"We are lending our time to this project because of the
connection these quilts have to the past, and a hope that
quilt makers in general will have wider access to this
wonderful collection in the future. Every box we open
contains some kind of surprise, whether it is a special
fabric or an undiscovered signature or connection to some
family in Rochester. For each quilt we view, we find more
questions to ask and more research to be done.
While we have updated much of the documentation, we have
only begun the genealogical research that needs to be done
to understand the historical context of many of the quilts.
This more detailed documentation will wait, while we work
to provide better housing and carry out simple cleaning and
refolding activities with these antique treasures, so
future generations of quilters and researchers may also
enjoy and learn from them. We find that we are learning as
much as we are giving of our knowledge of fabrics and
quilts in our work with this collection."
-- Beth Brandkamp,
RMSC Quilt Project Coordinator from the Genesee Valley Quilt Club
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