Stitched in 1765.
"Still speaking to us today" 

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

This notable sampler, sewn by a young girl in Boston a decade before the American Revolution, offers a rare glimpse into the lives and learning of colonial-era youth.  It is not just a textile—it’s a moment in time.

Mary Langdon (born April 21, 1751; baptized in July 1760) 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.

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.

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.The sampler remains in fine condition with only minor staining and a small hole. 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.