Maine Memory Network

Calico dress, ca. 1850

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1850 Media: Cotton

Silk panel skirt with embroidery, China, ca. 1885

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1885 Media: silk, cotton

Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In

Adorning oneself to look one's "best" has varied over time, gender, economic class, and by event. Adornments suggest one's sense of identity and one's intent to stand out or fit in.

Samplers: Learning to Sew

Settlers' clothing had to be durable and practical to hold up against hard work and winters. From the 1700s to the mid 1800s, the women of Maine learned to sew by making samplers.

Historic Clothing Collection - Eighteenth Century - Page 1 of 3

"… background, with a red (madder) and blue (indigo) floral pattern. It bears a label, stating "1779. Worn by Miss Olive Gray, born in North Yarmouth…"

Historic Clothing Collection - 1910-1920 - Page 1 of 2

"… and net-filled V neckline, edged with silk-gilt floral trim. It includes detachable matching net sleeves, tiny taffeta ruffles on cuffs and edges…"

Rug Hooking Project with a Story
by Marilyn Weymouth Seguin

My grandmother taught me the Maine craft of rug hooking when I was a child.