CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Museum will host a three-day symposium entitled "This Have I Done...: A Lowcountry Sampler Symposium" Oct. 12-14.

The symposium will feature lectures on various aspects of traditional samplers, a rare sampler and needlework exhibit, needlework conservation consultations and a technique workshop. The symposium fee of $175 includes an exhibit catalog, lectures, reproduction sampler kit, educational materials, opening reception, coffee break and refreshments, admission to the museum and its historic houses and an individual conservation consultation.

Symposium presenters include: Jan Hiester, Curator of Textiles, The Charleston Museum; Betty Whiting Flemming, Curator Emeritus, Loudoun Museum; Paula Locklair, Director of Collections and Curator, MESDA/Old Salem; and Kathy Staples, Curious Works Press Inc.

Lecture topics include American Schoolgirl Samplers, South Carolina Samplers, Traditional Patterns and Technique and Needlework Care and Conservation.

From Oct. 11-13, samplers and other fine embroidery and tools from The Charleston Museum's extensive collection will be exhibited, many for the first time. Dating to 1728, the collection includes many Charleston samplers, as well as examples from throughout the Lowcountry. See how Dutch, English, and Scottish influences fused to create distinctively Lowcountry samplers. Symposium participants will have an opportunity to examine the exhibit items up close, as well as stitch a reproduction sampler from the Museum's collection through the workshop portion of the program.

This sampler symposium is the first program to be offered through the newly created Charleston Museum Institute.

To register for the sampler symposium, please call (843) 722-2996 ext. 235 for an application or register online at www.charlestonmuseum.com. Space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged.