In co-operation with four regional museums, the project of the Institute of Material Culture conducted basic research on a classic topic of material culture research. Under the working title "'Trachten' in der Lüneburger Heide und im Wendland. Clothing behaviour of rural classes and forms of its representation since the end of the 18th century", the extensive and valuable collections of traditional costumes of the participating museums were examined from multiple perspectives and in an interdisciplinary manner. Some of the costumes were documented for the first time. This was made possible by the Pro*Niedersachsen foundation, with funding until December 2011. A presentation of the results is planned not only by means of a publication, but also via a final conference and possible new concepts for the existing exhibitions from 2012.