Voices From The Quilts -

Reconciliation Quilt

Voices From the Quilts

March 28 through April 10, 2014

 The Reconciliation Quilt of compassion and hope for a renewed post-Civil War America will come to Fort Scott National Historic Site from the International Quilt Study Center and Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  The Reconciliation Quilt and eight 19th and 20th century Log Cabin pattern quilts will be on display during select dates and times between March 28 and April 10, 2014.

The International Quilt Study Center and Museum was founded in 1997 when Ardis and Robert James donated their collection of 1000 quilts to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Their contribution became the centerpiece of what is now the largest publicly held quilt collection in the world. 

In 1867, Lucinda Ward Honstain of Brooklyn, New York, made what has become known as the Reconciliation Quilt. In it she reveals aspects of her individual and social identity during the tumultuous times immediately following the American Civil War. In pictorial form, Lucinda illustrates her roles as wife and mother as well as her personal connections to family, community, and place.

Honstain’s quilt vividly expresses the earnest desires of many for genuine reconciliation between Northern and Southern states in the post-war era. Her quilt contains 40 unique blocks depicting scenes of hope and compassion as the country began to heal. The Reconciliation Quilt being displayed is an identical reproduction created by Hortense Beck of Topeka, Kansas, in 1995. It often travels the country to remind Americans that reconciliation and understanding are timeless ideals that are as relevant today as they were nearly 150 years ago.

An 1840s style Log Cabin Quilt
(similar in style to the ones that will be displayed)

The log cabin quilts on display belong to the International Quilt Study Center’s Education Collection, which is dedicated to sharing quilts and informing the public about their significance. Log cabin quilts became an extremely popular American quilt style during the end of the 19th century. The increasing popularity of log cabin quilts throughout the United States is indicated by the addition of log cabin quilt categories at state and agricultural fairs. The quilts on display will show case various log cabin quilt block styles. 

The “Voices of the Quilts” exhibit is free and open to the public from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on March 28-30 and April 4-6. The exhibit may be viewed upon request during the week; advance arrangements are suggested and can be made by calling 620-223-0310. The exhibit will be held in the Grand Hall, which is accessible to the mobility impaired. 

Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. through March, and from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. beginning April 1. The site is closed during some federal holidays. For more information, call 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

www.nps.gov