I have tried researching an insurance value for this family heirloom, and the values seem to be all over the place, from worthless to practically priceless. I realize that the value can go up by having pictures, poetry, and by fine work being done by a young child. This one was done by a little girl, but only has two small, simple pictures, but has a good poem. Here is the basic information:
The sampler was removed from the original frame (unfortunately) and was professionally cleaned and put under UV glass/acid free backing in the early 1970's (Please comment if I should have this redone now with modern techniques). I has been in my family and handed down since it was stitched in 1830 by Almira Adams of Medford MA. I have researched Almira's genealogy, she is part of my Adams family that includes John Adams, Samuel Adams etc., but not as a direct descendent, we are cousins, descended from a common ancestor.
The sampler is in very good condition, strong, with no fraying, wear or holes. It faded prior to preservation and the background cloth seems to be darkening slightly with time.
The sampler is cross-stitched, with four sets of the alphabet (upper and lower case), numbers 1 - 13, decorated with two small flowers and the following text:
"Tis granted and no plainer truth appears
Our most important are our earliest years
The mind impressible and soft with ease
imbibes and copies what she hears or sees
and through life's labyrinth holds fast the clue
that education gives her false or true.
Almira Adams. aged 10 years. Medford. Massachusetts. 1830."
