Health & Fitness
19th Century Georgetown Sampler
Tucked away in "Georgetown's Attic" at the Peabody Room, 3250 R Street, NW, is the work of an eight year-old from 192 years ago.
Among the many unusual historic Georgetown realia housed at the DC Public Library's Peabody Room is this needlework sampler completed 192 years ago today on January 26, 1821. Shown is a detail of the overall 8½” w x 16” h work created by Jane Etheldra Chapman.
Jane was born circa 1813 and lived with her parents Henry and Mary Champman in a house that occupied the nw corner of 31st and Dumbarton Street, NW. Embroidered is the verse, “Virtue is amiable mild serene Without all beauty and all [peace] within" (young Jane ran out of room and squished in the word “peace”).
Would any collector/expert like to give a talk at the Peabody Room about 19th century needlework samplers and their care and preservation? If so please contact jerry.mccoy@dc.gov or (202) 727-0233.
