The exhibition features three examples of community quilts that mark historic occasions: a welcome gift for the first female director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) in 2022, a 75th-anniversary quilt for Pasadena City College (PCC) in 2020, and a recreation of an historic artifact for Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
These quilts were created by groups of quilters who collaborated and cooperated to celebrate and honor individuals and groups, and to share their stories with future generations.
Community Stitches also surveys the fabrics and sources for popular patterns and the tools and techniques used in quilt making.
The exhibition examines the relationships between quilts embellished with illustrations drawn from literature and examples of how businesses promoted quilt-making using these same illustrations.
The exhibition reveals how quilters use their creativity and skill to create beautiful and functional pieces that offer comfort and warmth, and commemorate significant occasions.
The exhibition features more than 60 quilts representing over 180 years of quilt-making in America. Curated by Arlene Stevens and Leah Zieber of the California Heritage Quilt Project, highlights include treasures from the Museum’s extensive textile collection along with select pieces on loan.
The galleries will be open from 12 Noon to 5 pm Wednesdays through Sundays, March 8 through September 10, 2023 unless otherwise noted on our website, pasadenahistory.org.
Tickets are $9 General; $7 Seniors; Free for PMH Members, Students & Children under 18. Purchase tickets in the Museum Store upon arrival; no advance ticketing is available.
The Pasadena Museum of History is located at 470 W. Walnut St. (corner of Walnut St. & Orange Grove Blvd.), Pasadena, CA 91103. Free parking is available in the Museum lot and on Walnut St. For further information, visit pasadenahistory.org.