Viewing History Through the Eye of a Sewing Needle

Historical interpreter and seamstress Morgan Magnuson brings history to life

Morgan Magnuson (L) joins friends dressed in a World War II U.S. Navy WAVES Mail Clerk uniform. Courtesy of Morgan Magnuson

It’s often noted that those who don’t learn history are doomed to repeat it. Unfortunately, with only 11 percent of public high school seniors achieving proficiency in U.S. history today, it seems that we’re headed toward repeating those not-so-savory historical elements.

Into this world steps 25-year-old Morgan Magnuson, a lover of the 18th century, a historical interpreter, and a seamstress extraordinaire. Unlike many in her generation, Magnuson adores history and the domestic arts, and as such, she seeks to use her needle and thread to bring history alive so that others might learn the lessons it has to teach.

From ‘Liberty’s Kids’ to Colonial Williamsburg

Born at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) in Georgia, Ms. Magnuson’s interest in history began at age 5 while watching “Liberty’s Kids“ videos in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where her father was stationed for the military. Living in Europe for the next 10 years of her life only solidified her love of history, as the family’s location brought them close to many battlefields from both World Wars.