The Greenbrier Historical Society presents a new exhibit at the North House Museum on Friday evening, Apr. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“Mothers of Material: Women and Textile Production in Greenbrier Valley” celebrates the women whose textile production was more than a form of self-expression, it was a necessity. On display are quilts, including the Gatewood Quilt, one of America’s oldest; a woven coverlet with a detective story; astonishingly beautiful laces; detailed samplers worked by young girls; and interesting historic clothing.

The exhibit opening will offer hands-on opportunities to try weaving, spinning, embroidery and needle felting, certain to captivate visitors. Demonstrators from Lee Street’s Studio 2 Fiber Arts and the Fiber Arts Network at Carnegie Hall will be found around the museum ready to show, tell and answer questions. Guests will enjoy live music and refreshments during the event. In addition, beautiful knitted baby clothing and irresistible felted sheep created by the artists of Studio 2 will be on sale in the new museum gift shop.

There is no cost for admission to the event thanks to funding from the West Virginia Humanities Council and the generosity of members of Studio 2 Fiber Arts, but the Greenbrier Historical Society gladly accepts donations. Guests are encouraged to join the fun by dressing as their favorite historical character, in garments from any historic period or in their own fiber arts creations.

The “Mothers of Material” exhibit will be open to the public during regular hours through the end of the year with a fun Family Fiber Day planned for Saturday, June 22. For more information contact North House at 304-645-3398 or museum@greenbrierhistorical.org.