"On Friday, Aug. 9, an exciting new needlework exhibit will open at the Blum House in Old Salem! Specimens of "Taste and Industry: Needlework in Salem 1780-1860" includes more than 40 samplers and other needlework pictures and accessories, stitched by Moravian girls and women living in Wachovia and by non-Moravian boarding students of the Salem Girls’ Boarding School, founded in 1804. Many of these works have never been exhibited before--including this image of Mt. Vernon stitched by Mary Ann Speed, ca. 1811."
This is very exciting on a personal level. I was born and raised as a Moravian in Winston-Salem, so this is a part of my heritage. My father is buried in the cemetery of Old Salem, called "God's Acre" and one of my favorite memories is attending the Easter sunrise service there. It is a truly glorious service.
Old Salem is a wonderful place to explore and get a real taste of what life was like in the late 18th century for a devout group of Christians who lived and worked together in a community they built and nurtured themselves.
And, of course, my love of needlework, and samplers, in particular, makes this even more of a 'must see' event for me. Make plans to see it if you're anywhere near NC in the next year. Although no pictures are allowed, I'll be sure to tell you all about it.
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