Dear Barbara: I wonder if you are aware that there is a controversy in
quilt history circles over the idea of hidden maps in quilts helping
slaves escape. The story (which has been widely accepted and promoted
in the media) comes from only one source, which is quoted in the book
Hidden in Plain View. There are numerous glaring errors in the theory,
especially since some of the quilt blocks mentioned (such as double
wedding ring and bow tie) were not known until much later than slavery
days. But the idea is so compelling that many schools and teachers have
been teaching this as fact. Sweet Clara's story is very appealing, and
a good fiction story, but we do kids a disservice to promote the premise
as fact. This will be another historical "myth" they'll have to unlearn
(like George Washington and the cherry tree).
I belong to a group of quilt historians online, and we are trying to set
the record straight on this subject whenever we can. There are so many
wonderful things we can do with quilts and quilting and our students,
while still keeping an eye on real history. I love your idea of a Q is
for Quilting Wall. I am currently making book character quilts with
first graders, and they are unbelievably cute!
It is always so great to see your posts on LM_NET. Have a great day!
Sylvia Adair, K-8 Library Media Specialist
Kansasville, WI, USA
Barbara Braxton wrote:
>Many thanks to those of you who so quickly told me that the title was
>actually "How to make an American Quilt" by Whitney Otto.
>
>I have now given my Visa card a touch-up (hooray for Amazon.com for people
>like me who want overseas books for their libraries} by getting a number of
>quilting storybooks.
>
>The one that intrigues me greatly is Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt -
>"Clara, a resourceful young slave girl, creates a patchwork quilt
>that--unknown to the white masters of her plantation--serves as a map of the
>land that points the way to freedom along the Underground Railroad, in this
>fictional story for young adults." Another article in my magazines talked
>about the origins of some of the traditional quilting blocks and whether
>they were indeed secret maps. I think this could provide an intriguing
>challenge for students - select a local landmark and design a patchwork
>block that could be used as a secret map. Imagine the investigations and
>explanations that would evoke!
>
>I have a blank wall crying out for a series of mini displays (once I restore
>my library after having packed it up for painting) and Q for Quilting is one
>that I am really looking forward to creating. Hopefully, it might even
>inspire some of my students to try something new! In fact, the possibilities
>are endless. And all because of a paragraph in a magazine and LM_NET! This
>is what keeps me motivated.
>
>Off for the first day of this school year.
>Barbara
>
>Barbara Braxton
>Teacher-Librarian
>Palmerston District Primary School
>PALMERSTON ACT 2913
>AUSTRALIA
>
>T. 02 6205 6162
>F. 02 6205 7242
>E. barbara@austarmetro.com.au
>W. http://www.palmdps.act.edu.au
>"Together, we learn from each other."
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