Mass produced Valentines were first made in the United States in the mid-1800s under the direction of Esther Howland, the daughter of a Massachusetts printer, who had encountered Valentines from Great Britian. Her assembly-line approach allowed middle-class Americans to participate in the tradition of sending cards, which helped establish Valentine’s Day as a widely recognized holiday.
The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center has many beautiful Valentines from the 1800s in their collection. Many of that time incorporate printed or hand painted pictures with cut out dollies or paper. One of the favorites is a fan “from Papa to Momma” with a silk purse attached.
It is the thought that someone took time to express their feelings that make Valentines so special. If you ran out of time to get that special card for your love, don’t fret. If your love is one for the history books, send them a historic valentine from our selection! View some beautiful Valentines from our archives and some new digital ones from our Facebook page below.
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Check out a few antique valentines from our archives!
❤️ Save a digital valentine to send to your love! ❤️
