Quilts, History & Appraisals - Saturday, Oct. 3
The summer-long quilt exhibit at the Chester Museum wraps up at the end of October—after we present a special program for quilt owners and enthusiasts. We encourage you to sign up for it soon.
Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10:30 a.m., at Chester Museum at The Mill, begins with a free hour-long presentation, “It’s Not Just a Craft—Over 200 Years of Quilts.” The presenter, Vivien Lee Sayre, is an appraiser certified by the American Quilter’s Society since 1996. She has appraised and lectured about quilts and quilted textiles throughout the U.S. and Europe. She consults extensively on these and other topics including the history of textiles, colors, patterns, designs and symbology. She also is involved in the continuing study of antique, contemporary and art quilts, quilted textiles and European textiles. There will be time for questions. We would appreciate your signing up for this so we can plan for you. Call or text 860-558-4701.
The same day, beginning at 1 p.m., in half-hour intervals, Vivien will do written or verbal appraisals for people by appointment. The cost is $60 per written appraisal or $25 for a verbal evaluation. Appointments are required by calling or texting 860-558-4701. Payment will go directly to Vivien.
An Old-Fashioned Quilt Turning - date TBD
We are offering another free program for quilters and quilt enthusiasts, but the date has to be changed from our original schedule. Please stay tuned for more information.
Susan Nygard, 20-year resident of Chester, who has been quilting for over 50 years, will present “An Old-Fashioned Quilt Turning.” Susan also has done volunteer work at the DAR in Washington, D.C. to conserve and stabilize a collection of quilts for an exhibition in Japan. She has considerable experience in applique and reproduction applique and is a member of the Baltimore Applique Society.
Susan’s program is designed to inspire and educate others by showcasing a variety of quilts and hearing the stories that goes along with them. Participants are invited to bring their favorite quilts to share with the group. Susan will bring some quilts from her own collection to add to the presentation.
Guided Cemetery Walk - Sat., Oct. 17
Have you ever stopped to explore Chester’s oldest cemetery on your way to the Meeting House? In celebration of America 250, Rob Miceli and Cheri Ferrari, Chester natives and historians, are leading a free walk through the Old Burying Grounds on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.
This ancient cemetery was the burying place for the town’s earliest “citizens” or parishioners; 1736 is the earliest date of death on a marker.
Cheri and Rob will talk about the cemetery’s history, notable early residents of Chester, the artisans who crafted their memorials, and 18th-century symbolism.
For instance, did you know that many graves in the Old Burying Grounds are oriented east-west? Early American settlers of Christian faith wanted their feet pointing east and their heads toward the west so they were ready to rise up and face the sun on the Day of Resurrection.
This family-friendly tour includes a short walk over uneven terrain. To participate, park at the Meeting House and meet Rob and Cheri at the entrance to the Old Burying Grounds at 5 Goose Hill Road. Donations are appreciated and will benefit the Chester Historical Society and the Chester Cemetery Association.