The Suffield Historical Society welcomes visitors to two stops on the Annual Art Trail on Saturday, May 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. The first location is the familiar Alexander King House Museum & Barn. The other is our recently acquired expansion site, Academy Hall (1499 Mountain Road), also known as the West Suffield Grange. Last year, the Society exhibited art recognized as traditional, mostly in the form of painting, across all modalities. This year, we will highlight Historic Art, i.e., decorative and functional creations that express the culture and society of times past.
A collection of early 19th-century samplers stitched by Suffield girls will be set up at the King House. The Society owns nearly 20 samplers that illustrate the cultural and societal aspects of the town and era. For example, some are stitched on plain, unbleached linen with cotton thread, while others are stitched on silk with shiny, expensive threads. This display will capitalize on the enlightening presentation given by Alexandra Peters in March called “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Ms. Peters has been collecting, researching, and curating samplers for over 40 years. In her presentation, she interpreted many samplers, including several from the Suffield Historical Society collection. Alexandra has been invited to attend this exhibit.
Academy Hall will have a display of 19th-century quilts, many stitched by or for Suffield women. From a distance, an observer will focus on the creativity of the colors and patterns. Upon closer examination, the choice of materials draws one’s attention; however, it is the hand-stitching that is absolutely astonishing. In addition to the descriptions that came with the donated quilts, the Society was fortunate to benefit from the expertise of Lois Palmer, a local certified quilt appraiser. For example, she explained the difference between a quilt sewn during the mourning period of a loved one’s death and one sewn during the half-mourning period. She also pointed out that quilt pieces are sometimes embroidered with family or personal symbols. We hope Lois will be able to visit during this event. However, Dorian Taylor, a King House docent and quilter, will definitely be on site to explain some of the characteristics of quilts, including patterns, colors, and materials.
The West Suffield Congregational Church will also welcome visitors to see a quilt completed in 1885. This quilt features a beautiful sunburst pattern and something special—the names of over 600 community members from that time are stitched into it. You might even find your ancestors’ names! The Suffield Historical Society looks forward to seeing you on the Art Trail, May 16 from 1 to 4 p.m.