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Iowa’s Hidden Quilt Treasures: A Tour
Due
to strong public demand, the State Historical Museum is expanding its History
Hunter "Vault Tours" to include a special viewing of Iowa's best historic
quilts. Chief Curator Michael Smith will lead the exclusive, behind-the-scenes
tours of some of Iowa's finest treasures on Saturday, July 30 at 10 a.m., Noon
and 2 p.m.
The
tour begins with an introduction to quilting history in the museum's new Rural
Remembrances: Iowa's Quilt Legacy and continues in the subterranean, climate-controlled
preservation center, where tour participants will see some of the finest examples
of this great American art form.
Collection,
conservation and preservation techniques will be discussed during this unprecedented
opportunity to see quilts that have never been available for public viewing.
Tours are limited to 20 people. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be
made by calling 515-281-4129. Cost is $30 per person. Additional quilting activities
will be available for the entire family. Please call 515-281-5111 or visit the
exhibit Web page at www.iowahistory.org
for more information.
All State Barn Tour Sept. 17 &18
Beautiful and historic restored barns throughout Iowa will be opened to the public during a free, two-day, self-guided, all-state barn tour Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Most of the barns have been restored with matching grants from the Iowa Barn Foundation. Other property owners received awards of distinction from the foundation for restorations they undertook themselves.
The Iowa Barn Foundation, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, raises money from individuals, foundations and corporations to give matching grants to property owners to restore their barns. The property owner must sign a perpetual easement when receiving a grant. The foundation sponsors a spring “area” tour and publishes a semi-annual magazine.
The purpose of the tour is to encourage barn preservation in the state, to teach young people about Iowa’s rich agricultural heritage and to renew pride in this unique heritage. Owners will discuss the barns at many stops. Visitors are expected from all over the country.
For a listing of barns on the tour or for more information on the Iowa Barn Foundation, visit www.iowabarnfoundation.org/events.htm.
