In 2019, early 2020, Heidelberg Historical Society held their very successful exhibition on Heidelberg’s Busy Bee Signature Quilt. Constructed in 1895-6 by members of Heidelberg’s Scots Church as a fundraising project, contributors came from far and wide to participate in the project. 213 hand-embroidered squares record almost 140 legible signatures as well as dozens of initials, decorations and place-names.
The tradition of quilting was often a communal activity where women mainly participated and has a strong tradition in the United States of America. Akin to the community effort back then, members of the Historical Society have contributed to installing the exhibition since the quilt was offered to their collection in 2018.
Led by curator Margaret Birtley the team have investigated the making of the quilt, researched some of the names on the quilt, designed and installed the exhibition, developed the accompanying website, conducted tours and marketed the event. Visit the website and check out close up images and add what you know about the people who worked on the quilt.
Visit The National Quilt Register, an online database and central resource for the Australian quilting community. It provides digital access to quilts held in public and private collections throughout Australia including the Busy Bee Signature Quilt.
Part of this post was first published at Yarra Plenty Regional Library 2020
