Quilts to help tell story of local women's history

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- Quilting as a form of creative expression and record of history will be the theme of several Women's History Month activities slated for the month of March at Fort Scott National Historic Site and throughout the community.

Opening Monday and continuing throughout the month is the traveling exhibit titled "Reflections on the War: Women and their Civil War Quilts." Turbulent times in Kansas are captured in this intriguing exhibition of Civil War-era quilts and textiles, according to a news release.

Produced by the Kansas Humanities Council and part of the Kansas Interpretive Traveling Exhibits Service, the exhibit explores Kansas women's roles in protesting the injustices of slavery, aiding those running from slavery on the underground railroad, nursing the sick and wounded during the war, and later raising funds to purchase monuments to heroes of the conflict. Visitors may view this display free of charge.

In conjunction with this exhibit, National Park Service staff and volunteers have assembled a collection of 19th century sewing notions borrowed from local collectors Steve and Laura Dunfee of the Sutler Store in Fort Scott and the park's museum collection. These tools used to create beautiful yet utilitarian quilts and clothing will be on display throughout the month. Both exhibits are located in the museum infantry barracks at the fort and are available for viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the news release said.

The public can also view six 19th century quilts that will be on display in the park's Grand Hall every weekend in March. Many of the quilts are on loan from private individuals and have never before been exhibited. Visitors will have the chance to inspect the quilts close up to allow full appreciation of the skill and creativity of their makers. The hall will be staffed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays. The quilts may be seen during the week by making advance reservations.

On March 26-27, a two-day symposium titled "Voice from the Quilts," will feature nationally known quilter and author Terry Clothier Thompson along with other speakers who will discuss quilting and its role in giving women a voice and in preserving stories of the past.

To complement the activities at FSNHS, the community is sponsoring a variety of other events that weekend. A Shop Hop event will take place at the River Room inside the Stout Building, 3 W. Oak St. Vendors will be on-site for shopping and demonstrations. Visitors will be able to view an "Airing of the Quilts" from Dolly the Trolley as local residents and merchants display colorful quilts on their front porches and in their store windows throughout town.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site organization will host a reception at the Old Congregational Church, 502 S. National Ave. During this event, Thompson will give a short presentation, sign books, and will examine vintage quilts brought in by participants for dating. The cost for this event is $10 per person at the door, and refreshments will be served.

For more information on activities at FSNHS, call (620) 223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

Details on the Shop Hop, trolley tours, or the reception can be obtained by calling the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.