Quilt's New Home
I'm sure you remember my space quilt that I worked on for much of the summer. I still call it my space quilt even though I named it What's In A Name? I dedicated it to Barbara Morgan who so impressed me as such a marvelous modal for young women - really for all of us.
After displaying the quilt in the 50 years in space challenge in September, I decided to give the quilt to Barbara Morgan. I finally got her address and sent it to her. I told her to keep it or donate it where ever she wished. I got a phone call from Barbara herself and she was so nice. This week I got a letter from her explaining what she was doing with it. I don't have a scanner here in Florida so can only retype the letter for you.
"What a delightful surprise to receive your "What's In A Name?" quilt! It's beautifully made. I love how it's bright and cheerful, and I absolutely love the space vehicles theme. We had a lot of fun with it here in the Astronaut Office - quizzing ourselves on the questions you prepared that correspond with the words on the quilt. What fun!
I am honored that you , a retired teacher and talented artist, would dedicate this quilt to me. With your permission, I'd like to dedicate it to teachers and students everywhere by donating it to the Idaho State Historical Museum in Boise, ID where it can be enjoyed by many. I have spoken to the folks at the museum and they are thrilled to be able to display it, your questions, and with your permission, a picture of yourself. I know that the Idaho State Historical Museum folks will take good care of the quilt and share it with teachers and students and parents as part of the museum's educational programming, for many years to come.
Again, thank you. Your gift truly touched me."
And I was truly touched by both Barbara's phone call and letter. Maybe I should plan a trip to Bosie.
7 comments:
This is such a special quilt, I am so happy that it's going to a very special place!
I think you should also send them the pictures you took and posted as you workded on it. Seeing how each word came together and found its place in the quilt is really interesting. I so enjoyed watching that progress and I think others, especially non quilters, would too. That would give it double teaching value!
You definately need to go see it when it is on display in its new home!
What an honor for an awesome quilt. I have enjoyed reading your blog and watching this quilt grow.
Yes you will need to go to Boise when they display the quilt.
I agree with Norma I would send them copies of the documentation of your story of making this quilt.
especially with the blog heading!
I study antique quilts and finding any documentation with a quilt is always a wonderful bonus!
Love to know the story behind quilts.
I think it is awesome that you sent her the quilt.
Kathie in NJ
Oh Katie - what a place of honor you quilt will reside in. I can't think of a more perfect reason to plan a trip to Boise *s*
Oh how special! What a beautiful letter! And I love it because my little (ok not so little) girl would die to work at NASA! I may have to do something like t his for her college graduation next spring!
wow, what a wonderful place to end for your special space quilt! I hope you do travel to Boise to check it and the museum out.
Wow, that's so exciting. I hope you get a chance to see your quilt in the museum (wooohoo!!!) and that someone posts pics for us.
It was so nice of you to dedicate and give your quilt to her. And she has taken that honor well. That sounds like a wonderful home for such a great quilt. I am sure it will educate people for years to come.
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