Sampler (Map sampler)

Description

Map samplers are very rare. The curriculum in public schools that provided education for working-class and middle-class girls included the assignment of map samplers in order to instruct pupils in needle skills and test their knowledge of geography. This sampler by Elizabeth Leoser uses the cross-stitch, back stitch, and seed stitch to mark the boundaries of the state and counties as well as rivers and mountain ranges. She attended the Penn Township Public School, which opened in 1831 and provided free education for children in north Philadelphia. Her map sampler is made of lesser-quality materials. The inscription on Elizabeth's sampler reads: "Elizabeth Leoser done in the 11th year of her age. July 23d 1831. Penn Township Public School. J.A. Byrne Instructress"