The Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street and the Mattapoisett Land Trust are co-sponsoring a winter vacation activity making Sailor’s Valentines on Friday, February 23 from 10 to 11:30 am at the Museum.
All supplies needed to make your own Sailor’s Valentine will be provided. This craft is recommended for ages eight and up. The event is free and open to the public, but donations are always appreciated. Snacks and cider will be provided.
Although the exact origins of the Sailor’s Valentines are not clear, documentation shows that they were given as a token of affection by sailors to their loved ones. Sailor’s Valentines were most likely not made by the sailors themselves but were handcrafted by women in Barbados, a popular destination amongst whaling ships between 1830-1890. Sailors would then purchase these trinkets at souvenir shops while in port.
Join everyone at the Museum to experience this long lost art for yourself and walk away with an heirloom to be cherished for years to come.