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Why Quilts Matter

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The 8th Day with Todd Paz
The 8th Day with Todd Paz

Marquette, MichiganNovember 11, 2016 – A “quilt” can be defined as “a warm bed covering made of padding enclosed between layers of fabric and kept in place by lines of stitching, typically applied in a decorative design.” So why do they matter? Jo Wittler from the Marquette Regional History Center stopped by the 8th Day to discuss their event “Why Quilts Matter.”

The MRHC has a vast collection of quilts, but because they are so fragile they do not often get put on display.  The “Why Quilts Matter” event is one that allows people to see the large collection of quilts and learn more about them.  The MRHC has quilts that date all the way back to the Victorian era as well as the Civil War era.  These quilts are very vulnerable due to the chemicals in the materials used, which made this is a rare opportunity.

The event welcomed esteemed quilters Alice Johnson and Nancy Henderson.  Their past stops include the Michigan Quilt Network as well as the Marquette County Quilters Association.

Quilts matter because they help document the history of women as well as the history of families.  Quilting was a community event, especially among women.  Wittler referred to a picture of a large group of women sitting outside around a quilting frame all working on one quilt together that embodies the hard work and teamwork it took to make quilts.  Todd Paz also claims to have a quilt that has been passed through his family for generations.

Quilts give us the power to look through history in many different ways that few items can.  Quilts are history, and the MRHC has given us the chance to appreciate them.

You can listen to the full interview with Jo Wittler from the Marquette Regional History Center below.  Join Todd Paz on the 8th Day Saturdays from 9-10am on Sunny fm.

LISTEN – 8th Day Interview – Jo Wittler – Marquette Regional History Center