Vermont Sampler Identification Days

Needlework samplers are pieces of fabric that are used to showcase embroidery stitches, patterns, and techniques, often as a way for women to learn and practice their skills. There is a long history behind embroidery samplers, and the Sampler Archive has been working with museums across the country to create an online and accessible database with high-resolution images for practitioners and scholars to view. 

While there's a rich history of samplers in New England, archivists have noted that there are relatively few identified from Vermont, and with a grant from the Vermont Humanities Council, the Vermont Sampler Initiative aims to fill that gap in our collective knowledge, and they need your help. The project has held identification days at various museums around Vermont, and will be at the Vermont History Center in Barre on Friday, May 12th and Saturday, May 13th to examine historic samplers. 

Owners won't be asked to give their items up: experts will be on hand on both days to examine, photograph, and document samplers from the community, and sampler owners will get a professional photograph to take home with them, and will get to learn a little more about the items themselves. 

To make an appointment, volunteer, or learn more please contact samplersvt@gmail.com