Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to consider the contributions that might be made by costume and textile historians to the development of a futures consciousness in our teaching, research, and professional activities. Historians are trained to perceive time as a continuum and to look for connections between present and past. Implicit in the study of history is the assumption that studying the past helps us anticipate the future. Applying this view to courses in costume and textiles history will help our students become more alert to future trends. In a similar manner, historic research can provide a sound basis for studies of current issues in clothing and textiles. Finally, costume and textile historians can serve their profession by exploring the history of our own field, thereby laying the foundation for future planning.
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