| Built in 1991 through the generosity of art dealer and philanthropist Walter Cerf, the gallery has become the hub of public activity at the Museum. A varied exhibition schedule features both historically themed exhibits and art exhibits of work by contemporary Vermont artists and craftspeople. Recent exhibits have highlighted Vermont’s role in the Civil War, leisure life in 19th century Vermont and the history of town/gown relationships with Middlebury College. The Gallery also serves as a space for lectures, school programs and special events and is open to the public except when it is being used for educational programs.
Exhibit Schedule: Piecemakers: Vermont Country Quilts, 1830-Present
May 6, 2008 to January 31, 2009 The Henry Sheldon Museum will be celebrating Vermont’s rich quilting tradition in the exhibit, Piecemakers: Vermont Country Quilts, 1830-Present, on display from May 6, 2008 to January 31, 2009. In the age of homespun, pieced quilts were originally made by elite women who had the leisure time to create bedding that was beautiful as well as practical. Machine-made fabrics led to the democratization of quilting, as more women were able to take part. Quilting became a means of self-expression, as well as a way of stitching female community networks together in common cause. Quilting bees were the social events of the year, as women joined to transform a practical bed covering into an American folk art form. The Sheldon Museum’s striking collection of Vermont country quilts has rarely been seen by the public, and we are also able to offer an unusual amount of information about the women who made them. We hope you will take this opportunity to experience the remarkable history of Vermont quilts and quilters.
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Piecemakers is generously sponsored by:- Connor Homes
- Nancy Foster, real estate broker, RE-MAX/Champlain Valley Properties
- Loewer & Associates
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One of Vermont’s premier collections of furniture, paintings, documents
The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History