Augmenting coverlets from the Museum collection, selected objects on loan from Kitty Bell and Ron Walter are now on display.

Museum visitors can now see and learn about the entire process of linen and wool cloth production from the plant or animal to the yarn, the loom and ultimately the finished piece, as illustrated by the Walters’ early and rare textile tools.

Coverlets on display include examples ranging from Bedford County, Pennsylvania to Douglas County, Kansas.

On September 26 the new exhibition was preceded by a well-attended, day-long symposium offered by nationally known experts including Ute Bargman, Dr. Trish Herr, Tandy Hersh, An Moonen, Michael Taylor, Marjie Thompson and Ron Walter.

The event coincided with yet another expansion for NMAC, and many of the Walter’s items are located in the “new” space. On the opening day of the exhibition, the Museum also honored the 150th birthday of the historic building it owns and occupies.

Director/Curator Melinda Zongor offered her thanks to the expert Board members and volunteers who worked so hard to bring the exhibition to fruition. “It was truly a group effort, and we think it turned out beautifully,” she said. “For a three-year-old institution that started with $400 and a handful of believers, this Museum has come a long way. We certainly cannot rest yet, or perhaps ever, but all of us at NMAC are incredibly grateful to all those who have supported, and continue to support, this Museum.”

Melinda added that attendance continues to increase. “The word of mouth is great. Folks come back and they bring friends. Our guest book is amazing, with signatures and nice comments from thousands of visitors who have travelled here from around the world,” she said.

Zongor indicates that the Museum’s coverlet collection is still growing and that exhibitions will continue to change periodically. STAY AT HOME AND USE ME WELL will be open until the end of the year 2010. The Museum is open daily, year round.