Examine one of the finest collections of early American textiles and costumes ever assembled! A testament to the passion of Historic Deerfield’s cofounder Helen Geier Flynt during 60 years of collecting, this gallery presents examples of embroidery, woven silks, bed hangings, coverlets, quilts, costumes, and accessories from about 1600 to the end of the 19th century. Permanent with changing elements.
This exhibition is made possible in part by a grant from The Coby Foundation, Ltd.
Historic Deerfield will offer a fascinating three-part lecture series this summer by some of leading scholars on early American music. “Joyful Noise: Musical Instruments, Composers and Musicians in Early America,” will be held on July 9, 16, and 23 in the White Church Community Center, and is free and open to the public.
Check out this great list of fun activities to take advantage of in Deerfield this summer.
Curious about how things were made in the past before machinery or plastic? How was a table, a blanket, or a cup made from things found in nature? How were natural materials chosen and prepared by craftspeople? Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., July 4 through August 16, families are encouraged to come to the History Workshop and satisfy their curiosity about how and why common natural materials were used to make everyday products needed in the past.
Sorry, no related content here.
View 75 powder horns that offer a wealth of documentary information about the original owners and carvers who created them.
Another flower pattern from Abigail Foot's bed rug. Design approx. 5" x 6".
Soft blues and tans are the dominant colors of this detail from the Mary Swan 1793 Sampler. Approx. 3" diameter.
From a bed rug created around 1780 by Abigail Foot. A formal flat flower in white and three shades of blue. Design approx. 5" x 6".
Fourteen domestic textile items from early America, ranging from a tablecloth to a sock, offer insights into colonial culture.
The Deerfield Blue and White Society and how it adapted 18th century needlework patterns and established a village industry.
A detail from the Mary Swan 1793 Sampler comes with a round gold tone plastic ornament frame. Approx. 3" diameter.
Stitch your own memories of a winter afternoon in Deerfield. Featuring the Ephraim Williams house, the Deerfield Academy Administration Building, the Brick Church, Post Office, and Museum Store (J. G. Pratt House), the Deerfield Inn, and the Joseph Stebbins House. Counted cross-stitch on 14 count blue Aida cloth.
An adaptation of the original 1810 sampler from the textile collection of Historic Deerfield.Finished size 12'' on 18 count aidia cloth.
Changing fashion, textile technology, economics and culture as represented by the Historic Deerfield collection of quilts.
A detail from the Mary Swan 1793 Sampler measuring approx. 3" in diameter.Colors are muted pink, blue, tan, green and gold.
From designs in Memorial Hall, this kit includes linen cloth and crewel yarn in shades of rose, green, blue and pink. 8" H x 11"L
![Engraved Powder Horns from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution: The William H. Guthman Collection [2009]](/sites/all/files/imagecache/coverflow/pics/events/Powderhorns-exhib-page-image-4_1.jpg "Engraved Powder Horns from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution: The William H. Guthman Collection [2009]")
