The Massachusetts Quilt Documentation Project

Since its establishment in 1994, The Massachusetts Quilt Documentation Project has documented over 5,500 pre-1950 quilts originating or currently owned in this state in both public and private collections.  MassQuilts encourages the study and preservation of quilts and demonstrates that these textiles convey important insights about the lives of Massachusetts women from the colonial period to the present. Our volunteer effort will produce educational materials including a book, exhibitions, and public programs to provide information about the rich history of quilts in Massachusetts.

MassQuilts holds documentation days at the New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck St in Downtown Lowell on the third Friday of each month by reservation only.   $10 members/$15 non-members. Call 978-452-4207 X 15 to make an appointment.

MassQuilts has accepted a contract offer from the University Press of New England to produce a 300-page book, tentatively titled Quilts:  The Social Fabric of Massachusetts.  The finished book will feature approximately 100 of the most beautiful and historically significant quilts, with images including overall views, detail shots, and photographs of the makers, for a total of about 200 photographs.  The book will be available in early 2009.  To see some of the photos, read samples of the stories to be included in the book, and send your donation to help fund professional photography, go to www.massquilts.org