Most people are familiar with Armenian knotted rugs, but the Museum also has a small collection of what are sometimes referred to as “Granny rugs.” These American-style rugs date back to the early 1900s and were typically made by braiding scraps of fabric together and sewing the braid around itself. Thorndike Mills was known throughout the world for its braided rugs. What is less known, is that the company was run from 1957 to 2019 in Palmer, MA, by the Garabedian Family. Armenian entrepreneur Gabriel Garabedian was the head of the company that produced rugs seen in kitchens and doorways across America. Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shares how this company was started and what made the production of these rugs so unique. One of the Thorndike Mills rugs, donated by the Garabedian Family, is on display in our “Family Case” for visitors to see as they begin their tour.