The textile collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is comprised of over 50,000 articles and includes raw fibers, yarns and fabrics, machines and tools, linens, synthetics and other fibers, along with 400 quilts in the National Quilt Collection. The original Star Spangled Banner and the gowns of the first ladies are also part of their collection.
The museum’s extensive collection of samplers is sure to inspire any needlepoint or cross stitch aficionado. Textile-related machinery and tools including spinning wheels, sewing machines, thimbles, needlework tools, looms and a model of inventor Eli Whitney’s cotton gin round off the collection.
The Museum is located on the National Mall, at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Hours of Operation:
The Museum is open every day except December 25.
Regular hours are 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.