Saturday, February 26, 2022 Panel Descriptions

11:15AM – 11:45 AM | Intuition by Adam Gentry
Intuition is many things to many people. In this talk, we’ll discuss intuition as a skill, one that everyone possesses, and anyone can learn to recognize, apply, and develop.

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM | Love in Fiction & Steampunk Author Panel
Love in fiction and steampunk. Join authors A.L. Davroe, Renée Fleury, Jessica Lucci, and Thom Truelove as they explore love in all its forms from Deep Romance to the Platonic Ideal. 
Moderated by Joseph R Kennedy

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Language of the Fans and Flowers by Leanna Renee Hieber
The Victorian Language of the Fan and Flowers: Actress, award-winning Gothic author and ghost tour guide Leanna Renee Hieber offers a lively, entertaining insight into how 19th century flirts, loved ones (or even enemies) could communicate with coded messages, whether by a fluttering fan or an elaborate bouquet. 

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Frugal Frocks: A Home-Grown Guide to DIY Steampunk Couture
Steampunk costume building on a budget, from basic to DIY. Learn how to find steamy foundation pieces at your local  thrift store; Have some sewing skills? Use thrifty finds for upcycled creative couture; Gain perspective from historical costuming with a Steampunk twist.

Panelists are Sophia Reid, Jessica Baradel, Allisyn Pentleton, Sophia Reid, Linda-Jeanne LeCorsaire, and Zachary Kessin. Moderated by Margaret Reid 

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | The Real Steampunk: How the Industrial Age Influences Victorian Fantasy by Chelsey Knyff
Join us for this exciting panel on the how and whys of steampunk.  Where did the idea come from?  What 19th century creations and inventions caused this sudden peak of Victorian novellas on industrial fantasy?  From the early mills to the late industrial boom, real innovations of the 1800s created imaginative worlds for authors and creators alike.  Fashion matched the trends, causing use of brass and other metals to be more commonly found upon the people of the era. From this spawned a movement that would fade into history and find itself reborn into the modern era.  

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM | History of Absinthe by Vanessa Love
Come on a journey to learn about the green fairy. Artists and authors loved the dreamy drink. Learn about the intoxicating history of absinthe in this panel.

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM | War of the Worlds… What is it really happened? by Thom Truelove
“Imagine ‘The War of the Worlds’ was part of a broader plan. What might have been the true goal of the Martian invasion? This presentation examines the inspirations of the classic novel, H. G. Wells’ motivation behind telling the story, and his less well known and problematic political views. If the novel had been the opening chapters of a longer tale, how might that have unfolded? Thom Truelove concludes with what could serve as a writing prompt for authors who may want to explore this topic more deeply.”

6:15 PM – 7:00 PM | In a Strange Land Fashion Show by Kristin Costa
Once upon a time, in a world ripe with the threat of a virus, I and the rest of the populace removed ourselves in a concerted effort to flatten the curve. When I emerged, some years later, it was to a place once familiar but strangely unrecognizable. I felt estranged, like an alien discovering this odd little planet for the first time. The customs, the faces seemed familiar but just a bit more awkward and distanced. Where was I? Who was I? Would I still belong? And it was with that sense of estrangement from a world I once knew, I had to learn – or relearn- how to exist. And I began to draw inspiration from what I was familiar with – that is imagining the uniform that would be worn by these people in a strange land. This is my story, told in fashion.

Sunday, February 27, 2022 Panel Descriptions

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Memento Mori: Honoring Loved Ones – Victorian Mourning Traditions and Accessories by Leanna Renee Hieber
Actress, award-winning Gothic author and ghost tour guide Leanna Renee Hieber offers insights into various Victorian mourning traditions, fashions and practices as well as how Spiritualism and séances became a psychological comfort for a rapidly changing world. 

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM | Textile and Garments of the Victorian Era by Chelsey Knyff
Ever wanted to see some original artifacts from the late 19th century?  Join this panel to see original artifacts, patterns and listen to the stories of the innovations, both dangerous and amazing of the Victorian Era.  From Arsenic to synthetic dyes, corsetry to silk, the 19th century evolved from a simple era of wool and linen to a booming industry of commercialism and fashion.  Attendees will get to see and touch original garments, patterns, sewing machines, chatelaines, and other fashion artifacts. Questions will be welcomed and encouraged.

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM | The Druid’s Deadly Darlings: Appreciating the Poisonous Beauties that Surround Us by Druid and Horticulturalist K. White Wolf (Renee Fleury)
Join Renee Fleury on a stroll through the garden of toxic botany. We are surrounded by poisonous plants, but which ones are they, and what makes them so toxic? This lively panel will highlight several notable species in our own backyard, and offer some historic context on botanical poisoning in the Victorian era.Diamonds may be forever, but flowers are a lady’s best friend.
*And yes, it comes complete with living examples. Please don’t get any ideas.

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM | In a Strange Land Behind the Scenes by Kristin Costa
Join NY Haute Couture designer Kristin Costa as she takes you on a behind the scenes journey from inception to the steps in making a fashion collection to the presentation of her new line In A Strange Land. She will discuss the unseen details and address frequently asked questions about being a designer and showrunner.

Throughout Both Days | George Eastman: World Travel and Photography for Everyone by James Worthington (Scott Lyon)
James Worthington will be exhibiting his new presentation, “George Eastman, World Travel, and Photography for Everyone”.  It can be seen at the bottom of the Grand Staircase, outside the entrance to the Silk Room.  The exhibit will be open both days, and there will be a fascinating lecture and demonstration each day, followed by a Q&A, and a free drawing for a wonderful Steampunk Prize. Showtimes will vary each day. James and I will both be looking forward to seeing all of you there.