There's a lot of history woven throughout Maytown, and some of that past will be on display beginning this month at the Maytown Historical Society museum. "Gebhart Coverlets and Antique Textiles" will open on Saturday, Sept. 10, and will run from 1 to 4 p.m. on the first Saturdays and Sundays of the month through Sunday, Dec. 4.

The display will feature eight coverlets, or bedspreads, made in the mid-1800s at the John Reuben Gebhart weaving factory, which once stood on North Queen Street in Maytown, opposite St. John's Lutheran Church. Additionally, two quilts are highlighted, one pieced and one appliqued, along with table runners woven by Henry and Anna Haines of Maytown. "We have some candlewick pillowcases, which are very pretty, and there's an interesting story that goes along with them," stated historical society member Deb Gepfer, who explained that candlewicking is a method of embroidery. A small tabletop loom is on display as well as a crib-size coverlet that was created as a fundraiser for the museum.

The textiles were originally on display at this year's Mayfest, an annual festival that was held on May 7, but the rainy weather that day cut down on the crowds that might have enjoyed them, Gepfer noted. "We wanted to give people another chance to see them," she said of the display, which took about a month to set up. "These pieces vary in color and configuration, and some of them are very fancy."

Historical society member Bob Lescallette completed extensive research of the Gebharts, and his findings accompany the textile displays. While most of the pieces are displayed behind glass for protection, one more modern creation can be found out on a table for visitors to touch, Gepfer noted.

She encourages anyone with an interest in needlework or history to check out the display. "It's very cool to see something made in that time period and see the beauty of it - the details and how it's lasted all these years," she said.

The exhibit will mark the first time the museum has opened since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Along with the textile display, the museum features a wide variety of items of local interest, said Linda Good, a member of the historical society. "There's a full-size canoe, bows and arrows and a grandfather clock," she said. "Everything was made or constructed in Maytown."

As the museum gears up for another season, the Maytown Historical Society is also beginning its programming and will host a presentation by Peggy Hicks Shafer on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the East Donegal Township Building, 190 Rock Point Road, Marietta. Shafer, who grew up in Maytown, will talk about what it was like to live in the town 80 years ago. The program will begin at 6 p.m. and will be followed by refreshments and a time for questions. A short business meeting will conclude the presentation and will offer a preview of upcoming Maytown Historical Society events, including a breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 8; Halloween events later in October; and a Christmas gala in December. People are also invited to join the Maytown Historical Society, which meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the East Donegal Township Building.

For more information, call the museum at 717-426-1526 and leave a message.