Chatham Historical Society
Quilt Exhibit
September 6 - October 1, 2011

A selection of quilts will be on display in the Atwood House Museum from September 6, through October 1, 2011. Several examples of Pattern or “ Friendship ” quilts, as well as the silk quilts known as “ Crazy Quilts” , popularly used as parlor throws during the Victorian Age, will be represented. A “ Red Work ” quilt featuring the bark “ Xenia ” , a Mariner’s Star cradle quilt, an unfinished quilt and doll quilts will round out the display.

The Costumes and Textiles Department is also interested in acquiring additional quilts for the collection. Quilts of historical significance created by Chatham residents between the mid 1800's and early 1900's are being sought as well as quilts passed down through the families of current residents. You may contact Janet Marjollet, Costumes and Textiles Department Chair at the Chatham Historical Society 508-945-2493 for further information.

The Atwood House Museum and the Chatham Historical Society are proud to be the recipients of twenty-nine historic quilts dating from 1833 to 1916. Included in the collection is the bicentennial quilt created by Chatham residents in 1976. These quilts, several of which are signed and dated, document the interpersonal relationships of long time Chatham residents. The signatures inked on these quilts by several men are of noteworthy mention. The Costumes and Textiles Department has catalogued these quilts and contact was made with MassQuilts in March of 2011 to further document them for historic preservation. A few of the quilts have known history, but many of the makers are unknown. Two of the most notable quilts come from the Atwood Family and include an 1830 quilt made by Miss Marjorie Smith who married John Atwood in 1833 and an 1848 quilt pieced by the friends and relatives of Mehitable Atwood who married Benjamin Boyslton of Pembroke. Sentiments and bits of wisdom are written on this quilt. The Atwood and Smith quilts will be among those on display during this exhibit.

September 6 - October 1, 2011
During normal museum hours (details here)

The Atwood House Museum
347 Stage Harbor Rd.
Chatham, Cape Cod, MA