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Subject: Re: [APG] Interesting proj. - need ideas
Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2003 22:25:53 -0400

Hi Rebecca,

Interesting project indeed!

Sounds like you've covered the best bases, so here are a couple of "off-the-beaten-path" suggestions.

I've had some success, in similar projects, by checking with auction galleries. If the ability of the maker of the work you're researching was as good as the maker of the work hanging in the Winterthur (I'm leaping to an assumption of quality here), then it's possible that a piece by the same person came up for auction at some point. Most auction houses keep excellent records. Also, there are books and periodicals that describe items that have been auctioned. These areavailable at major libraries such as the New York Public Library's Art and Architecture Division.

While local auction galleries might be good to check, the big ones--Sothebys and Christies--could be your best bet. They have curators who specialize in crafts and would know how to assist you in researching their auctions and others. I'd mention the names you know and see if they have any advice. The particular style or design might identify the artisan. Check the websites for the names of the right curators and contact them. They're generally helpful.

The Winterthur was of no help? Perhaps other museums, such as the American Craft Museum (www.americancraftmuseum.org) could advise. Most of their work is contemporary, but a curator may have some thoughts.

Best regards,

Leslie Corn, M.A., F.G.B.S.
Professional Genealogist
Genealogical Research, Due Diligence, & Missing Heirs
New York, NY
The New York Times, 1851-1998: Remote Access to the ProQuest Database for NYG&B Members. Part 1: Getting Started
www.nygbs.org/info/articles/ProQuest1.html
City Clerk's Marriage Licenses, 1908-37: One of 20th-Century Genealogy's Best Primary Sources:
www.nygbs.org/info/articles/NYC_marriages.html


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Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2003 10:28:15 -0400
From: Rebecca Rector <>
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Subject: [APG] Interesting proj. - need ideas
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Hi all -
   I have been working on an interesting project that is historical in
nature rather than genealogical. It involves finding the creator of an
unsigned embroidery stitched by a New England woman between 1730-1750. It
was passed down through a family who was fairly prominent in the
Portsmouth, NH area and is now owned by a descendant of the same surname in
the southern U.S.    (Several known women from this & related families have
done similiar embroideries, one of which hangs in the Winterthur).
  The client did a lot of research on 18th C. needlework from New England,
including contacting specialists in the field. To that, I have added
extensive probate research looking for inventories and other mentions of
this needlework, plus printed genealogies looking for clues. I have looked
at NUCMC, diary indexes for the area, historical collections... I am going
to a specialized collection later in the week to look at some ledgers,
letters, distributions etc. from this & related families.
   Does anyone have any further ideas?  This has been so interesting, yet
I have found so little (so far!)  I can give more specifics if anyone is
interested.  Thanks!
   Rebecca Rector, MLS
   Shrewsbury, MA

This thread:

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  • Re: [APG] Interesting proj. - need ideas by

  • RE: [APG] Interesting proj. - need ideas by "LYNDA HOTRA" <>