Amish Quilts: The Evolution from Linens to Contemporary Art

Hagley Museum and Library welcomes Janneken Smucker for an appearance.

How did Amish quilts evolve from practical bed linens into contemporary art? Hagley Museum and Library will welcome Dr. Janneken Smucker to discuss, “The Amish Quilt Craze: Art, Business and Authenticity,” on Sept. 18. Smucker, a fifth-generation quiltmaker and professor of history, will draw on her recent book, “Amish Quilts: Crafting an American Icon” (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013). In her talk, she will examine the viewpoints of Amish families, antiques dealers, art collectors and others as she draws on her own observations as well as oral histories, newspaper accounts, ephemera and archival sources. Her talk will showcase images of Amish quilts in a variety of contexts. Smucker received her doctorate from the University of Delaware and was mentored by Roger Horowitz, director of Hagley’s Center for the History of Business, Technology and Society. She is an assistant professor of history at West Chester University, where she specializes in digital history, public history and American material culture. She has published widely on the subject of Amish quilts. She has also served on the board of the national nonprofit Quilt Alliance since 2005. To reserve a space, call 658-2400, ext. 243, or email clockman@hagley.org.

 

Our Best of Delaware Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.