'Voices from the Quilts' March 29, 30

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Fort Scott National Historic Site will offer a two-day symposium titled "Voices from the Quilts," from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m March 29 and 30. The event will feature an exhibit of nine 19th century quilts as well as five speakers. Mildred Jordt, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara -- three affiliated tribes, will present information on Native American quilts and quilters. Bernita Hill, a resident of Fort Scott and quilt historian, will discuss quilts as a form of communication on the Underground Railroad. Jean Warren of Liberty, Mo. will be presenting information on historic quilts and fabrics of the 19th century. Carol Dage and Caroly Wallingford of the National Park Service will be on hand to present information on the preservation of 100-year-old textiles.

Quilting provided 19th-century women a means of creative expression and a social outlet within the gender roles of the day. Their quilts offered warmth, comfort, and beauty but also provided a way to preserve memories of home, important events, and daily life. Conservation and study of their work and continuing practice of the craft is important to keeping their stories alive.

This event is the culmination of Women's History Month activities at Fort Scott National Historic Site. The site also features an exhibit on loan from the Kansas State Historical Society entitled "Reflections of the War: Kansas Women and Their Civil War Quilts." The exhibit will run from March 1 thru March 31.

Fort Scott National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park Service and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is an entrance fee of $3 for each adult age 16 and over. Children 15 years old and under are admitted free of charge. For more information call the site at (620) 223-0310 or visit our web site at www.nps.gov/fosc. Those who wish to attend the program but have special needs because of a disability may contact Colette LeFebvre-Davis at (620) 223-0310 to discuss arrangements.