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Made in the USA
A Journey of American Quilt History
13 days, March 26-April 7, 2009
Full price: $2995 double occupancy
Where does one start to see and study quilts in the United States? That is a difficult question. America's quilt heritage is comprehensive and there is no single regional area that is specific to our quilt history except when considering regional styles. There are however areas where collections of American quilts are more prominent, and as my first US tour dedicated to the American Quilt I felt there is really no better place to start than our capitol city, Washington DC. We will spend 13 incredible days in the Mid-Atlantic area, from DC to NYC we will see some of the most note-worty American quilts. Museum archives will be opened to our group and if you desire, time will be allowed for you to pursue research studies in important libraries. Come along with me on this American Journey, you will leave inspired not only by the fabulous textiles, but the stories that make our quilting heritage different from any other.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday, March 26, 2009: Arrive Washington DC. Home to some of the world's finest museums, our American Adventure tour begins in our nation's capital, home to some of the finest quilt collections in the states. It is 'Cherry Blossom" time and with luck we will arrive in time to the colorful array of this annual DC event. After checking into our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. We will have a get acquainted dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight - Washington D
March
27 - Day 2: Washington DC : On our first full day we will be immersed in
the quintessential American Quilt. Following breakfast, this morning we
are invited for a special presentation of quilts at the DAR (Daughter's of the
American Revolution) Museum. Here we will find ourselves among some of the most
beautiful decorative items from America's past. The museum prides itself
on only obtaining articles with known American provenance and their textile
collection is second to none. We will have a special show-and-tell
presentation by curator, Alden O'Brien and see some of the more exquisite quilts
from their historic archives. Following lunch we will be spending time at
the newly re-opened Smithsonian American History Museum, also known for its
outstanding quilts from the National collection. Here, the our afternoon
will be filled with memorable and exemplary examples of American patchwork.
Overnight - Washington. B
March 28 -Day 3: Washington DC: Today, we will have a special meeting of the minds with some of the local area quilt historians. Hazel Carter, founder of the "(Quilt) Dating Club" and the Quilter's Hall of Fame has agreed to have our group meet with her Dating Club for a show and tell of some of their favorite pieces. After our 'date' we will have the remainder of the afternoon and evening to explore the DC area. Overnight - Washington. B
March 29 - Day 4: Washington DC: Today is a free day to explore at your leisure. Overnight - Washington. B
March 30 - Day 5: Depart
Washington to Lancaster, PA. Following breakfast we will begin our journey to
Lancaster. Upon arrival we will be stopping at the Lancaster Heritage
Center to see their fabulous quilt museum and facility. During the
remainder of our
day we will explore this famous Amish area. Lancaster is a quilt lover's
paradise, here there is no shortage of quilts to view and fabrics or traditional souvenirs
to buy. Shopping in this area is a must. Overnight -
Lancaster. B. D
March 31 - Day 6: Following a hearty Pennsylvania breakfast we head toward Chester County and the Chester County Historical Society. Here we will spend the morning with the curator and incredible Pennsylvania quilts from the collection archives. In addition, a Pennsylvania quilt exhibit will also be available to us while we are here. Following our morning we will drive to Winterthur. Here we will have a period room tour and spend time with curator, Linda Eaton in the quilt and textile archives. Overnight - Lancaster. B
April 1 - Day 7: Today we
will explore Lancaster County, exploring the villages and towns that this area
is known for. Overnight - Lancaster. B
April 2 - Day 8: After breakfast, our coach will be dropping our group at the Quilter's Heritage Celebration. An annual show, the Quilter's Heritage Celebration is a special event for quilters and quilt enthusiasts that features more than 500 show quilts, exhibits, classes, special functions and merchants. Following the show, we will be dropped locally for dinner on our own before returning to our hotel. Overnight - Lancaster. B
April 3 - Day 9: We depart Lancaster for New York City. Before checking into our hotel we will stop at the American Folk Art Museum where they are preparing a special viewing for our group. You may want to make weekend arrangements for optional sightseeing activities in this incredible city. Our hotel is centrally located with easy access to the metro and all New York attractions. Overnight - NYC. B
April
4 - Day 10: Free Day - New York City. Overnight - NYC. B
April 5 - Day 11: After a free morning, this afternoon we are invited to the home of Jane Lury, antique quilt dealer extraordinaire; owner of Labours of Love. Jane has an incredible private collection that she will share with us and time is allowed to peruse her stash of those she is willing to sell. Overnight - NYC. B
April 6 - day 12: Following breakfast as an optional activity our group we will go to the MET - the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Overnight - NYC. B
April 7 - day 13: Today we say a fond farewell to our American Quilt adventures and head toward home.
TOUR INCLUDES
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST
E
Personal Insurance
Download Registration Materials Here
Terms and Conditions apply when
registration is received. Due to circumstances beyond my
control, itinerary is subject to change without notice.
E
Day pass to Quilter's Heritage Celebration
E
12 nights Deluxe First Class Hotels
E Museum entrances and tours per scheduled itinerary
E14
meals, 12 breakfasts, 2 dinners
ETour Tote-bag and surprise gifts.
EEntry
in the World of Quilts Cruise Give Away Contest
E Optional porterage
E
Public transportation for free time activities
E Optional excursions
E
Optional activity gratuities
E Passport
or visa fees