Tami Vater, Communications Officer

(502) 564-1792, ext. 4457

tami.vater@ky.gov

http://history.ky.gov

To get images and additional information on this exhibit:

http://history.ky.gov/Museums/quilt_pr.htm

FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 16, 2004) – On Sunday, August 29, 2004 the Kentucky Historical Society will close its temporary exhibit titled “The Softer Side of Hard Times, Kentucky Depression-era Quilts,” which has been on display since mid-April.  Featuring almost 30 handcrafted quilts, this exhibit chronicles the Great Depression and its impact on Kentucky families.  The quilts illustrate humble but unique skills that were used to create masterpieces such as the famous winning quilt at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.  Each reflects the creator’s resourcefulness in softening the harsh realities of the Depression in Kentucky.

Many of the quilts on display are from the Society’s collection while others are on loan from the University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University and various private collections.  Kentucky counties represented in the exhibit include Jefferson, Lee, Fayette, Muhlenberg, Warren, Green, Marion, Scott, Mercer, Franklin, Jackson, Breckinridge and Grayson.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Society offers additional educational programs including:
Clio’s Corner – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30 p.m., “Depression-era Literature.”  From hard-boiled detective stories to novels that won the Pulitzer Prize, find out about fiction that was popular in Kentucky and the nation throughout the Great Depression in this 15-minute gallery talk. For adults.  Free with admission.

Museum Theatre – Saturdays at 1 and 3:30 p.m., “Quiltspeak: A Patchwork of Readings and Remembrances.” Piecing together poetry, music and the spoken word, this 20-minute performance examines the lives of Kentuckians during the Depression era.

The exhibit is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.  Admission is charged to view the exhibit.  The exhibit will close on August 29, 2004. 

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The Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future.  KHS operates the Old State Capitol, Kentucky Military History Museum and its five-year-old headquarters, the Kentucky History Center.   Since 1999, the thirty-million dollar History Center has welcomed almost one million visitors.   For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the Web at http://history.ky.gov or call (502) 564-1792.