Needle & Thread: The Art & Skill of Clothing an Early 19th-Century FamilyRural New England housewives had multiple responsibilities in managing an entire household: cooking, cleaning, gardening, tending to the children and keeping the family neat and tidy. In addition to once a week chores like laundry and ironing, women spent innumerable hours making and mending an assortment of garments for the family. Drawing on Old Sturbridge Village's extensive collection, Needle & Thread showcases early 19th century garments as well