The history of quilts is a fascinating one. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate class "History of Quilts" that I participated in when the class was newly-minted just touched the surface of the topic. The American Quilt Study Group with its publications "Blanket Statements" and its annual journal "Uncoverings" is constantly expanding our awareness of the subject of quilt history, in general, and it also highlights individual quilts and quiltmakers. State project books, of which there are many, further elucidate the study of quilt history. And, individual museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Colonial Williamsburg have published their own books to show off their quilt collections.
I have been studying quilt history for years now and there is always more to learn. Quilt collectors share information about their quilts which adds to a greater understanding. Online, the Quilt Index shows quilts as does the International Quilt Study Center. Sometimes new information trumps older information which needs to be updated. There are those who study and try to keep up with current data and there are those individuals who may base their information on one source that is not reliable.
Myths have circulated about quilting. These "stories" which are nothing more than "feel good" attempts are spread by well-meaning but deluded people. Before sharing information of a historical nature, it is best to document it using multiple sources.
One of the two biggest myths that I have taken on in the past is twofold: the story that slaves used quilts as signal devices on the Underground Railroad and that quilts were hung on clotheslines to denote "safe houses" for slaves. Both theories have been discounted as not plausible and with no evidence to support either one.
The second myth that comes to mind is the mistaken name of Ellen Emeline Hardy Webster about whom I wrote an extensive e-book in 2008. A previous researcher thought her name was Emily Webster. In my book, I describe the association between Ellen Webster and her non-related friend, Emily. Once a statement is in print, it is hard to rectify an error as people will continue to seek out source material and sometimes seize on the first reference they find, not looking any further, which is why multiple references are always a good idea. I gathered "proof" and know for certain Ellen's true name. She was a wonderful teacher, researcher, quilt chart maker and deserves to be known by her actual name.
New quilt discoveries and connections are being made all the time. It's an exciting time to be involved with quilt history. For those who are interested, I urge you to read all that you can and try to get the "big" picture of when quilting started, the many examples of types of quilts made for various purposes, the years when quilting was most popular, and so much more! It is a rich field!
For those of you who are interested in block history, there is a new book out, actually the 3rd edition of The Encyclopedia of Pieced Patterns by Barbara Brackman. Color has been added to this volume and more blocks than the 2nd edition. To accompany the book, there is a software program that can be purchased separately called Blockbase+. This program is useful for printing out templates for blocks of various sizes.
There is always more to discover. Happy Quilting!
Patricia L. Cummings
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