The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) hosts a public embroidery event, lecture, and exhibition at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, Princeton, on Wednesday, October 8, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The public is invited to observe stitchers work on the New Jersey panel of America’s Tapestry. In addition, free needlework tutorials will be available from members of the Princeton and Colonial West Jersey Chapters of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA).
Visitors are welcome to try out various embroidery stitches, and there will be an opportunity to sign up to work on the actual New Jersey panel. Three 18th century examples of New Jersey-related needlework, on loan from a private collection, will be on display in HSP’s museum. At 2 p.m., project director Stefan Romero gives a lecture about his vision for America’s Tapestry.
America’s Tapestry is a project designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States with 13 hand-embroidered panels, one for each of the original 13 colonies. The panels, each designed in consultation with historical research teams, illustrate lesser known stories of the American Revolution. The New Jersey tapestry panel features the many roles New Jersey women undertook during the American Revolution, including raising a phenomenal $15,000 for the Patriot cause.
“The idea for America’s Tapestry was formulated while on a work assignment in Europe after visiting “The Great Tapestry of Scotland,” Romero says. “I was deeply moved by the richness and drama of Scotland’s story, as well as by the contributions of the talented embroiderers working across the country to create a harmonious whole. I felt that a project similar to the Great Tapestry would be an important commemorative undertaking for our own country’s anniversary, so I sought out ways to bring this concept to the United States.”
After learning about the project last year, New Jersey residents Kiki Haumann and Carol Prevost volunteered to serve as the state directors, tasked with planning and recruiting embroiderers for this historic undertaking.
Since April 2025, members of the Colonial West Jersey Chapter of the EGA have been meeting regularly in Mt. Holly to embroider the panel, with occasional help from members of the Princeton EGA. The goals of this public “Stitch-In” are both to raise awareness of the ambitious project behind America’s Tapestry and to enlist additional volunteer embroiderers from around the state.
Immediately following the main program, at 3 p.m., members of the Princeton EGA offer a workshop titled “From Needle to Gourd: Turn Your Needlepoint into a Pumpkin.” Registrants should bring a piece of needlepoint that is damaged or no longer usable, and materials will be available to transform it into decorative pumpkins for the fall. The activity is limited to 15 participants, and pre-registration is required. To register and to arrange for $40 payment, please contact Carol Prevost at carolwprevost@gmail.com.
Participation in the “Stitch-In,” lecture, and exhibition is free; registration is requested by visiting princetonhistory.org/events/americas-tapestry-stitch-in-event/
For more information about America’s Tapestry, visit www.americastapestry.com or contact hello@americastapestry.com.
To follow the progress of the New Jersey panel, visit the online photo gallery at www.instagram.com/250tapestry.
