Civil War Sewing Kit

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$750

Project of

Pioneerland Library System Legacy Grant SFY 2014 - SFY 2015

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

September 2013

End Date

September 2013

Activity Type

Grants/Contracts

Counties Affected

McLeod

Project Overview

The Civil War Sewing Kit Workshop is part of the Minnesota Historical Society's historical craft workshops. With history of the Civil War as part of the presentation, the portable sewing kits were an essential accessory for everyone from soldiers to housewives during the Civil War. "Housewives" would securly store thread, pins, needles and notions in these kits. During this workshop participants created modern versions of these Civil War era sewing kits. Participants also learned that these similiar kits were used by soldiers in other wars.

Project Details

31 attendees

Project Details: 2014 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2013, Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$750

Direct expenses

$750

Number of full time equivalents funded

n/a

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Attendees will 1) discover the history of the protable sewing kits used during the 1860's by soldiers as well as frontiersmen. 2) experience the making of the sewing kits with supplies provided. 3) broaden their knowledge of a historical craft for those interested in the art of sewing.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The participants completed evaluations for attending the Civil War Sewing Kit Workshop. The overall comments were "excellent program" and "very informative" and "enjoyed the hands on aspect" of the workshop. The sponsoring libraries felt the historical outcomes were the information and understanding of the use, ingenious way to carry needles and notions, and the skills in making a personal "housewife" (the nickname for such sewing kits).

Source of Additional Funds

The Glencoe and Hutchinson Libraries, McLeod County Libraries of Brownton and Winsted supported this Civil War workshop by advertising, telling patrons, and encouraging attendance. The Friends of the Library groups also encouraged people to take advantage