Antique Kentucky Samplers (AKS) documents in an organized, academic fashion, antique needlework samplers crafted in the Commonwealth of Kentucky from the eighteenth century to the antebellum period.  While a lofty goal, participation by institutions, individuals and elite commercial dealers of antique samplers has been astounding and…humbling.  Please see the “Thanks to…” tab for a summary of all those who have contributed to the project and to the collection!  As you can imagine, without their interest and devotion to this facet of the historic decorative arts, this website would not be possible.  More importantly, a portion of our collective history, and certainly Kentucky’s history, would be lost.  Please email AKS if you have a Kentucky sampler you are willing to share for possible inclusion on the Antique Kentucky Samplers website.

AKS adds new samplers to the Collection page on an ongoing basis and edits cataloged samplers as further information becomes available.

AKS continues its longterm goal of primary research on late 18th century to antebellum period Kentucky schools and teachers catering to female education. AKS continues to document and add new individual teachers and schools to the database. The research has been slowed by an influx of new to AKS samplers requiring cataloging on AKS. Finally, AKS has been asked to write a chapter in the forthcoming 2025 supplement to “Collecting Kentucky”.  Following this endeavor, robust, interactive references and articles are anticipated on a completely revamped “KY Sampler Research” page.  In addition to primary research, scholarly articles published elsewhere and related to female education in Kentucky will be posted at “KY Sampler Research”.  If you have information on female education in Kentucky that you would consider sharing, please contact AKS at admin@AntiqueKentuckySamplers.org. 

  Please see the Collections page, as well as the increasingly crowded Sampler Distribution page if you have not done so recently! 

If you wish to be added to the AKS mailing list, please email: admin@AntiqueKentuckySamplers.org.

Please return often!

Enjoy!