Map samplers helped teach geography, but for some reason were less commonly made in the United States than in England. We have only one in the collection, which is a map of the world in two hemispheres. Expanding our holdings of this type of needlework is one of our goals. As New York was establishing their new public school system, they turned to the Boston system for advice, as Boston public schools were well underway and performing well. This sampler whose inscription says it was made in the NY public school seems to have been made as a presentation piece to show and present to officials who are known to have visited from Boston to examine the system and advise.