Two Hundred Years of Nantucket Needlework

T wo H u n d re d Y e a r s

o f N a n t u c k et N e e d le wo r k

AS A FEATURE of the summer at the Peter Foulger Museum, there has been a special exhibit in the north room, second floor, with the intriguing title of "Two Hundred Years of Nantucket Needlework" This unusual exhibit was gathered and displayed by Mrs. Elizabeth Gilbert and her committee, and sponsored by the Nantucket Historical Association. A booklet was especially prepared by Mrs. Gilbert and contains an astonishing listing of articles selected from the Association's collections, including samplers, lace caps, fire screens, pincushions, embroidered bags, wall hangings, sewing boxes, quilts, flags and petticoats. The loan collection has an equally diversified selection of coverlets, quilts, throws, samplers and aprons. The Maria Mitchell Birthplace loaned embroideries, samplers, a wedding skirt, and a fire screen. The Theatre Workshop loaned material from its costume collection.

In her introduction to the catalogue, Mrs. Gilbert wrote:

"The concept of "Two Hundred Years of Nantucket Needlework" developed partly from an awareness of, and appreciation for, the early embroidered treasures being shown at the various Nantucket Historical Association houses and museums, and, more recently, the packing up and removal of the contents of the Fair Street Museum to the Hadwen Satler House. There was considerable concern expressed as to what was going to happen to these treasures so, last winter, with the assistance of many willing hands, approximately one hundred of the best and/or most historically interesting pieces were sorted, laundered, repaired, cleaned, catalogued and prepared for this special exhibition.

"Simultaneously, word was spread throughout the Association membership and the community that personal treasures were being sought from houses and attics for display as a loan collection. The response with approximately forty more pieces was extremely gratifying, and produced some fascinating and beautiful examples.

"In choosing the name for this exhibit, it was purposely left ambiguous as to which two hundred years of Nantucket

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needlework would be represented, as no one could tell what would appear during the course of the winter! It became very exciting when nearly one hundred and fifty pieces were collected from the 18th and 19th centuries alone, and the "piece de resistance" - a quilted wedding skirt from the Coffin family dated 1692 became the earliest example.

"Much of the early American embroidery in museums today serves as documented information about early settlers, their families and their descendants, as well as their European ancestors. Almost everything the ladies worked was dated, and signed or initialled, mainly as proof of ownership. These became valuable possessions, as so much time went into the fine and intricate work. Samplers and friendship quilts have served as particularly useful historical sources, and this exhibit includes many superior examples of Nantucket family records by these means'.'

The Needlework exhibit was enjoyed by both the visitors to the Peter Foulger Museum and the Nantucketers who came especially to view it, as well as the regular members of the Association. In expressing her appreciation for the workers who contributed to the success of the show, Mrs. Gilbert gave special thanks to Leroy H. True, the Association's Administrator, and Curator Stackpole of the Museum. She went on to thank the committee of ladies who volunteered countless hours of time and had worked so diligently for six months in preparation in various capacities. Her acknowledgements continued:

"To Virginia Aydelotte, for cleaning and restoring the pieces; Dorothy Gardner, whose vast knowledge of Nantucket history was invaluable, and who spent endless hours researching and cataloguing; Rosamond Hall, for mounting samplers; Kris Van Lieu, our "official laundress", whose expertise in handling the fragile embroideries and costumes speaks for itself; Merle Orleans, who kept her fingers on publicity and advertising, both locally and nationally; Helen Winslow Sherman, whose expertise in photography has provided the Association with a professional and permanent record of the exhibit; and Pudge Thompson, who spent many hours with us, sorting boxes in cold houses, and to all of them, who were always available when the time came for setting up and displaying.Without the support and enthusiasm of these ladies, this would not have been possible.

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"Last, but not least, these people deserve special mention: Wallace Deacon and Tom Burke for framing samplers; Jack Gardner for making time during his busy season to print this catalogue; Helene Von Rosenstiel for her professional advice and guidance; Nancy Cazan for art work; Lee Van Ness for continuous assistance in every way; the staff of the Association, with special thanks to Peter Metters at the Peter Foulger Museum, who was always ready to help; Suzanne Zobel for keeping such an enthusiastic and watchful eye on the treasures for the summer; and Clare Macgregor for the loan of the mannequins from the 1800 House.

"All the exhibitors of the loan collection deserve special credit for parting with their treasures for the summer.Without these, and so many other contributions, this idea could never have become a reality."

In his comments on the unique quality of the exhibit, Edouard Stackpole, of the Peter Foulger Museum, stated:

"Needlework is an all encompassing word, especially as it concerns Nantucket. For so many centuries the Island women and girls found the use of needle and thread an integral part of their lives, and work accomplished was a matter of pride as well as skill. In this unique exhibition there has been gathered a collection of materials which, in an historical sense, help to interpret the work of these Island women."