Tricia Nguyễn of Thistle Threads interviews Lynne Andrew of the Sampler Archives project in this YouTube video. You'll learn of Lynne's work to build an online, searchable database of American samplers with descriptions and good quality photos. (Note that there is a transcript of the video below the video and blurb if you want to read along.)
When this video was filmed, there were approximately five thousand images available to the public with more being added all the time as museums and historical societies contribute their information and pictures. Here's the Sampler Archives' website.
Now individuals can add information about samplers in their area to a list so that volunteers can reach out to the samplers' owners to get photos and whatever information is available. (This is also listed on the Sampler Archives' website under "Sampler Search.")
I know not all needlepointers are interested in samplers, but this is the history of both women and their needlework in America. As Tricia says, sometimes "this is the only evidence the woman ever existed." So donate money, contribute sampler information, and/or go to the Sampler ID Day in your area if you can.
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