Our Quilt Collection

Many beautiful quilts have been generously donated to the Champaign Country Historical Museum over the years, and our collection currently consists of nearly 50 quilts.  Many date from the mid to late nineteenth century, and include beautiful examples of many popular quilting patterns and techniques that combine to form a truly diverse and exceptional collection.   A recent professional appraisal confirmed both the monetary and historical value of the collections, which has prompted this drive to create a fund for the archival supplies needed to properly store such treasured donations.

The Need for Archival Supplies and Care

Each and every quilt is greatly appreciated by the Museum, both for its fine craftsmanship and historical value.  However, the delicate textiles used in many of the quilts, including silk and other fragile materials, necessitate the use of archival quality storage materials for such vulnerable pieces.  Without proper care, damage such as discoloration, cloth decay, or molding could possibly occur.  Thankfully our quilts have been handled carefully, but we must protect our collection so no future harm will be done to such susceptible heirlooms.

Our Request for Community Support

Without our community members, the very gifts we strive to protect would not be here today.  These beautiful artifacts are part of Champaign County history, left in our care by those community members who came before us.  Not only do the quilts reflect a long-standing craft tradition, but they also reflect an age where needlework was an artistic expression as well as a household necessity. With your greatly appreciated donation, we can provide precise care for the heirlooms that belong to us all, and protect our collection for the next generation.

Your Contribution

Each $35 gift will provide the following essential items for every quilt adopted:

One Archival Storage Box, One Archival Storage Bag, Acid-Free non-buffered tissue, One silica gel desiccant packet to prevent mold and mildew - PLUS - Your name or Organization listed on the quilt box as the archival storage sponsor, recognition in our monthly museum publication, and acknowledgement as a quilt sponsor when quilts are dislayed, if you so choose.

Please send or bring donations to:

Champaign County Historical Museum

102 East University Avenue

Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 356-1010

Please direct your questions to the following email addresses

bail@uiuc.edu

director@champaignmuseum.org