READFIELD — An historically significant rug hooked by renowned rug maker Lucy Trask Barnard (1800-1896) of Dixfield Common will be seen publicly for the first time at a rug show to be held at Readfield’s Union Meeting House on Saturday, Aug. 10, during the town’s Heritage Days celebration.

Five other rugs hooked by Barnard are known. Three are at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and two were recently donated by family heirs to the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland.

Identification of the new find was determined through a study of the three at the Metropolitan, with a special emphasis on the one commonly referred to as “The Betsy Rug.” Made on a linen foundation indicates this is the earliest one of those known and likely dates prior to 1850 when burlap became available in this country. The rug is being loaned by rug collector Joseph Caputo of East Pittston.

According to family lore, Barnard made many rugs during her lifetime so there may still be others surviving.

Other unusual rugs being loaned by Caputo include one hooked entirely of corn husks soaked in warm water for pliability. Another was hooked entirely of raveled burlap, showing the strength of the creative urge among women without access to more conventional and costly materials. A shirred rug demonstrates the strength of the creative initiative among women who did have access to more conventional goods.

A Waldoboro rug will be loaned by Mildred Cole Peladeau, author of “Rug Hooking in Maine 1838-1940,” who is curating the show. Also from the Peladeau collection will be an example of a yarn-sewn rug, an Edwards Sands Frost rug and a little-known funeral rug. The latter type was used as a casket spray during the winter months when flowers were not available. They will generally have a black background and a “broken” floral wreath to signify a break in the family circle.

Joan Wiebe will serve as chairwoman of the show, which also includes contemporary works.