024, during museum hours. 

Morris County Historical Society Museum Hours are:

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am–4pm (last tour 3:15pm)
• Sundays from 1pm–4pm (last tour 3:15pm)

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