'Voices from the Quilts' to feature experts and speakers

Following on the success of its celebration two years ago, "Voices from the Quilts" is set to take place this year from March 22-25 with speakers and exhibitions all weekend.

An opening reception kicks things off at 7 p.m. March 22 at the Old Congregational Church, 502 S National Ave. Bernita Hill will talk about the role quilts and quilters played during the Civil War and how the lives of women were changed. Refreshments will be available and donations to Friends of the Fort requested.

On Friday and Saturday March 23 and 24, Fort Scott National Historic Site will host speakers and exhibitions from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

This will include an display of quilts and hands-on children's activities. "Women and their Civil War Quilts" will be presented by Hill from 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. also at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Nancy Swanwick will present "Influences and Inspirations from 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m., and Jean Warren will speak about "19th Century Quilts and Quilting" from 12:45 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

"Stories from the Quilts" will be presented from 2-3 p.m. and "Culture and Construction of a Dress: How the Women of the Civil War Adapted to the Changes of Their Time" will be from 3:15 p.m.-4 p.m. Presenters are Rondi and Susan Anderson.

In addition to programs at the Fort, a "Shop Hop" will be held at the Scottish Rite Temple. Hosted by Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Vendors from around the region will have many gift items available for purchase.

If those attending have quilts, experts will have a chance to look at them and identify patterns, co-organizer Cynthia McFarlin said.

On Sunday, March 25, exhibitions will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the fort.

The event is collaboration between Fort Scott National Historic Site, Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Historical Preservation Association of Bourbon County and the Tourism Department of the City of Fort Scott, a news release said.