America 250 at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead: Rug Hooking Exhibit & a Visit with Soldier Deborah Sam

America 250 at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead: Rug Hooking Exhibit & a Visit with Soldier Deborah Sampson

READINGTON, NJ -  What did it take to fight for American independence? Find out through art, storytelling, and living history at Readington Museums’ Open House on Sunday, September 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead.

This special America 250 Open House offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary while exploring the Revolutionary era through the artistry of hooked rugs and the firsthand perspective of a woman who defied convention to serve her country.

At 1:00 p.m., Sharon Goodman will give a short talk while portraying Deborah Sampson, a Revolutionary War soldier who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army.

At 2:00 p.m., fiber artist Lucy Walsh will speak about the rugs on display, the historic images that inspired them, and the stories behind their designs.

Following the presentations, Goodman will remain in character as Sampson and circulate among visitors, allowing guests to ask questions and hear more about her remarkable experiences. Walsh will also be on hand to demonstrate the hooking process and provide a practice frame for guests to try their hand at hooking.

The afternoon will feature a special exhibit by the Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild, showcasing hooked rugs inspired by the people, places, events, and slogans of 1776. Created in anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary, the project brings history and art together through dozens of handcrafted rugs and scaled models of Revolutionary-era regimental flags. Each rug tells a story in wool and offers a unique artistic perspective on American history.

The guild’s members completed 70 rugs as part of a yearlong project that began in January 2026. The exhibit has been displayed at 18 venues throughout Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bucks counties, including historic homes, community events, reenactments, encampments, fairs, and a winery. The project has also been featured in two rug-crafting magazines and will be presented virtually at Sauder Village in Ohio.

The Bouman-Stickney Farmstead is located in the Stanton section of Readington. For GPS purposes, use 114 Dreahook Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Although there is no fee, donations are

gladly accepted. In the event of inclement weather, please call Readington Museums for the latest program updates.

For more information, visit www.readington.gov/community/museum, email Museums@readington.gov, or call 908-236-2327.

Made possible with funds from the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.