American Quilts and Interwoven Traditions
American Quilts and Interwoven Traditions is the third and final program in Hillwood Estate's Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles exhibition lecture series. This hybrid event features curator and author Jennifer Swope, who will explore the stories and history behind American quilts, drawing from themes in the exhibition *Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories* and the broader textile traditions embedded in American culture. The lecture highlights how quilts embody both personal and historical narratives, and how the art of quilting continues to evolve. Following the talk, Swope will sign copies of her book *Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories*.
When: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ET.
In-Person Schedule: 5:30–6:30 p.m. — explore Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, the special exhibition *Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles*, and the museum shop; 6:30–7:30 p.m. — lecture in the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center Theater; 7:30 p.m. — book signing.
Livestream: A Zoom livestream of the lecture is available; remote viewers may submit questions for the speaker.
Tickets (In-Person): $22 general admission; $12 for Hillwood members; $10 for students.
Tickets (Livestream): $10 general admission; free for Hillwood members and students.
Speaker: Jennifer Swope is the David and Roberta Logie Curator of Textiles at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She holds a Master’s Degree in American Material Culture from the University of Delaware (Winterthur Program) and co-curated the exhibitions *Quilts and Color, the Pilgrim/Roy Collection* and *Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories*, which toured nationally through 2024. She also co-authored the companion publication.
Exhibition Context: This lecture is presented in conjunction with the exhibition *Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles*, on view at Hillwood from June 6, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Book Signing: Copies of *Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories* will be available for purchase in the museum shop, and Jennifer Swope will sign them after the lecture.