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DAR Museum Quilt Camp Carries On Quiltmaking Traditions to Future Generations

DAR Museum Quilt Camp Carries On
Quiltmaking Traditions to Future Generations

WASHINGTON, DC: The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Museum held its ninth annual DAR Quilt Camp at its headquarters July 18 - 22, 2005 for children aged 9 –-13. The DAR Museum’s Quilt Camp introduces children to the American tradition of quilting with the objective of promoting and conserving historical American culture.

DAR Quilt Camp attendees learn about the history of quilting and about the renowned DAR quilt collection, which includes quilts dating back to the late 1700s.  Quilt campers are also taught various techniques to create their own personal quilts. The goals of the camp are to encourage children to learn about the history of American cultures, to have fun being creative, and, ultimately, to be able to pass along their new knowledge of quilting onto the next generation.  

“The thing I like most about Quilt Camp is that I’m carrying on a tradition from our history to our young people so it will carry on,” said Jane Carlson, DAR Quilt Camp instructor.

This year’s camp began with an introduction to different historical designs. The students were also taken to the DAR quilt repository and shown silk quilts and traditional cotton quilts. Throughout the week, the students had the opportunity to create their own quilt and learned different methods about the craft.

“I never hand stitched before, I always use a machine, now I know how to hand stitch,” said Emma Kelly, an 11-year-old camper who is also a member of the Children of the American Revolution. Although some of the children have a little experience with the needle and thread, others are new to the camp with no quilting experience. “Quilting was a little hard at first, but it got easier,” said Tatiana Craig, an 11-year-old first-time camper.

The camp experience also includes a field trip to learn more history behind quilting. This year, the campers went to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) which currently has a special quilt exhibit displaying architectural textiles and modern pieces. Field trips from previous camp years included the Department of the Interior, to learn about Native American quilts, and the American History Museum, to learn about the conservation of the historic Star Spangled Banner.

At the end of the camp, family and friends help celebrate the camper’s weeklong experience with an open house at the DAR Museum where everyone can view and learn about each student’s special quilt.

Beginning Quilt Camp, which just concluded, is designed for campers ages 9-13 and provides an introduction to hand quilting and appliqué. Advanced Quilt Camp, which will take place next week, August 1-5, 2005, offers advanced quilt instruction and techniques for campers ages 13-17 that have previous quilting experience.

To learn more about the DAR Museum’s educational programs and camps, visit the DAR Museum School Programs Web site at or call Kelli Scott, DAR Museum Curator of Education, at (202) 879-3240.

The DAR Museum collection features more than 30,000 examples of decorative and fine arts, including objects made or used in America prior to the Industrial Revolution. Furniture, silver, paintings, ceramics and textiles, such as quilts and costumes, are exhibited in 31 period rooms and two galleries. The main gallery features changing exhibitions and displays of selected quilts, coverlets and samplers.  The DAR Museum Shop offers a variety of unique gifts and books. The DAR Museum, located at 1776 D Street NW, is free to the public and open 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Docent tours of the period rooms are offered from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday - Friday and 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday. The DAR Museum is closed Sundays, Federal holidays, and for one week during the DAR annual meeting in July.  Call  (202) 879-3241 for information on the DAR Museum or to schedule a group tour.

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