TUSCUMBIA– “A Century of Quilts,” an exhibit selected largely from the extensive personal collection of Glenn Rikard, all made in the region and dating from 100 years ago to the present, will be on display, beginning on Wednesday, October 4, and continuing through noon on Fri., Oct. 27 at Belle Mont Mansion, 1569 Cook Lane (off Hwy 43 S), Tuscumbia. The historic house museum will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 am – 4 pm (excluding Sat., Oct. 28, when the mansion will be closed for a private event). Regular admission will apply: $6 adults; $5 seniors, students, military; $3 Youth (6-18 yrs.). The exhibit will include quilts never publicly shared before, as well as some of the best of his collection.
Quilts from other private collections, drawn from the community, will also be showcased. To submit quilts on loan for the exhibit, bring them to Belle Mont on Wed., Sept. 27, or Thurs., Sept. 28, Noon – 4 pm. Rikard will assist owners with pattern identification and period of construction, if the history of the quilt is unknown.
Glenn Rikard was inspired to assemble his quilt collection, now numbering over 100 examples, by the beautiful and colorful patterns made and quilted by loved ones in his own family. To these he has added those about which he knows the original owner’s story and quilts that he has made. His collection offers a sampling of quilt patterns which have been popular through history.
Each Friday at Noon during October (Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27), a special program on the quilts will be presented. Each session will include time for a “Show and Tell.” Those attending are invited to bring quilts from their personal collections to share. Quilts may be heritage examples with a story to tell or may be contemporary quilts designed and made by the owner.
Belle Mont, the historic house museum owned by the Alabama Historical Commission, was built in 1828. It is one of Alabama’s most distinguished antebellum homes, exhibiting close ties to the architecture of Thomas Jefferson and Italian architect Andrea Palladio. Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation currently operates the museum and is offering special programming throughout the year.
For more information about the October Quilt Show, including arrangements for booking group tours (for which special rates apply), call 256-381-5052 or 256-383-0783. Find Belle Mont on facebook and visit www.preserveala.com/bellemont.
Media Release/Ninon Parker, President Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation
