Bermuda’s Indigo Textile Secrets Uncovered

History Unfolds in Bermuda’s Blue Threads!

Step into the intriguing world of early Bermuda textiles with award-winning author and textile historian Lori Lee Triplett. With a passion for uncovering the hidden stories of fabric, Lori brings her flair for research, writing, and a touch of theater to this enlightening lecture. Known for her entertaining and educational presentations, Lori’s discoveries about indigo resist textiles will leave you marveling at the colonial fabric industry—and maybe even humming along!

This course delves into the mystery of Bermuda’s indigo resist textiles, recently dated to the 1600s—centuries earlier than previously thought. Funded by the Getty Foundation, The Mingei International Museum enlisted Lori and her sister to research a group of these rare textiles. Through Colonial records, letters, wills, and shipping manifests, they uncovered the identities of the creators—two weavers and their workshop operating in Bermuda during the 1600s. Astonishingly, they also uncovered matching pieces still in Bermuda and across the US.

Participants will dive deep into the rich history of indigo dye, explore the influence of the Atlantic colonies on textile production, and learn about the groundbreaking research that redefined the timeline of these unique fabrics. As a highlight, you’ll even get a glimpse of a Bermuda indigo resist textile from the 1650s! You'll leave with new knowledge, textile trivia, and a fresh perspective on these fascinating historical pieces.