Jan. 25 Schwenkfelder Talks Offer New Takes on Textiles

PENNSBURG PA – How does the hand game known as “Rock, Paper, Scissors” apply to the history of textiles? More easily than you might imagine! All three are represented as part of the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center’s fourth annual virtual series of textile-related lectures.

The talks will be offered online only Jan. 25 from 1-5 p.m. at a cost of $20 each, or all three for $50. They feature speakers who are experts in their field – a curator, a historian, and a designer – discussing textiles of the 1700s and 1800s. With any purchase in the series, participants also can access a fourth bonus lecture, for free.

• Providing the “rock” of the theme is independent curator Kathy Staples. She will talk about the history of palampores, Indian textiles of both centuries that often depicted rocky peaks from which trees grew;
• Independent historian Dawn Ronningen, author of the books “Antique American Needlework Tools” and “Sewing Rolls, Needle Rolls and Huswifs,” offers a backgrounder on scissors with “Scissor Stories: Historical Fact and Fiction;” and
• Needlework designer Claudia Dutcher Kistler of Dutch Treat Designs covers the game’s “paper” aspect. She will explore perforated paper and its popularity with sampler makers of the 1800s.
• A wholly different bonus lecture, by center Curator of Collection Candace Perry, features 19th Century painted paper samplers. It also is accompanied by “a tea bag and recipe card,” sent to participants in advance so they can enjoy “tea with their textiles.”

Ticket purchases allow holders access to recordings of talks they selected for repeat viewing up to a month following the event.

Tickets Available Now

Advance reservations for the lectures are being accepted online; by calling Joanne at The Schwenkfelder at 215-679-3103; or by sending an e-mail to joanne@schwenkfelder.org.

Many area residents and visitors are familiar with the center’s museum and exhibits, which are free to attend and open to the public. They’re likely also know about or have participated in some of its weekly and monthly programs, its annual Penn Dry Goods Market or its Pennsylvania German Christmas observance.

Fewer may be aware that the library is an established regional resource for the history from the early 1700s in the Upper Perkiomen Valley. Conducting research in the library also is free. For more information call 215-679-3103.

Image provided by the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, used by Travels With The Post