Sampling History’s Mysteries

In the distant past, young girls and women learned their letters, morals, and family history through the plying of the needle. Babcock-Smith House Museum invites today’s families to explore the mysteries of local Rhode Island history Saturday May 13 from 10am-12pm. Come learn how objects such as schoolgirl samplers can be used to understand the lives of young children in the 18th, 19th and early twentieth centuries. This program is offered as part of the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities South County Sampler Initiative that is currently documenting and researching samplers in public and private collections in Rhode Island. Hands on activities such as making a bookmark with cross-stitched initials and solving the mystery of the Clarissas are designed for children K-6 but all are welcome.