The Mary Sheppard Burton Collection

The Mary Sheppard Burton Collection was acquired by the American Folklife Center in March 2006. The centerpiece of the collection is a set of twelve beautiful hooked rugs made by Maryland artist Mary Sheppard Burton. The rugs comprise a series entitled Tell Me ’Bout, and each relates a personal narrative about the Burton family.

Although the American Folklife Center rarely acquires three-dimensional objects, an exception was made in this case because of the compelling nature of Mary Sheppard Burton's rugs, particularly their use in telling stories that have been passed down in her family.

• View all rugs, descriptions, and narratives

Caption for image on right: Chicken Fishin’, Tyaskin, Maryland
Nellie Blaine Lankford, Tell Me ‘Bout Series, 1999.
Dimensions: 39 x 46 inches. Hooked on twelve-thread-count linen.
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