Have you ever seen a historical painting where the sitter’s appearance seemed strange for their time? Have you ever wondered if portraits are a good resource for historical fashions? Join “History on Tap” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3 to uncover the history of portrait creation.

The free event is open to the public in the meeting room at G.S. Steamers Restaurant, located in the Clarion Inn, 70 E. First St., Oswego. Attendees over the age of 21 are welcome to bring drinks into the event from the bar area.

Danielle Funiciello, Fort Ontario State Historic Site assistant and Ph.D. candidate at SUNY Albany, presents a talk titled “A Dozen Women Wearing the Same Dress: How the History of Art and Artists Helps Us Understand Portraits as a Social Media.”

Funiciello will discuss what went on behind the scenes as artists created portraits in 18th century Europe and the American colonies. She will also show a bizarre series of paintings featuring the same dress that helped her understand portraits as ‘social media,’ similar to media in the digital age today.

“History on Tap” is a monthly event organized by the city of Oswego, Fort Ontario State Historic Site and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. For more information about the program, call 315-343-4711 or email paul.lear@parks.ny.gov.