History
From "The Needlework Lady" to Today's Craftswoman: A Brief History
In 1946, Edna Ruth Byler, a volunteer for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC*), visited an MCC sewing class in Puerto Rico. What she discovered was extraordinary embroidered pieces, hand sewn by local women. What she also found was many of these talented craftspeople lived in poverty. She realized that if these women had more places to sell their wares, their lives would improve.
Edna Ruth brought some pieces home to Akron, Pennsylvania to sell to friends and neighbors. Their popularity inspired her to add cross-stitch from Palestinian refugees and hand-carved Haitian woodenware – all sold from the trunk of her car. She became affectionately known as the “Needlework Lady”. Her business of helping others’ businesses grew. Stores began to dotting the country. Now, Ten Thousand Villages expanding retail network connects North American consumers with the handicrafts – and stories – of tens of thousands of artisans worldwide.
Started as a nonprofit program of MCC, today’s Ten Thousand Villages is one of the oldest and largest fair trade organizations in the world. Fair trade organizations connect consumers in North America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand to unemployed and underemployed artisans and farmers in developing countries through fair trade relationships – benefiting people, rather than maximizing their own profits. The artisans’ income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing.
Why “Ten Thousand Villages”? Its inspiration came from a Mahatma Gandhi quote, “…India is not to be found in its few cities but in the 700,000 villages…we have hardly ever paused to inquire if these folks get sufficient to eat and clothe themselves with.” To us, each village in the world represents a unique, distinctive people…offering extraordinary products born of their rich cultures and traditions.
*MCC is the relief, service and peace agency of the North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Churches.
For a more detailed history of our first 50 years read SELFHELP crafts of the world—The first 50 years.
About Us
- Employment Opportunities
- History
- Vision, Mission & Principles
- How to Get Involved
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Stores & Festival Sales
Locate and learn more:
- Ten Thousand Villages Stores
- Alliance Stores
(fair trade/specialty shops) - Festival Sales
