The Historical Society of Pennsylvania has opened an exhibit titled Fiber Points: Textile and Handcraft Heritage, which runs from now until June 15. This exhibit details the history of textile manufacturing in the Philadelphia area and features examples of ethnic heritage and handcrafts as well as handcrafts from wartime, with patterns dating from the Civil War to World War I.

The public is invited to come to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s library at 1300 Locust Street in Philadelphia to view the exhibit. Admission is $1. The exhibit is open during regular library hours, Tuesday through Friday.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Historical Society will host a free event on the history of knitting at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 15. What does knitting have to do with women’s rights? University of Notre Dame professor Pamela Butler will explore the legacy of knitting and feminism in order to make political sense of today’s so-called “knitting revolution.” Butler will discuss the long history of connections between gender, feminism, and decorative arts and crafts.

A short knitting demonstration, sponsored by Rosie’s Yarn Cellar, will precede the event. After the lecture, guests will enjoy a reception and view original items from the Historical Society’s archives, including Quaker embroidery and lace, knitting patterns, and fabric sample books. A raffle will take place after the event, and all proceeds will support the Historical Society’s Young Friends Adopt A Collection program.

The free event will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 15, at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania at 1300 Locust Street in Philadelphia. Click here to register.

Media is invited to attend the event. To reserve your seat, please contact the Society’s Director of Programs and Communications, Lauri Cielo, at 215-732-6200 ext. 233 or lcielo@hsp.org.