The Julia A. Purnell Museum

The museum was founded in 1942 by William Purnell, Julia A. Purnell's son, to preserve the remarkable legacy of her needlework.

Born in 1843, Julia Anne LeCompte discovered her artistic calling at age 85, dedicating her later years to crafting intricate pieces that captured the essence of Snow Hill, Maryland. Her work, which included over 1,000 detailed depictions of local homes and gardens, was the museum's original centerpiece.

In 1957, the collection was moved to its current home in the historic St. Agnes Catholic Church, a building constructed in 1891, ensuring that the stories of the past remain accessible to future generations.