Reticules are small, drawstring bags that gained popularity in the late 18th century. Prior to the 1800s, women used to tie pockets around their waists under their petticoats. The fullness of their skirts would mask the bulk of any items in their pockets. As slim-line, sheer dresses came into fashion during the Regency period, women could no longer conceal their pockets under their skirts; so they began carrying them on the outside. 

These reticules were often made of velvet, satin, silk, or netting. Women would decorate them with beading, embroidery, and paint as a way of making them more beautiful and showcasing their handwork. 

Where did the term reticule come from?

The word reticule comes from French “réticule” which derives from the latin word for net. Reticules were also called “indispensables” as women would carry their necessities within them. There is written evidence that some men, who thought these small bags silly, referred to them as “ridicules”; but it is likely that this was a play on the word “reticule” rather than the root of it. 

More reading: https://regencyfictionwriters.org/the-reticule-or-the-ladys-pocket-exposed/

When did reticules go out of fashion? 

Fashion historian Carrie Midura, who led the February 2026 reticule embellishment workshop at Gore Place, says they never did. The reticules of the Regency era have evolved into the vast variety of purses (handbags, clutches, fanny packs, etc.) that we still use today. 

Gore Place has a number of reticles in the collection, a few of which are highlighted below:

This beaded reticule dates from the middle of the 19th century (USA). The purse is made of wool canvaswork and accented with cut steel beads.

Dating from the early 19th century, this lady’s reticule is made of silk satin and embroidered with multiple colors of dianthus-like flowers.

This beautiful butterfly-shaped reticule dates from the 1820s (USA). It is made of lustring silk, velvet, and cardboard. The butterfly pattern, resembling a blue morpho butterfly, was likely stamped onto the purse then painted.

He writes, "I've always loved history and exploring past lives and I wanted to pursue a path that reflects this interest. I’m excited to be participating in an internship and cultural exchange program here at Gore Place. I’ll be organizing, documenting, and rehousing select items from the collection, which is large, varied, and full of valuable content. I'm looking foward to contributing to the collection's preservation and accessibility to visitors."

In her will it states that this gift is because of "happy memories of a visit in the 1960s." Mrs. Mayl visited Gore Place with her mother when she was in her 20s. A few years later she became a lifetime member. We stayed in contact with her and over the years, she donated to our annual fund as well as to capital campaigns. Although we knew Mrs. Mayl thought fondly of Gore Place, we were amazed by the generosity of her bequest.

Gay Reddig Mayl was originally from a Cleveland suburb. After graduating from Sweet Briar College and Georgetown Law School, she returned to Ohio and worked for White Consolidated Industries. Together with her husband, Jack Mayl, she traveled the world and approached life with curiosity and humor. 

This gift highlights how breathtaking Gore Place is and how visiting a wonderful place can change a person’s life. Gay Reddig Mayl’s bequest will help Gore Place grow and blossom and we will never forget how much she has helped us.

During her summer internship, she selected objects from the Gore Place collection and conducted research in order to create and present a public tour on childhood in the 19th century. When writing her tour, she focused on making connections between the featured objects and deliberately chose where in the mansion to display these items. She hoped this thoughtfulness would help convey a bigger picture and engage the tour’s attendees. Those who attended this tour also enjoyed how she shared information about the objects’ previous owners. Some of her favorite objects from her tour include: a porcelain doll, a rocking horse, and examples of needlework and embroidery.

To read more about this announcement, visit our Press Room here. 

Cathy Collins
Rita Cutroni
Mary Ellen Donovan
Kathy Hines
Mary Kopsiaftis
Kathy Montesanti
Courtney Ogg-Mancuso
Evelyn Polli
Mary Ann Ridenti
Cathy Vieira

Independent Designers

Heather Anderson 
Barbar Ayala Rugg Diehl   
Nicole Coleman
Adeline Mega   
Molly Robertson 
Susan Robertson  
                                       

See all of the wonderful designs from our 2023 show below!

                                                              
                                                   
See last year's House in Bloom photos here.

During her tenure, Ms. Robertson focused on strategic planning, capital infrastructure, and interpretive programs. She established a grant writing initiative at the museum that played a significant role in raising $8,000,000 for the preservation and restoration of Gore Place's three historic buildings and the recently completed construction of two period-appropriate barns on the Gore Farm. 

During the COVID pandemic, the grounds at Gore Place remained open and Ms. Robertson led the museum staff to create innovative and engaging socially distanced programs that served hundreds of visitors during a time when most museums were closed. Ms. Robertson also guided the museum in achieving accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2003, as well as re-accreditation in 2013 and 2023, and the UP Designation from the Mass Cultural Council in 2019 for accessibility and inclusion at Gore Place. Her leadership can also be seen in the success of the Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place, which is now in its 37th year and a New England tradition.

Ms. Robertson was the President of the Board of the New England Museum Association from 2004 to 2006 and served on the Board of the Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce (now Waltham Chamber of Commerce) from 2003 to 2018. She received the Chamber Chairman's Award in 2001 and 2003 and the New England Museum Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

“I am honored to have been Executive Director during such a transformative time at Gore Place. I am very proud of the Gore Place team and all that we have accomplished to move the museum from a hidden gem to a vibrant destination,” said Ms. Robertson.

Ms. Robertson will be named Executive Director Emerita of Gore Place upon her departure. The search for the new Executive Director will be conducted by Museum Search & Reference, Londonderry, New Hampshire.

Gore Place is a 50-acre country estate in the city, a grand Mansion steeped in history, a working farm, and an invaluable community resource located in Waltham and Watertown, MA. The historic estate is owned and operated by Gore Place Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring the estate as a cultural resource for the community. 

Gore Place is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and receives funding from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. To learn more, visit goreplace.org

This year, Farmer Scott’s Heirloom Tomato Plant Sale at Gore Place will be held in person! Fill your garden with vegetable transplants, grown on the Farm at Gore Place. Choose from a wide variety of hard-to-find heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, herbs, and marigolds! These are all beautiful transplants, ready for your garden.

The event will be held out-of-doors. Masks are encouraged, but not required. For more information, visit this page. 

Are you excited about our 36th Annual Sheepshearing Festival? We sure are! Get a sneak peek of the Festival by viewing our list of vendors and performers. This year's festival is full of new and returning handmade crafters, fiber artists, agricultural demonstrators, historical re-enactors, and musical performances. The Festival will also feature hands-on activities for children and adults, and food vendors will be on-site! Our official Festival map and schedule are also available online.

People often tell us that spring doesn't begin until the Sheepshearing Festival! So what are ewe waiting for? Don't be sheepish, and grab your tickets now for a day full of guaranteed fun. We have advance tickets available online until April 21, at 11:59 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased at the gates on the day of the Festival, using cash or major credit cards. 

Did You Know Members Get In Free?

Your Gore Place membership comes with many perks, including free admission to the Sheepshearing Festival. Join or renew today to enjoy your benefits just in time for this event! And after the Festival, you can use your Gore Place membership to receive discounts on many other programs throughout the year. Sheep thrills for the whole family! 

Free visitor parking is available at the following lots for the Festival:

• 41 Seyon Street, Waltham
• 132 Grove Street, Waltham
• 57 Stanley Avenue, Watertown

The parking shuttle stops at all three off-site parking lots. Accessible parking for vehicles with state-issued HP placards/plates is located at 52 Gore Street, Waltham. 

Learn more about the Festival, including our schedule of events and accessibility FAQ, on our main Sheepshearing Festival page.

Thank you to our Festival sponsors!