Convention time is almost here! If you happen to find yourself driving through eastern Iowa via I-80 you might decide to take a rest break in West Branch, home of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum. http://hoover.archives.gov/
During WWI Herbert Hoover established the Commission for the Relief of Belgium which among other things sent Belgium lace to America. The proceeds were returned to the 20,000 lacemakers. http://www.hoover.archives.gov/exhibits/Hooverstory/gallery02/index.html I haven't been to the Museum in several years, but I do recall a pillow being on display and some lace. I believe there is also a display of embroidered flour sacks. Or if you find yourself traveling through Cedar Rapids, I am excited to say that the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is once again open for business! http://www.ncsml.org/ The museum was flooded in June 2008 and just reopened (on higher ground) a couple weeks ago. Our lace guild demonstrates there the 3rd Tuesday of the month. This last time we got our first glimpse of the new museum. Unfortunately I did not have time to go through the textile exhibit. http://www.ncsml.org/Content/Exhibitions/It-All-Comes-Out-in-the-Wash.aspx In addition to the gorgeous embroidery on their folk costumes, called kroje, they also have wonderful bobbin lace! I can't wait to spend some time in this exhibit! Anita Hansen Cedar Rapids, Iowa - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003/albums/most-recent
