A new exhibit at the Gloucester Museum of History this month highlights the creative handiwork of ladies from two local families. 

On display are intricately designed textiles made by sisters Margaret Shackelford Sterling and Grace Shackelford King, Margaret’s daughter Frances Elizabeth Sterling, and sisters Edith Sterling Waldrop and Hilda Sterling Nolen.

Cousins from Gloucester—Heather Sterling Pearce of Richmond, Mary Anne Sterling of Ashburn and Amy Williams Boykin of Hayes—created the exhibit of handcrafted items they inherited from their mothers, grandmothers, great-aunts and extended family.

The women’s handiwork ranged from crocheted bedspreads and tablecloths to decorative doilies, scarves and doll clothes. 

The cousins have included photos of each woman and the stories behind many of the pieces on display, some dating to 1920.

Their goal is to honor the special ladies who created these timeless treasures and showcase their incredible wor...