The Mattapoisett Historical Society is all tied up this summer with an exhibit that highlights the varied uses of knots.

“The Art of Knots” exhibit, which opened July 5 and runs throughout the summer, grew out of an interest in “The Ashley Book of Knots” by Clifford Ashley. The artist, said Director Elizabeth Hutchinson, was a native of New Bedford and spent six weeks on one of the last whaling ships.

“Forty years later, he wrote and illustrated the book,” she said. “He has got knots for everything.”

The “knot bible” features 3,860 knots, some of which are Ashley's own inventions.

Historical Society President Seth Mendell donated a copy of the book to the museum and said he’s long had an interest in knots.

“I’m a sailor,” said Mendel. “I’ve always been very appreciative of knot work. I guess it’s because of the hands-on quality of working rope.”

As they unraveled the history of knots, Mendell and Hutchinson began looking at knots beyond those used on ships.

“We started thinking outside the box. It kind of blossomed from there,” said Hutchinson.

With the exhibit, both the feminine side of knots and the nautical side are on display.

Hutchinson said she researched tatting, crochet, and other decorative knots used in the textile industry.

Digging into the museum’s collection, she found elaborately beaded dresses, tatted lace and scarves, and delicate crocheted tablecloths.

One tablecloth on display was made by historical society member Natalie Hemingway’s mother. The 1903 piece was crafted using the strings of chicken feed bags.

On the nautical side, Hutchinson said the museum had surprisingly few pieces, though tools used to splice rope are displayed in the exhibit.

The majority of pieces are on loan from Bob Dollar, of R&W Rope in New Bedford. Dollar, a member of the International Guild of Knot Tying, provided a variety of knots from his collection as well as pieces he made himself.

Beckets used for sailors’ sea chests, knotted leather buttons as well as frids used to splice rope are on display in the exhibit.

Both Hutchinson and Mendell said the exhibit has appeal beyond sailors and sewers.

“I learned there are so many more knots that you just don’t think about,” said Hutchinson. “Butchers use knots, florist have knots. They’re used in hammocks and rope ladders.”

And with an increased awareness of knots, people just might start to see them everywhere.

“We just don’t think about it, but they are certainly used even today,” said Mendell. “It is not all a thing of the past.”

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free for members and their guests. All others are $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 3 to 12.