How are 19th century quilts made in Chester County similar to or different from quilts made elsewhere or at different times in history? This illustrated slide lecture explored materials, construction and styles of Chester County quilts and their place in the history of quilted handiwork. It also describes a 2003–2004 county-wide quilt documentation initiative.

Signature Quilts

Special Exhibit at Chester Country History Center
On view 28 September 2024 – 2 March 2025

Detail of quilt top from London
Grove and beyond, 1840s

Creating identity and memory with quilts is the focus of the special exhibit at CCHC. Two dozen quilts, most from the mid-1800s with extensive inscriptions, will be on view. Examples include recent acquisitions exhibited for the first time, along with quilts not on view for more than 30 years.

Whether they are called friendship quilts, signature quilts, or album quilts, these bed coverings document for us today the individuals who might otherwise be lost to memory because they are not necessarily recorded in the public record.

Ellen Endslow is the Director of Collections/Curator at the Chester County History Center. In addition to overseeing the work in the library and photo archives, she is responsible for the care of the museum collection and making it accessible to the public through exhibitions, group tours, student visits and by answering research inquiries. Ellen has studied or assisted in making quilts for many years. In 2002–03 she coordinated the Chester County Quilt Documentation Project and the exhibition and accompanying publication with the help of more than 60 volunteers.