The VT Sampler Initiative, a 501 (c) (3) entity, in cooperation with the national Sampler Archive has been documenting Vermont 19th century schoolgirl samplers since November 2022. To date, nearly 800 such samplers have been located and documented, utilizing volunteer documenters and professional photography.

The VT Sampler Initiative is now producing a statewide driving tour, to view collections of these post-Revolutionary War samplers, in cooperation with the Nationwide celebration of the Semi-quincentennnial celebration of the American Revolution.

The dates of the driving tour coincide with the statewide celebration of our national semi-quincentennial celebration, from Memorial Day, May 2025, to Columbus Day, October 2025, for most sites.

Beginning at a sampler exhibit at the Bennington Museum in 2025, 20 statewide pre-identified sites, such as museums, art galleries, libraries, and historical societies, will be added to this core exhibit, inviting Vermont visitors to explore additional communities in the state and view these examples of schoolgirl needlework. Please see the Vermont 250th website for more details.

The story of our Revolutionary War generation, who fought for our independence and then relocated to Vermont to live their lives, can be illustrated by studying the lives of their descendants. The values, artistry, and degrees of hardship and success of these families are often conveyed by the girls who produced these samplers. They are almost always the progeny – daughters and granddaughters – of the Revolutionary War generation, and their stories are many and unique!

We invite seniors to gather and share their thoughts in front of our fireplace every other Wednesday to discuss programs and events that interest them. Socialize and hear from experts on medicare choices, social security, financial planning, home health care, and so on. Come with your ideas, and pass along the word to other seniors. We look forward to meeting you.