Art historians and general audiences are starting to appreciate the unique needlework creations of the past more and more. Clear proof of the growing interest for this beautiful material is the popularity of our exhibition, Painted with Silk: The Art of Early American Embroidery. An average of almost 5,000 visitors have viewed the exquisite needlework each week since the installation’s opening in December. Girls as young as 8 years old created samplers and embroideries, providing both a visually stunning display for viewers and an intimate experience of family, school, and culture of American society from 1735 to 1835.