New Exhibit Celebrating Palestinian Culture Opens at Mississippi Valley Textile Museum on February 14

Press Release – Mississippi Valley Textile Museum

A new exhibit is coming to the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM) on February 14, 2026. A Stitch in Time: The Palestine History Tapestry, hosted in partnership with Palestine Museum US, is a selection of tatreez (Palestinian embroidery) pieces from the Palestine History Tapestry – a collection of over 100 hand-stitched panels by Palestinian women in refugee camps. 

The tapestry will be on display at the museum from February 14 to April 19, 2026. The exhibition opening will take place on Saturday, February 14 from 1 to 4 p.m.

“There's power in textiles; in how they stretch across cultures and time as tangible pieces of history. This is why the museum feels that A Stitch in Time is important to share with the local community as a way to facilitate connection and discussion, and amplify voices and stories that are being silenced,” said Michael Rikley-Lancaster (he/him), Executive Director/Curator, MVTM. “This exhibit is a celebration of Palestinian history, culture, and people, but it’s also a frank reflection of what Palestinians have endured and continue to endure. It’s a reflection of their resilience, and we’re honored to share this exhibit.”

The Palestine History Tapestry is an award-winning project that platforms the embroidery skills of Palestinian women to illustrate the history, culture, and humanity of the people of Palestine- forming a large-scale timeline, from Neolithic times to the present. The tapestry panels are largely stitched in the traditional cross-stitch technique of tatreez. Palestinian embroiderers mainly use tatreez to decorate clothing and other items, often in geometric designs and colours that each have their own meaning. It is a traditional craft passed down from generation to generation, incorporating stories and memories, and has become an act of resistance in the face of occupation, apartheid, and genocide. 

“At the heart of the tapestry lies tatreez, the centuries-old Palestinian embroidery tradition which UNESCO added to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021. The art of tatreez has long been the quiet chronicle of a people, passed down from mother to daughter across generations,” said Faisal Saleh (he/him), Executive Director, Palestine Museum US.

Although some traditional designs have been used in parts of the Palestine History Tapestry, the Tapestry is a further development of traditional Palestinian embroidery. It is a testament to the creativity and imagination of Palestinian embroiderers, showcasing the skill required to represent the complicated illustrative imagery of a history tapestry. 

“Even in the face of insurmountable destruction and loss Palestinian people and culture endures. This exhibition speaks to the resilience and rich history of a people that has been passed down over generations - like all textile craft and material culture. I know that those coming to view A Stitch in Time will leave with a sense of how tapestry and artistry weaves us all together beyond time, land, and grief,” said Skylee-Storm Hogan-Stacey (she/they), President, MVTM Board of Directors.

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is privileged to share this exhibition with the local community and hopes it will provide an opportunity for visitors to connect with our shared thread of humanity. This exhibit is generously supported by the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, the Family of Mary Ballantyne, nineSixteen, and Almonte Cozy 2 Bedroom Apartment (Airbnb).