Advertisement
The Monroe County Historical Association is pleased to announce a Lunch and Learn Series on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Stroud Mansion Museum and Library, 900 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. Dr. Janneken Smucker, a 5th-generation Mennonite quiltmaker, author, lecturer, and Professor of History at West Chester University of PA, will give her presentation, “A New Deal for Quilts.” Light lunch is included and begins at Noon, followed by the program at 1:00 pm.Dr. Smucker’s visually rich presentation will explore how Depression-era federal programs drew on quilts and quiltmaking as part of government relief and public relations efforts. Her program will feature images of quilts made by Americans in support of New Deal programs. Her discussion will also include images of women working on quilts in WPA Sewing Rooms, quilts in use in precarious living conditions, and women learning quiltmaking from expert home economists in the many federally planned communities and migratory labor camps established across the country. The quilts themselves are powerful forms of communication, serving as political statements of Americans' hopes and dreams for recovery.
Following the presentation, Dr. Smucker will host a book signing, and quilt-themed items will be available in the Museum Store. Attendees will also be able to view the current special exhibit, “Stars and Stitches Forever” quilt challenge as part of the America 250 celebration. Located within walking distance of the Stroud Mansion Museum and Library are two locally owned businesses specializing in fabric, tools, and quilt-making supplies: Pocono Sew & Vac at 567 Main Street and American Ribbon at 925 Ann Street, Stroudsburg.
The cost for the October 3rd Lunch and Learn program is $25.00 for MCHA members and $30.00 for nonmembers. Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, September 25, 2026.
To reserve your spot, visit:
https://monroehistorical.org/lunchlearn.html
Or contact the Monroe County Historical Association office at (570) 421-7703.
Advertisement
Event venue
900 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 18360
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.