Stars of Bethlehem Exhibition
Quilts from the Collections
Presented by
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
The newest showcase at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, Stars of Bethlehem, is now open through April 5th, 2015.
The Star of Bethlehem is one of the oldest, most recognized and well loved quilt patterns today. In general, stars have always been a popular motif in quilts, often used for their symbolic reference to religion and the heavens. The importance of the star motif will be showcased through the display of spectacular quilts from the various collections of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.
Visitors will learn about the significance of this motif on a cultural, religious and artistic level. These star quilts have a wide range of names, with each type being discussed in detail. Through the exhibit, visitors will gain an understanding of quilting techniques, fabrics and the impact of these seemingly ubiquitous quilts.
See the Star of Bethlehem quilt, noted by the large eight point star surrounded by satellite stars; a Lone Star quilt, which extraordinarily uses a single star, and did so way before its time in the nineteenth century; or a charming doll’s quilt that illustrates the use of pieced stars on a small scale.
One of the featured quilts was specially made by collaborative efforts from 39 students of Moravian Academy’s second grade class, taught by Mrs. Brooke Bauer, Mrs. Holly Haines and Ms. Diane Taylor. Each student colored their star block and drew something in the center that represented what Bethlehem meant to them.
This exhibit is not only a great celebration of the holiday season, but also falls under the 150th anniversary of the end to the Civil War.
Experience this exhibit and more with our Pass Into History, starting at just $12; $6 for children ages 6-12. Passes are valid for one year and are available at any of our sites or on our website, HistoricBethlehem.org.
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is a not-for-profit institution that brings to life three centuries of American history. Historic Bethlehem tells the story of a small town of great influence, home to some of our nation’s earliest settlers, to America’s first municipal water pumping system, and to one of the world’s greatest industrial companies. Historic Bethlehem is located in eastern Pennsylvania, only a 1.5 hour drive from Philadelphia to the North and 2 hours west of New York City. Historic Bethlehem is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a National Historic Landmark District. For more information please call 1-800-360-TOUR or visit www.HistoricBethlehem.org.
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