In honor of Women’s History Month, the Greenwich Historical Society will admit two women for the cost of one admission to its new exhibition, A Stitch in Time: Quilts from the Collection from March 17 through March 21. The new exhibition, which opens on March 3 and runs until June 13, 2010, will highlight 25 quilts in a range of patterns and styles made by Greenwich women during the 1800s. The exhibition explores the historical and technical aspects of these intricate and graphic works, addresses how and why they were made and why they still appeal today.
A Stitch in Time also provides a new perspective on women’s history by illuminating the personal and communal aspects of quiltmaking for women at a time when their accomplishments were rarely noted in conventional historical documents. Leads gleaned from signature quilts and the discovery of family letters mentioning quiltmaking and needlework allowed exhibition researchers to uncover a wealth of information about the lives of the women who lovingly created these beautiful and useful objects. In some cases, researchers were able to precisely trace the quilts’ ownership, and even their travels, as they passed through time and many hands.
Recognizing the resurgent contemporary interest in quiltmaking as a craft, an art form and an important aspect of women’s history, several programs are planned in conjunction with A Stitch in Time. Related events include a daylong Historic Quilt Symposium that will feature noteworthy speakers on quilt history, research and identification with a focus on signature quilts (March 27, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 400 p.m.). Quilt Discovery Day will allow families the opportunity to bring their own quilts for examination and conservation advice, and participants of all ages will enjoy quilt-making activities firsthand (May 15, noon to 3:00 p.m.). The Historical Society will also host three lecture and lunch programs: Quilts and Quiltmakers Covering Connecticut (April 5, 2010, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), Reconstructing the Lives of Greenwich Women (Monday, April 15, 11 a.m. to 1:00) and Quiltmaking That Saw Us Through the War Years, 1941-45 (May 10, 2010, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). Kids Can Quilt vacation workshops are planned for April 13 and 14 (10:00 a.m. to noon).
The exhibition is curated by Greenwich Historical Society Director of Exhibitions & Programs Kathleen Motes Bennewitz and Curator of Museum Collections Karen Frederick, with quilt historian, author and lecturer Sue Reich. The Coby Foundation, Ltd., which funds projects that combine excellent scholarship and effective interpretation in connection with textiles and needle arts, provided a generous grant to support the exhibition and to conserve two quilts that will be on display.
For more information about A Stitch in Time: Quilts from the Collection exhibition and related programs, please call go to www.hstg.org or call 203-869-6899, Ext. 32.
Greenwich Historical Society Museum Gallery and Bush-Holley House, 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, CT
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, Noon to 4:00. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Two women admitted for the price of one from March 17 to March 21, 2010.
General admission: $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Admission is free for members and children under 6.
Group tours of the exhibition are available for groups of 10 or more.
Reservations are required two weeks in advance. Group admission is $7 per person.
