Devon has asked me to share additional information about these Iowa museums after I privately wrote more to her early this morning. I have never been to Iowa, but love to do research about the lace people who came before us. It is up to us to keep these memories alive. First, the Czech & Slovak Museum: http://www.ncsml.org/ It would be nice if the IOLI Convention committee could partner with the Czech & Slovak Museum to arrange a loan exhibit of the modern laces of these countries. These laces are truly wonderful and originality has been encouraged for many years. On the tour after the OIDFA Congress in Prague, we were astounded by the wealth of contemporary laces being made in both the Czech and Slovak lace centers. It does not take many to make a huge impression. They are spectacular. American lace makers would benefit from exposure to Czech lace! Might encourage more design originality. Back to the Herbert Hoover Museum: http://www.hoover.archives.gov/exhibits/ It would be nice if a showing of the War Laces and embroidered towels collection (WWI) could be arranged at this museum by the Convention committee. Even those who do not appreciate history may enjoy looking at the galleries via computer. So much of Hoover's history (1874-1964) touched lives all over the world. Gallery 2 is about saving Belgians during and after WWI and has lace references. Historic text reveals that Belgians, who regarded cornmeal as cattle feed, had to be taught to eat cornbread. Hoover was called back to service by President Truman after WWII, to avert global famine. Considering the numbers of people aided, it seems likely that some of today's lace makers descend from people who were provided with life-saving food and other necessities. In the post-WWII years, German children sent letters of thanks for their "Hoover lunch" addressed to "Onkel Hoover, New York, New York". One of the galleries is devoted to Hoover's wife, Lou. Her life was one of great adventure. She was very involved in the Girl Scout movement. This may be of interest to women who were Girl Scouts or who have been scout leaders The last time we had a long Arachne discussion about the Belgian laces and this Presidential Museum, I received a lovely personal thank you letter from the Director. Someone must have made him aware of our Arachne discussion. I located my AAA Road Atlas of state maps, and the Hoover Museum is quite near to the convention site. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
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