Our January online exhibit came about by recommendation of our esteemed volunteer, advisor and Danville resident Mary Ragno. It features the hooked and braided rugs from the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village’s collection. A talented rug maker herself, Ragno knew that others in the community would appreciate a special look at the collection. She kindly offered her expertise in the craft to help put this exhibit together.
If you’ve taken a tour of our museum, you may have noticed some of these rugs throughout the exhibit rooms. The rugs are both functional and beautiful in their design. Braided rugs often feature mesmerizing color combinations and hooked rugs can range from geometric patterns to intricate flower designs and other images. In total the hooked and braided rug collection includes roughly 100 of these handmade rugs.
Mary Ragno is one of many in the local community who continue to keep the traditions of braided and hooked rug making alive.
The next time you visit the museum, ask your tour guide to point out their favorite hooked or braided rug in the museum. And remember to check back next month for another online exhibit in our winter series!