In the 19th century, women’s sewing kits were often referred to as “work boxes” because their sewing projects were known as “work.” Some women stored their supplies in straw baskets while others had much more ornate lacquered wooden boxes like the one pictured here, which was imported from China. It belonged to Eliza McClean, who lived from 1812 to 1866. Work boxes contained a variety of sewing and quilting supplies, including embroidery scissors, needles, and spools of thread. #DidYouKnow that needle cases were also sometimes known as “housewives?” Learn more about the Baltimore album quilt tradition and how these quilts served as the building blocks for Dr. William Rush Dunton Jr.’s groundbreaking work in occupational therapy through the ongoing exhibition, “Wild and Untamed: Dunton’s Discovery of the Baltimore Album Quilts.” Image: Chinoiserie work box, 1850-1855, owned by Eliza McLean (1812-1866). Maryland Center for History and Culture, Gift of Miss Florence Shall, 1947.21.1. ...