DAR, Washington, DC, Samplers and Silk Embroideries Symposium

What: “Another View: 19th Century Samplers and Silk Needlework,” a symposium in conjunction with the exhibit Telling Their Stories: 19th Century Samplers and Silk Needlework (April 11—August 30, 2008)
When: Thursday, May 29, 2008; registration opens at 8:30 am, program begins at 9:15 am and concludes at 3:30 pm
Where: DAR Museum, 1776 D. Street NW, Washington, DC 20006-5303
Speakers: Janet S. Hasson, Betsy Garrett Widmer, Amy Finkel, Dr. Mary Beaudry, and Olive Blair Graffam
Contact: (202) 879-3241; museum@dar.org
Fee: $85 (includes continental breakfast and boxed lunch)
Additional information: this symposium is in conjunction with the exhibit "Telling Their Stories: Samplers and Silk Needlework" from April 11 to August 30, 2008. Exhibit description: "The nineteenth century brought tremendous change to Americans. The country and population expanded greatly. Families were dispersed with the ever-popular westward movement. The industrial revolution changed forever a consumer society. The country survived major and costly wars. The nation grew from a small republic to an international power. Does the handwork of girls and young women relate to such dynamic change? In this exhibition of 19th century needlework, the DAR Museum attempts to tell some of their stories."

Trip to West TN

Last week, from Wednesday to Friday, Janet and I made our first foray into West Tennessee. We adhered to a tight schedule! We documented two samplers and have a strong lead on a third. We met with an antique maps dealer (to discuss the inclusion of period maps in our book) and the dean of the school of arts at Lambuth University (to discuss a upcoming conference on the decorative arts of Tennessee). Janet spoke to the Chief Piomingo chapter of the DAR. We stayed with our West Tennessee board member in her lovely home, which truly could be a B&B. We left West Tennessee with over 60 images and a generous donation; we will soon return!

This sampler now lives in Memphis, though it was worked in Williamson Co.


Mary S. Sutton
September 30, 1834—July 13, 1912
Williamson Co.
July 27, 1848
Wool and silk on linen
21 ½ vertical x 18 ½ horizontal
Private Collection
TSS 017