HISTORICALLY
IMPORTANT SAMPLER
Colonial Boston, Dated 1765

With Connections to Harvard and the Sons of Liberty

…And a Young Girl’s
Message to Women 
   

“Mary Langdon her Sampler Wrought In the year 1765.”

A remarkable piece of early American needlework, this sampler is stitched with silk thread on linen. It does not include the letters ‘J’ and ‘U,’ which were not used in the early alphabet. The design features a "Garden of Eden"-like scene, a popular motif in Boston samplers at the time, along with crowns—symbols reflecting their status as British subjects in 1765.

Mary Langdon was the daughter of Samuel Langdon, an ardent patriot. A Harvard graduate (Class of 1740) and classmate of Samuel Adams, he rose to prominence through support from Harvard treasurer John Hancock.   
From 1774 to 1780, during the American Revolution, he served as President of Harvard. His strong advocacy for limited government and the removal of corrupt officials alienated Tory students and others, ultimately leading to his resignation in 1780.

Mary’s sampler contains an extraordinary inscription for its time: “If Women will not be inclined to Seek/the improvement of The mind believe/ Me Polly for it’s True Parrots Will talk /As Well as You.” A bold statement in the 18th century, this verse encourages women to pursue education and independent thought rather than merely repeating the opinions of others.

The sampler remains in fine condition with only minor staining and a small hole. The verse is somewhat difficult to read due to the close color match between the silk thread and linen background. Frame size about 23 ¾ inches x 13 ¾ inches.

Exhibited: Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Embroideries of Colonial Boston (November 2010 - March 2011).  From a distinguished New England collection.