October Issue 1999
Needles & Pens: A Family Legacy Exhibition at the Museum of York County in Rock Hill
Needles & Pens: A Family Legacy, will be on exhibit in the Springs Gallery at the Museum of York County, Rock Hill, SC, through Jan. 23. This exhibition is sponsored in part by Coats & Clark. Additional support for development of the exhibition was given by members and friends of the Sifford and Stine families.
In Needles & Pens: A Family Legacy, you will see
expressed in thread and ink the practicality and creativity of
three generations of the Smith and Sifford families of western
York County, SC. Sixteen quilts with family artifacts and diaries
dating from the mid-19th century to the early-20th century bring
to vivid and colorful life the histories of these
families.
Few domestic crafts are admired and cherished as much as quilts. These labors of love and necessity are cultural documents from which we can learn about the past. A single quilt does not arise in isolation, but reflects the influences of those members of the family, community and region who created and used it.
Mary Alice Sifford, the only daughter of Robert Macon Sifford and Mary Jane Smith Sifford, was born in northern York County in 1917. In her devotion to her family's history, she recognized that the historical value of these heirlooms would be greatly enhanced by preservation of the associated written materials. This desire to preserve the legacy of past generations has created in the person of Mary Alice Sifford a treasured "Keeper of the Culture."
In conjunction with this exhibition, the following special programs and classes have been scheduled at the Museum of York County: Chisel Markers and Petal Paper: The Art of Calligraphy, Tuesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 from 6 - 8pm. Fee: $40 members, $60 non-members. An introduction to an art form historic, utilitarian and beautiful taught by master calligrapher and CHC staff member Anne Lane. Using colorful chisel point markers and a selection of exotic papers, participants will learn a simplified italic alphabet and use it for creating personalized gifts. Call 803/981-9182 by September28 for reservations.
Quilts as Documents of Family History - A slide lecture by noted folklorist Laurel McKay Horton. Sun., Nov. 7, 3pm. Free with museum admission, but reservations are required. Quilt researcher and folklorist Laurel Horton will describe some of her experiences from 24 years of working with collections of family quilts. Call 803/981-9182 by Nov. 1 for reservations. Sponsored in part by the South Carolina Humanities Council.
How to Take Care of Your Quilts & Other Treasured Textiles presented by Textile Conservator Lynn Lancaster Gorges. Mon., Jan. 17, 2000, 7pm. Free with museum admission but reservations are required by Jan.10. This program will begin with definitions of conservation and restoration, followed by an overview of 200 years of quilt history. The roles of women and the politics of textiles will be highlighted. An illustrated presentation with specific examples will teach the basics of storage, documentation and cleaning, with a handout provided to take home. The participants are encouraged to bring their quilts, vintage clothing or other historic textiles and their stories to share. Lynn will provide identification assistance if necessary. Call 803/981-9182 for reservations. Sponsored in part by the York County Quilters Guild and the South Carolina Humanities Council.
Heartfelt Pins, Tues., Jan. 11, 6 - 8pm. Fee: $8 members, $10 non-members. Join Historic Brattonsville staff member and quilter Elaine Sprinkle in creating a special quilted heart pin perfect for a Valentine's Day gift. Using salvaged quilts, buttons and embroidery floss, participants will stitch a simple "heartfelt pin." Feel free to bring a small special memento to add to your creation. Additional kits will be available for purchase. Call 803/981 -9182 by Jan.3 for reservations.
For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings or call the Museum at 803/329-2121, or visit our website at (http//www.yorkcounty.org).
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