What is the Hamilton Quilt Museum?

what you can expect at missouri quilt museum in hamilton, mo

As the Traveling Quilter, I’ve been to several Quilt Museums around the United States. However, by far, the Missouri Quilt Museum in Hamilton, MO is my favorite! Not only do they showcase the quilts, but they take great time and care to also showcase their stories and the history of quilting!

1:45 – Nat’l Quilt Museum Permanent Collection
2:44 – 1974 Celebrity Signatures Quilt
4:00 – 1891 Crazy Quilt
5:12 – Miniature Quilts Collection
6:12 – WWII Quilt Collection

show notes

Click below for more information about my visit to the Missouri Quilt Museum!

Missouri Quilt Museum website
Missouri Quilt Museum Facebook Page
Watch the BEST way to visit Hamilton, Missouri!
Watch our visit to Glenda’s Sewing Cupboard in St. Joseph, MO
Complete List of Quilt Shops in Missouri
Complete List of Quilt Museums around the world!

For more information about the history of the Swastika:

Want more Travel Tips for visiting Hamilton, Missouri and Missouri Star Quilt Company? Click HERE!

Keep scrolling for more information about the exhibits at the Missouri Quilt Museum!

World War II Collection
1974 Signatures Quilt
1891 Quilt History
Miniatures Collection
And all the other things to see and do at the Missouri Quilt Museum!

WWII Collection

When I first walked into the room housing the World War II collection, I literally gasped. On the wall in front of you, directly next to each other, were two quilts. The swastikas and the Star Of David’s.

At first glance you’re filled with several emotions. Of course, the war and all of it’s atrocities race through your mind. Not to mention the war of emotions within yourself that each symbol brings to the forefront. However, there’s much more to each of them that meets the eye.

The star of David

Posted on the wall next to each quilt is written out the history of each symbol. Some you may know, many you may not know.

The beautiful hand stitching takes your breath away!

The Swastika Quilt

Believe it or not, the Swastika symbol goes back thousands of years as a symbol of peace. The symbol crossed many races and religions holding it’s true meaning.

During the 1930’s, this symbol was strategically chosen (and slightly altered) by Hitler to falsely proclaim his intentions for the German people.

What other words or symbols have a different meaning than their original intent?

Traveling Quilter Books

$14.95 – $39.90
Quilted Keychain Pattern (PDF)

$5.00
Quilter’s Travel Journal – Shows and Retreats

$19.95
Water Crystals Quilt Pattern

$12.00
Winter 3-in-1 Table Quilts Pattern

$12.00

1974 Signatures Quilt Collection

I have to say, it’s a good thing I was not a young adult in the 1970’s. All that polyester!? Oh yes, the dreaded material also made it into several quilts, including this amazing 1974 Signatures Quilt!

This quilt, with it’s simple design, holds 45 squares that were individually signed by some of the most famous people of that year. People like Ed McMahon, Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Dean Martin and many more! There are framed photos of each of the signers and a short bio. See if you can match the names to their signature on the quilt!

1891 Crazy Quilt

By just walking into this room, you may look on the bed and see just a crazy quilt. But, this quilt also has a crazy story!

The woman who made the quilt in 1891 made it out of all family heirloom fabrics. Pieces of shirts, ribbons, etc. The quilt was then gifted to her grand daughter for Christmas.

Years later the quilt was passed down to the grand daughter’s son, who used the quilt to wrap up a bunch of motorcycle trophies.

Eventually, the quilt was discovered under his bed in incredible condition. Unknowingly, by bunching it up and shoving it under his bed, it was stored without creases to deteriorate the seams and without sunlight that would have faded the fabrics. Sometimes it does pay to hide things under your bed. 🙂

largest miniature quilt collection

As the Missouri Quilt Museum website boasts, Quilter Pat Kuhns is indeed an EXPERT in miniature quilts. These little masterpieces truly have to be seen in person to believe!

While the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY houses a few of Pat Kuhn’s miniature quilts in their permanent collection, the Missouri Quilt Museum has the honor of housing the LARGEST collection of Pat’s quilts. There are nearly 50 of these beauties on display!!

I honestly don’t think my fingers can work with fabric that small…

Other collections at the Missouri Quilt Museum

The collections I’ve mentioned are only a few of the incredible things you’ll see at the Missouri Quilt Museum! The also have:

The Largest collection of Thimbles (and their histories!)
The Largest collection of toy sewing machines
The Largest collection I’ve ever seen of old sewing machines
Giant vintage button collection
Alternating quilt collections from around the world
And sew much more!!!

And let’s not forget the Largest Spool of Thread right you front!

This 22 foot tall spool holds over 1 million yards of thread. So, when you visit, be sure to bring a little thread of your own to add to the spool!

Have you been to visit the Missouri Quilt Museum?

Complete List of Quilt Shops in MISSOURI
More fun in Missouri!
Like Museums? Check out the entire list of Quilt and Textile Museums around the World!
Can you complete the Big Quilter’s Bucket List?

Do you know someone who’d love to learn about the Missouri Quilt Museum? Click the buttons below to share with your friends! Then be sure to join us in the Traveling Quilters group on Facebook for more travel adventures!