History

Expanding the Vision, Advancing the Art.

The National Quilt Museum History

The National Quilt Museum (NQM) is preparing to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2011. Today, NQM attracts approximately 40,000 visitors annually from nearly every state and 50 countries. We serve approximately 7,000 youth with free admission and activities, and an additional 90,000 people who visit the museum's traveling exhibits. Now the recognized leader in our commitment to being the best in quilt exhibitions, quilt education and the overall quilt experience, it all started with a dream of Bill and Meredith Schroeder of Paducah, Kentucky.

In 1983, the Schroeders became interested in quilting after attending the "National Quilting Association" show in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, and the "Houston Quilt Festival" in Texas. They decided to bring attention to the extraordinary fiber art today's quiltmakers were creating. That idea launched the American Quilters Society, or AQS, a division of Schroeder Publishing. The first annual "AQS Quilt Show and Contest" was held in Paducah in 1985.

The Schroeders were committed to increasing the respect the general public had for contemporary quilts and quiltmakers. Through AQS activities, Bill and Meredith came into contact with many of the top quilters from around the country, and began purchasing some of their quilts. In addition, the top awards in the annual AQS Show were established as purchase awards. Gradually a collection developed. Out of a desire to share that collection, grew the concept of a museum dedicated to quilts, quiltmakers and quilting.

Initially named the Museum of the American Quilter's Society, the Schroeder family supported the design and construction of the $2.2 million facility that houses the museum. In the summer of 1990, ground was broken for the construction of the museum and a separate 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by its own Board of Directors was founded. When the museum opened in April 1991, our collection contained about 85 quilts on loan from the founders. Since that time, these and many others have been donated to the museum, bringing the collection to more than 300. In celebration of our 20th anniversary, the museum has acquired an additional 20 quilts for 20 years to be unveiled in April 2011.

National Significance
In 2008, Congress designated us as The National Quilt Museum of the United States. In part they cited the museum's national significance:

Through exceptional, frequently changing exhibits throughout the year
Collection quilts from 46 of the 50 states and 16 countries
The mission to educate local, national and international public about the art, history and heritage of quiltmaking
Collection quilts are representative of the nation's cultures thanks to a wide diversity of themes, topics quilts and quiltmakers.

The national designation brings additional attention and visitors. As we prepare to celebrate our first 20 years as The National Quilt Museum, we are proud of our achievements. We offer educational opportunities with some of the world's top quilters. The museum has also expanded its services to youth significantly. In addition to free guided tours which provide new experiences and educational hands-on activities, the museum is also serving students off site in school classrooms, scouting programs, the Challenger Learning Center and other locations. Our annual "School Block Challenge," a program introducing youth to the art of quilting, is offered nationwide and now has an international program. In recent years, NQM has partnered with Paducah's Summer Festival to hold "Kidz Day in the Arts" at the museum. Close to 900 adults and youth participate in a variety of free, fun and educational programs.

As we celebrate our first 20 years, we look forward to the future and our commitment to continue to honor today's quilter through exceptional exhibits and education. The museum is home to three exceptional galleries showcasing over 150 amazing works of fiber art in frequently changing exhibits. Our mission includes stewardship of some of the finest examples of contemporary quilts in the world. With your help, we will continue to be the leader of quilts and quiltmaking for the next 20 years and beyond.