Women's history events at FSNHS to feature quilting

Saturday, February 13, 2010

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- The art of quilting is the theme for several Women's History Month events scheduled to take place throughout March at the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

National Park Service personnel at the site have arranged to host an exhibit on loan from the Kansas State Historical Society. The exhibit, titled "Reflections on the War: Women and Their Civil War Quilts," portrays the turbulence in Kansas during the Civil War and the instrumental role women played in protesting the injustices of slavery, aiding runaways on the Underground Railroad, nursing the sick and wounded during the war, and later raising funds to purchase monuments to heroes of the conflict. The exhibit will be open for viewing throughout March.

From petticoat plotters to post-war Kansas, the exhibit celebrates the contributions women in Kansas and Fort Scott made during the chaos and turbulence that the young state endured during the mid-19th century.

Also, FSNHS will host "Voices from the Quilts: A Cultural History of Nineteenth Century Women," a two-day symposium March 26-27 that will conclude Women's History Month activities at the site. The event explores the creativity, courage and skills of 19th century women as reflected in the quilts they created and left behind. A special exhibit of quilts from the time period will be featured along with guest speakers who will discuss preservation of antique textiles and quilts, various quilting traditions, and historic quilts of the mid-1800s.

The symposium will include an exhibition of 19th century quilts and sewing notions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Terry Clothier Thompson, a quilt artist, pattern designer, teacher, writer and historian, will speak about a deeper understanding of the history behind heritage quilts during presentations at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., each day. Other speakers also will make presentations throughout each day.

A "Shop Hop" event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, at the River Room, inside the Stout Building, 3 W. Oak St. Vendors will be on-site for shopping and demonstrations. Guests will be able to learn about Fort Scott's history by taking a tour of the town on Dolly the Trolley. The tours, which cost $5 per person, will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The trolley departs from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Informa-tion Center, 231 E. Wall St.

Quilting provided women of the time period 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, according to the FSNHS.

Other local activities taking place next month in observance of Women's History Month include an exhibition of 19th century quilts and sewing notions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., each Saturday, from March 6-20, and from noon to 3 p.m., each Sunday, from March 7-21, at the historic site.

On Thursday evening, March 25, the Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site organization will host an opening reception at the Old Congregational Church, 502 S. National Ave. During this event, Thompson will give a short presentation about the art of quilting and will examine vintage quilts brought in by community members for quilt dating. A book signing will be part of the reception. The cost for this event is $10 per person and refreshments will be served.

For more information, call the site at (620) 223-0310 or visit the FSNHS Web site at www.nps.gov/fosc.

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