Michigan Sampler Survey
Its Purpose: To
document and preserve Michigan's needlework
heritage.
Its Goal: To collect
and inventory information showing Michigan's
contribution to female education and needlework
skills. The end product will be a publication and
exhibit promoting the study of Michigan-made
samplers, their makers and instructors.
A sampler is defined as: A
sample piece of needlework or embroidery, of silk,
cotton, or worsted, for the preservation of some
pattern or as an example of the ability of a child
or a beginner. In American museums and private
collections there are samplers dating from as early
as 1643. It was long the custom for each young girl
to work her own sampler as soon as her little
fingers could manipulate a needle with thread and
her needlework showed a proper degree of skill.
Certain features of the sampler remained constant
The Michigan Sampler Survey
is a non-profit organization. Its mission is to
document, preserve and present Michigan's needlework
heritage beginning with its first settlers to the
year 1900.
In recent years an in depth
study has been made of New England, Southern, Ohio
and Maryland embroidered samplers. Greatly
overlooked has been Michigan's contribution to
needlework and its role in female education. Our
desire is to bring the school-girl needlework to
life by researching its maker, their teachers, their
families and their contribution to Michigan's
pioneer history. This survey will include samplers
in museums, historical societies and private
collections.
Two concerns often
expressed with privately owned samplers are
anonymity and confidentiality. Sampler scholars are
not interested where an object is located, but in
its existence. Privacy will be maintained.
Owners of Michigan Samplers
are encouraged to contribute to this important
survey and documented samplers will be presented
with a certificate stating their inclusion in this
important study. Please support and preserve
Michigan's needlework heritage by filling in the
attached form.
Any questions may be
addressed to:
Eileen J. Bennett, Michigan Sampler Survey
Coordinator
Email:
ebsamhou@iserv.net
Download the Survey Form:
(adobe acrobat)
| (microsoft
word)
