Location: Manor House Reception Hall

SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER: Dawn Cook Ronningen 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 10, 2026

GUEST FEE: $105 (includes lunch and a self-guided tour of the Manor House)
SHNG MEMBER Fee: $10

The Stan Hywet Needlework Guild is pleased to announce a one-day public event featuring lectures, a trunk show, and a question-and-answer session with well-known collector and author Dawn Cook Ronningen.

Dawn Cook Ronningen is a historian, needleworker, curator and collector. Her research has led to numerous presentations, study events and published articles. Her passion for needlework includes embroidery, quilting and lace. Some of her antique and vintage needlework tool collection are in her books: “Antique American Needlework Tools” and “Sewing Rolls, Needle Rolls and Huswifes, 150 Years of History and Tradition”.

The schedule for the day will include:

Trunk Show of Antique Embroidery, Needlework Tools and Sewing Boxes
Morning Lecture: Journey of a Collector
Afternoon Lecture: Mystery and Practicality - Antique Needlework Boxes
Q & A Session with Opportunity to Learn About Your Own Antique Needlework Treasures

Please note that no photographs or video recordings of the trunk show or lectures will be allowed.

Attendees will have the opportunity to submit photographs of their own antique needlework treasures for Dawn to describe as part of her presentation. More details will be provided on how to submit in early 2026.

Registration for Needlework Guild Members will open on May 1, 2026, and the registration form will be provided in a newsletter. Public registrations will open on June 1, 2026, and will be accepted via the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens website. Click this link for a one-page event flyer that you can print or download. Save the date and invite a friend!