Every year, Americans exchange an average of 142 million Valentine’s Day cards – making the holiday near the top of the list of card-exchanging holidays (second only to Christmas). Valentines come in many different shapes and sizes, and can be handmade or store bought, clever and creative, or very traditional. Whatever form they come in, the valentines that we exchange each year have their roots right here in western Massachusetts, and are symbolic of the love, caring, and appreciation that we have for the important people around us.
Esther Howland, a Mt. Holyoke graduate and Worcester native, began designing fancy valentine cards in 1848, Learn about the local roots of the Valentine this weekend while making your own valentines and viewing displays of antique valentines at these Western MA events…