In early America, female education primarily focused on reading, writing, and needlework. While few Black girls had the opportunity to attend schools where they learned fancy needlework, some did. Additionally, although most White girls' embroideries did not feature Black people, there are instances where these works subtly reflect the lives and experiences of people of color.

Emilie Gevalt, Curator of Folk Art and Curatorial Chair for Collections at the Museum of American Folk Art, will explore both explicit and implicit representations of people of color in early American needlework, highlighting pieces created by both Black and White makers.

• 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. Cocktail reception in Rivera Court
• 7 – 8:00 p.m. Lecture in Lecture Hall

The lecture is supported by the Ida and Conrad H. Smith Fund, established by the Raymond C. Smith Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

image: Melancia Bowker (age 13), Sampler, 1817. Collection of Sharon and Jeffery Lipton