Summary: This museum is dedicated to preserving the beautiful and historic old quilts of America, as well as sponsoring temporary exhibits highlighting contemporary fabric art that push the envelope of quilt design and construction.

The New England Quilt Museum is located in a former bank building just around the corner from the headquarters for the Lowell National Park site. The first floor of the space is devoted to offices, classrooms, and a wonderful gift shop (more about that shortly). The second floor houses the quilt galleries, which are split between permanent rooms showcasing a particular period or style, and the main gallery which houses temporary or traveling shows dedicated to the new and noteworthy in historic and/or artistic expressions in fabric.

The period rooms are a slice of Americana. Quilts hanging on walls, draped over chairs, or even laid on a bed, give the flavor of life in past centuries. From elaborately embroidered crazy quilts to bold, striking applique to the exquisite needlework in a patchwork wedding quilt, the quilts are an amazing representation of how American women could transform scraps of leftover fabric into warm, beautiful objects for the home. We only wish the museum had more examples to show!

Over the years, we have seen some wonderful shows at this museum, from modern Japanese quilts, whose technique and interpretation of traditional patterns was breathtaking, to traditional antique works from private collections. After years of financial struggle, the museum finally is able to begin purchasing quilts, in order to preserve examples of this important American art-form. Some 150 quilts have already been acquired since the museum opened its doors in 1987.

The museum also offers classes and workshops. The expansive gift shop is a cornucopia of quilt-related items, from special, one-of-a-kind fabrics, sometimes handmade or hand- dyed, to quilted vests and lap robes, to books and magazines about quilting. This is a must-stop for the perfect gift for a crafty friend or loved one!

For hours, admission fees, exhibition descriptions and directions, visit the New England Quilt Museum's web site.

by Judith Otto

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