- Where can I see quilts from the collections of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum?
You will find our current schedule on the Exhibitions page. Check both our current exhibition and our upcoming exhibitions.
The best way to keep up to date on quilt exhibitions and programs is to join our Quilt-of-the-Month program. We'll send an announcement of the new quilt and any upcoming events to you in a monthly email.
- Why don't you change exhibitions more frequently? I want to see more of the Center's collections.
A: It is satisfying to hear from so many people that they are eager to see all the quilts in our collections. We do believe that the Center's quilts have much to offer and teach us about cultural, social, women's, and political history and about developments in textile technology and design. And those who become members of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum, besides gaining free admission, have the satisfaction of participating in support of our goals and mission.
Our mission is to collect, preserve, study, interpret, and exhibit quilts from all times and all cultures. Our curatorial staff divides their time between these activities so that when exhibitions are installed, visitors are able to see some of the best examples of the various types of quilts and also become informed about aspects of quilts and their reflections of culture.
We will usually hang from six to eight exhibitions each year and each exhibition is comprised of 15-25 quilts, allowing visitors to have an in-depth view of around 100 quilts. We wish we had the staff, space resources, and financial resources to curate and hang more exhibitions from our collections. While most museums do not attempt to make their entire collections available on-line, we are aware of our audience's keen interest in the collections, and through the support of our generous donors, our collections are available for viewing in our Virtual Gallery and on our website.
- How can I use your website?
Quilt enthusiasts everywhere are using the internet to connect with others and to bring the International Quilt Study Center & Museum to their own desktops. www.quiltstudy.org offers users access to:
A searchable database of most of the Center quilts.
- Lectures and presentations from Center programs, available in video and audio formats.
- Exhibit schedules, virtual galleries of past exhibitions, and several gallery guides.
- Information for educators and researchers including a quilt history time line, quilt care instructions and a quilt program for children.
- On-line newsletters, frequently asked questions (FAQ) and announcements of new programs.
Become a member of the free International Quilt Study Center & Museum Quilt of the Month. Each month a different quilt from our collection is spotlighted. Subscribers receive a link to full and detail color images and interesting background information about the quilt. Subscribe to the Quilt of the Month now.
- How do I use the searchable database?
You may access the on-line database by either clicking on the link on the left-hand-side of our home page that says "Collections Database" or by going directly to the address below.
http://www.quiltstudy.org/discover/search.html
When you arrive at the search page, you may browse through the collection - be sure to page down, as there are about 10 quilts per page - or search under pattern name, keyword, or one of the other options.
- How can I date, analyze, and document my quilts?
Visitors often request help in learning more about family quilts. Each year several Quilt ID Days are as scheduled at the Museum to help visitors date the approximate era during which a quilt was made, identify the pattern and assist the visitor in labeling the quilt. You may download instructions for conducting a Quilt ID Day in your location. Listed within the guide are reference materials to help identify patterns, fabrics, etc.
- Does the International Quilt Study Center & Museum appraise quilts? How can I sell my quilt?
We do not offer quilt appraisal services directly. The first step in selling quilts is to obtain an appraisal, or to do some comparison shopping on an Internet-based auction site that will help you determine the market value of your quilts. The American Quilter's Society has a list of certified appraisers on their website.
Once you have a value established, then you need to market the quilts. Again, the Internet is a great way to access a large audience. You might also consider consigning pieces - though the seller gets about 40 percent of the total. People also search online so many owners use websites to sell their wares. You could also consider an ad in the paper stating that you have quilts for sale. There are many options- it just depends on how much work you want to do to get the word out!
- Underground Railroad Quilt Code
There has been much controversy regarding the "quilt code" said to have been used by slaves escaping the South during the early nineteenth century. While quilt researchers do not discount the story completely, considering oral history as a valid source, the stories have cited quilt patterns of which we have no proof of existence prior to the twentieth century. Researchers are advising individuals to evaluate the story critically. This story has undoubtedly sparked people's imagination and interest.
To view or listen to an even-handed approach to the subject by folklorist Laurel Horton visit http://www.quiltstudy.org/education/public_programs.html Another interesting source is a critique written by Giles Wright, a noted African American scholar. You may find that at http://www.antiquequiltdating.com/ugrrwrightcritiqueHIPV.html
- History of Quilts
An introduction to the history of quilts can be found in Wild by Design: Two Hundred Years of Artistry and Innovation" by Janet Berlo and Patricia Cox Crews.
A class on the history of quilts is offered via distance learning every other year. It will next be offered in Summer 2010. Visit Courses and Workshops for details.
