Patchworks of History: The Quilts of Historic Columbia Foundation

Historic Columbia Foundation debuts “Patchworks of History: The Quilts of Historic Columbia Foundation,” a new exhibit featuring handcrafted quilts dating back to the 1820s. “Patchworks” will be on display at the Robert Mills House from Jan. 25 through March 17 as part of HCF’s Robert Mills House tours.

Since 1965, HCF has collected and exhibited quilts as a way of preserving the history of Columbia, Richland County and South Carolina. This new exhibit will feature five of the 52 quilts from HCF’s collection as well as early 19th century sewing notions, including a Lady’s Companion sewing kit that belonged to Sarah Hall Crotchet, niece of Ainsley Hall (the original owner of the Robert Mills House).

A very labor-intensive craft, quilting became popular in the United States during the early 19th century. Through artifacts, displays and photos, visitors will learn about quilting and the stories quilts tell.

“Favorite shirts, dresses and even towels are purchased, used and disposed of during our lifetimes without thinking. However, quilts, often handmade and passed from generation to generation, are some of America’s most prized family possessions,” says Fielding Freed, director of Historic House Museums. “With pattern names such as Rainbow Tile, Lily of the Valley and Anvil, the colorful and patterned quilts displayed in the exhibit are a feast for the eyes.”

A quilting workshop will take place Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10 am to 3pm at the Robert Mills House. This event includes a tour of the newly installed Patchworks exhibit as well as a workshop on how to make a crazy quilt.

The exhibit is presented as part of the regularly scheduled guided tours of the Robert Mills House. Tours run at the top of the hour Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm and Sunday, 1 to 4 pm. Free for HCF members, the tour is $6 for non-member adults and $3 for non-member youth. Tickets can be purchased at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills, 1616 Blanding Street. Visit www.historiccolumbia.org for more information about the exhibit and the workshop.

Via: Historic Columbia Foundation