THE T. MARSHALL SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
The T. Marshall Smith Scholarship was established to further the study of historical dress which Marshall loved so much, through the Burnley & Trowbridge Workshop Series. His widow Dotty, and Burnley & Trowbridge Company sponsor this scholarship to honor Marshall’s curiosity & interest in life-long learning.
MEET OUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
2026
Naomi Glaser
Naomi's love of historical fashion began in childhood, inspired by stories like Little Women and the world of American Girl. That fascination led her into historical interpretation work at a young age, including living history events, educational programs, and historical reenactments. Along the way, her mother helped bring many of Naomi's early costumes to life, fostering both her love of history and appreciation for craftsmanship. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began taking her own sewing more seriously, teaching herself new techniques and immersing herself in the study of historical dress. Today, Naomi uses historical sewing, research, and public history to explore Black history and women’s history through material culture. She views clothing as a powerful tool for historical interpretation, helping audiences connect with the people of the past and the often-overlooked stories that shaped their lives.
Naomi's work can be found online at:
https://www.instagram.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@
https://youtube.com/@
https://www.facebook.com/
Amber Szelistowski
Amber has always had an interest in history, but as a child, she found it difficult to relate to the stories in classroom textbooks. Shortly after graduating from Purdue Fort Wayne, with a BA in Theatre, she discovered the world of living history. Since then, she has tapped into her natural curiosity and background in theatrical sewing to immerse herself in early 19th-century historical interpretation, often as a French vivandière or a civilian at Fort McHenry. She is now looking to expand her knowledge and skill set to support and expand the historical programming in her local community. Her goal is to provide accessible education that tells all sides of the story.