The Art of Artifacts Series
Introducing collections-inspired programming the whole family is sure to enjoy! View a selection of rarely seen objects from the vault and enjoy hands-on art activities inspired by the collection.
Introducing collections-inspired programming the whole family is sure to enjoy! Visit the third Saturday of each month from 12 PM – 2 PM. View a selection of rarely seen objects from the vault and enjoy hands-on art activities inspired by the collection.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Make a Dried Cantaloupe Seed Necklace
Seeds were commonly used in 19th-century jewelry and other decorative crafts. Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts founder Annie Grim Kemerer embroidered a silk purse with cantaloupe seeds in 1884 while attending Hagerstown Seminary in Hagerstown, Maryland. Create your own necklace using dried cantaloupe seeds, beads, and paint.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Make a Paper Crazy Quilt
Crazy quilts gained widespread popularity after the Centennial Exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. Among the various displays, the Japanese Dwelling stood out, featuring its unique crazed ceramics and asymmetrical art, which captivated many visitors. Characterized by irregularly shaped patches adorned with intricate embroidery and painted designs, crazy quilts were often crafted as decorative pieces intended for display in parlors. Historic Bethlehem proudly houses a collection of twelve such quilts. Design and frame your own paper crazy quilt.
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Ribbonwork Sampler
A type of needlework practiced by the Moravians in the United States, ribbonwork was particularly popular during the 1820s and 1830s, when it was introduced to the curriculum of the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies. Ribbonwork consists of floral designs created using a blend of silk crepe ribbon (now known as chiffon), silk, and chenille. Create a simple ribbonwork sampler inspired by pieces in the collection.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Felt Pocket
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pockets were separate articles of clothing, tied around the waist. Often decorated with silk embroidery, these pockets provided space for women to carry their most important possessions.
Join us for this day’s event at Apple Days!
