Ozark Coverlets

Hear the stories behind handwoven coverlets of the Arkansas Ozarks included in the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History collection. See examples of works and bring your own coverlets to show and share!

Co-authors Laura Redford and Marty Benson began studying and documenting the handwoven coverlets in the collection of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History and found some fascinating stories of the weavers, their families and the times they lived in. Some of the coverlets were brought with the families when they settled the Arkansas Ozarks and some were woven here. Most date from the early 1800s through the post-Civil War time period. Their book, Ozark Coverlets: The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Collection, tells their stories.

The Northwest Arkansas Handweavers Guild (NWAHG), founded in 1949 in West Fork, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024. As a part of its celebration, the guild will have an exhibit of textile art on display at the library from May 1 – July 31 in the Lucky Day Lobby on level 2. Guild members will also have weaving demonstrations on June 11 and July 11.

Laura began her weaving adventures some 40 years ago and over the years has tried many different aspects of the art. She has taught both beginning weaving and more advanced weaving classes for 30 of those years. For the last several years, she has concentrated her efforts on the historical aspects of the weavers and their cloth. Laura will have a few items on display and attendees are invited to bring their own coverlets for a show and share after the presentation!

This program is free and open to the public. No registration required.