The Life & Lace of Mrs. Van

Meet Susannah Van Valkenburg!

This early Wisconsin settler was known in Oshkosh for making beautiful lace, and for her role as a Civil War nurse. “Mrs. Van,” as her many friends called her, led a long and fascinating life. From emigrating to Wisconsin in 1856, to nursing on the warfront, to involvement in women’s clubs, one constant in her life was lace making. Self-taught as a child, her fine needlepoint lace was admired by many, including first ladies and queens! 

Mrs. Van was beloved by the Oshkosh community and lived here for fifty-nine years. At the end of her life, she donated several belongings and examples of her lace to the Museum. This exhibition showcases her skill with a needle, as well as the stories of her remarkable life.