Some Sampler Stories: Tracing 19th-Century Schoolgirls and Their Revolutionary Roots with Michele Pagan

Join us for a fascinating presentation exploring the national search for 19th-century schoolgirl samplers. Through research tracing the Revolutionary War ancestors of the young girls who stitched these intricate works, we’ll uncover the stories of their families — who their parents and grandparents were, what became of the men after their military service, and whether they remained in their hometowns or ventured elsewhere, including to the new republic that would become the State of Vermont.

Michele Pagan is a textile conservator with nearly 40 years of experience “saving history one piece of fabric at a time.” A Bennington native and graduate of UVM and UConn, she has worked with institutions including the Smithsonian, Colonial Williamsburg, and Monticello. Michele is active with the Vermont Sampler Initiative and coordinated the Vermont Samplers Driving Tour for the state’s 250th commemoration. She works from her studio in East Dorset and is studying to become a Certified Genealogist through Boston University.

Thursday, March 26th 5:30-7p

at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, Yester House – $20