The National Museum of American History’s Woven Coverlet Collection holds hundreds of beautiful and intricate coverlets. But who made them, what were they made of, how were they made, and what is their lasting contribution to America’s story? The following interviews and demonstrations seek to answer some of those questions. Intern and fellow Matthew E. Monk interviewed some of America’s last remaining coverlet weavers as well as leading collectors and researchers. The videos show and discuss some of the people, processes, and materials coverlet weavers used to create these extraordinary textiles.
This project was made possible by a grant from the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.