Featuring the premier group of quilts formerly known as the Esprit Collection, the museum's permanent exhibit seeks to tell the story of the Amish and their quilt making. Exhibited items extend beyond quilts to envelop Amish-made clothing and decorative household items, as well as related textiles from other communities.

The permanent exhibit now features a variety of interactive experiences. Visitors will feel the fabric used by quilters and apply new knowledge to the task of identifying a Lancaster County Amish quilt. Visitors also will be able to test their knowledge of Amish culture through an interactive kiosk designed to correct common misconceptions about the Amish.

There are 82 quilts in the former Esprit collection. These quilts will be rotated through the exhibition in 6 month cycles. 

Limited Time Exhibitions Rags to Rugs: Pennsylvania Hooked and Handsewn Rugs November 17, 2007 through December 31, 2008 Guest Curators Trish Herr and Leslie Gorbey are putting together a fabulous array of hooked and handsewn rugs from Pennsylvania.  Visitors will learn about the many functions of these rugs as well as how they are made.  The exhibition will include a juried show component, which will feature the work of contemporary artists in this medium.

  The National Christmas Center Presents a Lancaster Christmas

  November 17, 2007 - January 15, 2008

With a vision of what Christmas in downtown Lancaster was like in past eras, nationally-known Christmas historian and founder of the National Christmas Center, Jim Morrison, is preparing a major exhibition of old-fashioned Christmas.  Visitors will see recreations of Christmas celebrations from the 1850s through the 1970s.  A special area of the exhibit will pay tribute to Frank W. Woolworth, whose national chain of five and dime stores had its origins in the city of Lancaster. 

Learn about Exhibitions Coming Soon.

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