Quilts from our Collections

April 2023 – January 2024

Quilts are not just a way to keep warm and to decorate a room, quilts often tell stories, and often it becomes a good mystery. Who made them, the fabric that was used, and who it might have been made for are all part of the story. Whatever the story, quilts are an amazing piece of art; they are beautiful and a testament to the handwork and skill of the quilter.

Over the years, Burritt has acquired a collection of quilts of all different patterns representing this age-old traditional craft. A selection will be on display in the Burritt Mansion. Burritt’s collection of quilts date from the early 1800s to the 1930s.

A few of the displayed quilts are of local significance while others are a wonderful example of the fun patterns and the skill of the quilter. A quilt made by Ellen Steele Tracy, daughter to famed architect George Steele and a quilt from the Jones-Criner families will be displayed.

As always, there is a nice selection of quilts in our Historic Park cabins. The exhibit is included in general admission to the museum.

For the summer months, (May – Sept) Burritt is honored to showcase a quilt by local artist Tiavalya Befecadu, in coordination with Historic Huntsville Foundation. Tiavalya created a Gees Bend inspired quilt that honors Alabama’s women authors such as Margaret Walker, Harper Lee, Fannie Flagg and Huntsville’s own Yaa Gyasi.