Mourning Drawing, circa 1820

Early European inhabitants in the Valley of Virginia created decorative documents to commemorate important family events. Most of these keepsakes, known as Fraktur, were created by and for German immigrants. Others show influences from the English, Irish or Scot-Irish settlers. This design suggests similarities with German Fraktur, but differs in format, language and imagery -- a blending of art and traditions between the Valley's ethnic populations.