THE NEW ENGLAND QUILT MUSEUM: A DREAM OF QUILTERS
It was almost 30
years ago that a group of enthusiastic New England quilters began to dream of establishing
a regional quilt museum. That dream became a reality when the New England Quilt
Museum board of directors met for the first time in June 1987. Now, on the eve
of its 25th anniversary year, it seems miraculous that the museum exists and
has survived and grown, fulfilling the mission first conceived by its founding
mothers.
Over the years, as the museum sought a permanent home, endured water floods and also risked drowning in red ink, there were times when it seemed the dream might die. Still, it has endured, but only because of the support received from you, the museum’s constant friends and members.
THE NEW ENGLAND QUILT MUSEUM BUILDING
The museum is located in historic downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. Master craftsman Josiah Peabody built the Lowell Institute for Savings building in 1845 in the classic Greek Revival Style. The structure boasts an unusual rhomboidal footprint, with curved corners and an ornate wrought iron balcony along two sides.
Today the 18,000 square foot space holds exhibition galleries, a library and resource center, classrooms, a museum store, staff offices, support areas and storage for the more than four hundred antique and contemporary quilts in the permanent collection.
Over the years, as the museum sought a permanent home, endured water floods and also risked drowning in red ink, there were times when it seemed the dream might die. Still, it has endured, but only because of the support received from you, the museum’s constant friends and members.
THE NEW ENGLAND QUILT MUSEUM BUILDING
The museum is located in historic downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. Master craftsman Josiah Peabody built the Lowell Institute for Savings building in 1845 in the classic Greek Revival Style. The structure boasts an unusual rhomboidal footprint, with curved corners and an ornate wrought iron balcony along two sides.
Today the 18,000 square foot space holds exhibition galleries, a library and resource center, classrooms, a museum store, staff offices, support areas and storage for the more than four hundred antique and contemporary quilts in the permanent collection.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The museum in 2012 celebrates the Silver Anniversary of its official founding.
Festivities and celebrations are planned throughout the year. Keep watching our website for news.
Better still, sign up to receive our e-newsletter for all the latest information about exhibits, lectures, parties and other special events marking this landmark event in quilting. You are ALWAYS invited to join the fun!