FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2007
CONTACT: Katie McElwain / Marketing Coordinator
(802) 447-1571 Fax (802) 442-8305
Jane Stickle Quilt Comes Out of Hiding at the Bennington Museum
From September 8th – October 15th the quilt that inspired a nation of modern day quilters will be on its yearly display at the Bennington Museum. The Jane Stickle Quilt, brought to the museum about 60 years ago, is only shown for a short time each year due to the fragility of the fabric. But quilters from all over the country plan trips to the region during that time just to see the 1863 quilt. The Jane Stickle quilt is comprised of 169 five-inch blocks, each differing in pattern, containing a remarkable total of 5,602 pieces surrounded by a unique scalloped border. The outstanding craftsmanship of the quilt has been mentioned in numerous quilting books and is the topic of Dear Jane, The Two Hundred Twenty-Five Patterns from the 1863 Jane A. Stickle Quilt, by Brenda Papadakis.
Her book has inspired countless quilters to recreate the quilt and join together their lives and interests. Join author Brenda Papadakis at the museum on Friday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. for a lecture on “Dear Jane”. The cost is $5 for non-members/ members free.
Jane Stickle, the creator of this quilt, was born Jane Blakely on April 8, 1817 in Shaftsbury, Vermont. She married Walter Stickle sometime before 1850. It appears she and Walter never had children of their own but did take responsibility for at least three other children. Jane was listed in an 1860’s census as living alone. She was 43 and listed as a farmer. She eventually reunited with her husband, and the reason for the separation is unknown, but we do know that during that time she lovingly created what is now known as the Jane Stickle Quilt. She carefully embroidered “In War Time 1863” as a reminder of the turbulent times the country was going through.
This exhibit can be viewed with regular museum admission. By purchasing a membership at the museum you will receive free admission to the museum as well as free and discounted admission to classes and events. The Bennington Museum is located at 75 Main St. (Route 9) one mile west of the intersection of Routes 7 and 9 in downtown Bennington, Vermont. Open daily except Wednesdays from 10 am- 5pm. For more information, visit the website at www.benningtonmuseum.org. or call 802-447-1571