Victorian Handcraft Demonstrations at the McLoughlin House

A white house sits in a grassy park.
The historical front entrance of the McLoughlin house with Oregon City Women's Club fountain in the foreground.

NPS Photo

Throughout history, women have used their skill with their hands to clothe their families and decorate their homes. However, the changes that came with the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s meant that many ladies of the middle class now had leisure time to fill. New materials, patterns and magazines for women became widely available, and needlework and other crafts became all the rage as never before!

Needlework and the arts became a standard part of education for girls - a proper education included sewing, knitting and embroidery, and often watercolor painting and drawing as well as musical training. Poor girls were taught knitting, crochet and sewing at charity schools, so they might earn a better living. Rich or poor, girls and women were expected to be busy and productive all the time, to demonstrate their virtue and industriousness. After all, it was said that "the devil finds work for idle hands."

Each demonstration features a different type of art or craft - some that are currently popular, and some that have been nearly forgotten. These demonstrations are hands-on opportunities to try something new, entertaining, interesting, and educational.

Demonstrations take place at the McLoughlin House Site, located in Oregon City, Oregon at 719 Center St. Marguerite McLoughlin, the lady of the house, was known to be a skilled seamstress and beadworker. You can learn more about her personal sewing tools here. These programs are presented in partnership with the McLoughlin Memorial Association, the organization that saved the McLoughlin house from demolition in 1909!. Please visit mcloughlinhouse.org for updates, information, and registration information. Learn more about visiting the McLoughlin House here.

Check back for information on future programs and dates!

Last updated: December 15, 2022

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