Civil War Soldiers and Their Quilts

Join NMCWM volunteer and textile historian Mavis Slawson in the Pry House barn to discuss how quilts were important to Civil War soldiers in many ways, used for camping in the field, as saddle blankets, tablecloths, and myriad other purposes.  At the time of the Civil War, “quilt” was used as a term for almost any bed covering, but making true quilts involved much time and work.  In the first year of the Civil War, more than one million men answered the call to arms. Sewing women also responded to this call.  Mavis will discuss what happened to their quilts and also how injured soldiers created quilts for themselves while in hospitals.

The talk included with $5 admission to the Pry House Field Hospital Museum. Join us for a tour of the Pry House following the program!