Many of the items in the permanent collection were acquired through the generosity of donors. It consists of over 200 quilts and quilt tops representing the history of American quiltmaking. The museum also collects and preserves quilt-related items such as patterns, quilt tops and squares, and sewing machines. The permanent collection ranges from whole cloth quilts made in the late 18th century to contemporary quilts made by highly regarded art quilters. A selection of quilts from the permanent collection is always on display in a gallery and period rooms designated for its collection.

The museum partners with different Lowell public schools to design quilt projects in conjunction with art, geography, math, or social studies curriculum and collaborates with home school groups, senior centers and other area agencies to introduce quilting to students and adults alike. The museum’s extensive library is open to inquiries from researchers and those generally interested in quilting in person, by mail, email, or telephone.

For more information, visit www.nequiltmuseum.org.