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.During the Revolutionary War, 600 Ipswich, MA, women supported their families by making bobbin lace. Discover their story in a talk by lacemaker-historian Karen Thompson.
In 1790, as part of the newly formed nation’s effort to understand its economic strength, Congress directed Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton to conduct a Census of Manufactures. Ipswich responded by sending Hamilton 36 samples of its handmade bobbin lace, demonstrating the significance and quality of this home-based industry. During a single 12-month period between 1789 and 1790, approximately 600 women produced nearly 42,000 yards—almost 24 miles—of lace. This lace was sold or bartered for essential goods such as food, fabric, tools, and household necessities.
This presentation examines lacemaking not only as a skilled craft, but also as a powerful example of women’s labor driving economic resilience and prosperity in early America.
There will be an exhibit and demonstrations for participants to further explore the importance of Ipswich Lace to a new nation.
Presenter's Bio
Karen Thompson has been making and teaching lace since the 1970s and has studied handmade Ipswich bobbin lace for more than 20 years. She has worked with the lace collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History for over 25 years and is responsible for much of its online documentation and blog content. Karen has reconstructed all known Ipswich lace samples from 1789–1790 and published her findings in The Lace Samples from Ipswich, Massachusetts, 1789–1790. She continues to lecture and teach Ipswich lace both in person and virtually.
AGE GROUP: | Grades 11 - 12 | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Lifelong Learning | Genealogy and Local History | Crafts and Activities |
Central Library provides a full complement of library services: reference services, books and materials for children, young adults, and adults in print and digital formats; 3 catalog stations, 1 AWE Learning Station for preschool-1st grade, 2 Children's computers, and 9 Adult computers ; Wi-Fi; faxing, scanning, copying, and more.
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Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center (RELIC) is a special collection devoted to genealogy and local history with a focus on Virginia and Prince William County. RELIC is open for walk-ins, reference service, and by phone 703-792-8380, and email at relic2@pwcgov.org Monday – Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Central's bathrooms have been renovated and expanded and made ADA Compliant.
New, inviting seating is available, both in the study rooms and open-space areas.
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