Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center

Purpose: Supporting Lifelong Learning The Schwenkfelder Heritage Center interprets the artifacts of southeastern Pennsylvania for the surrounding community and visitors. This project addresses the center's goal of maximizing human resources and increasing community involvement through the promotion of themed events and speakers. In 2005, the center will mount an exhibit with the working title "Cotton in Pennsylvania German Life." Several components are planned to complement the main exhibit, including (1) an exhibit of schoolchildren's art; (2) a 16-page exhibition catalog; (3) an online version of the exhibit containing photos and text that will remain on the center's Web site for a year; (4) children's programming (exhibition tours with quilt activities, Quilt Camp, 4-H Sewing Club); (5) adult programming (Quilt Nights, lectures and presentations on textiles, teacher training workshop); and (6) an all-day symposium with speakers and presentations on textiles in Pennsylvania German life. To assist with the development of the exhibition, the curator will establish an informal network of consultants from two online discussion lists (the Quilt History list and the Vintage Fabric list) and from the Quilt Study Group, a mid-Atlantic organization.