MESDA Summer Institute Final Presentations
June 26, 2026 Winston-Salem, NC2026 Summer Institute Final Presentations
For fifty years the MESDA Summer Institute has trained the next generation of southern decorative arts scholars. Please join us from 10:00am – 2:30pm on Friday, June 26 as the 2026 MESDA Summer Institute students present their original research. Together with our academic partner, Wake Forest University, the 2026 Summer Institute emphasizes the objects, buildings, and landscapes of the Fall Line region.
To register, please click here!
Can’t attend, but still want to support MESDA’s educational efforts? Consider making a gift to MESDA’s Annual Fund or becoming a Friend of MESDA.
2026 Projects:
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Jar John Poole Schermerhorn Henrico County, Virginia 1828-1830 Salt-glazed stoneware William C. and Susan S. Mariner Collection (5813.9) |
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Fireboard Eastern North Carolina Circa 1780-1850 Wood, canvas, paint 4964 |
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The Young Carpenter’s Assistant Owen Biddle 1805 NA2520.B5With later drawings and notes by George Washington Pearce of Augusta, Georgia |
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Crib Petersburg/Richmond, Virginia Circa 1825 Gift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia (6032.1) |
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Portable desk Attributed to the shop of James Beck Fredericksburg, Virginia Mahogany, poplar, brass Partial gift of the Kohn family (6183) |
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Small chest Possibly Lunenburg County, Virginia Circa 1830 Cherry, yellow pine Old Salem Collection (2722) |
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Whitework counterpane Emeline Moore Strayhorn OR Nancy Moore Strayhorn Craig (depending on reading of monogram) Orange County, North Carolina 1838-1842 Cotton St. Joe’s and MESDA Purchase Fund (3053)Dressing table cloth Nancy Moore Strayhorn Craig Orange County, North Carolina 1836 Cotton Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Donald Corbett (3315) |
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Cornucopia ornament Johnson & Reat Richmond, Virginia Circa 1810 Silver, gilding Anonymous gift (5135) |
Event Generously Sponsored By:
