Textiles function as utilitarian, decorative, and documentary objects, often sharing the makers values and personal history. As we commemorate Americas semiquincentennial, this MESDA seminar will explore the ways that women in the Colonial and early American periods created textiles, particularly quilts, needlework, and woven baskets, to reflect and create a burgeoning American identity. Plan to join MESDA for two days of lectures during this event generously presented by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates. The event will include a keynote address by Alden OBrien, as well as opportunities to participate in preconference workshops and an open house of textiles in MESDAs study galleries. The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts is one of the museums at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. MESDA is located in the Frank L. Horton Museum Center at 924 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, N.C. Seminar lectures will take place in the James A. Gray Auditorium at the Old Salem Visitor Center at 900 Old Salem Road. The two-day event will be March 20 and 21, 2026. Optional pre-conference activities include several workshops and tours. Join Jenny Garwood, adjunct curator of textiles, for a tour of MESDAs needlework collection, before joining Lea Lane, curator of the MESDA collection for a quilt turning in MESDAs collection. Interested in learning how to identify patterns in coverlets? Join a small group workshop led by Cassie Dickson where you will learn how to understand individual motifs and identify patterns in overshot coverlets. Or try your hand at creating a pin wheel and needlebook based on MESDAs 1793 Margaret Mutter sampler during a workshop with Cissy Bailey Smith. To learn more or register, call 336-721-7328 or visit www.mesda.org.