Love & Lace: The Valentines of Esther Howland

This small and intimate exhibit features the work of the mother of the American valentine and Worcester resident, Esther Howland. In 1847, Howland received an English valentine, which inspired her to design her own. She sold her cards through her father's stationery store and business flourished. After merging with Edward Taft in 1879, the New England Valentine Company became one of the largest greeting card companies in the world.