Sewing Class, 1921 (Miss Bowen standing in center)
Photo by Clement Moran

Miss Irma Bowen came to UNH (then called New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts) in 1920 to teach textile classes in the department of Home Economics. She taught classes in the history of fashion and dressmaking technique and offered students a hands-on education in textile fibers. Outside of her academic instruction, Miss Bowen offered practical knowledge to the community through workshops and demonstrations.

During the course of Miss Bowen's tenure, she collected many of the examples of clothing that she used in her classes. Most were donations made by colleagues and families in the community. By the late 1940's the collection numbered over 600 items, including 18th-20th century fashions, children's clothing, and accessories. After Miss Bowen's death in 1947, the Board of Trustees voted to name the collection The Irma Bowen Memorial Collection as a tribute to her dedication as a teacher in the field of textiles.