The International Quilt Study Center and Museum of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a place unlike any other. The institution is devoted to the research, preservation, and display of over 2300 quilts, and works diligently to study the cultural, social, and political history which is hidden within the stitches of every beautifully pieced quilt. Besides the research center and museum, the center also hosts a wonderful website where the collections of quilts can be viewed digitally, giving those who do not have the opportunity to make the trip a chance to learn about quilting history.
The International Quilt Study Center and Museum got its start when the generous Ardis and Robert James donated their collection of 950 stunning quilts to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1997. This donation was backed by substantial monetary support, and the center has grown to become the leader in quilt studies. The center has published several books, with the most recent one published in 2003.
While the International Quilt Study Center and Museum welcomes all visitors, it is also a part of the Department of Textiles, Clothing, and Design in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Here, it is possible for a student to obtain a Master of Arts degree in textile history, with an emphasis on quilt studies.
For the visitor to the museum, there are a variety of tour options. Guided tours are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays year round. Group tours are also available by reservation. Six to eight exhibits are displayed each year, with fifteen to twenty quilts in each exhibit, all researched with diligent care. For any quilt enthusiast, a visit to the International Quilt Study Center and Museum will be an enriching and valuable experience.
