The International Quilt Study Center
Formed in 1997, The International Quilt Study Center which is located within the confines of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, was the result of a generous donation by the Ardis and Robert James Collection of approximately 950 quilts. These quilts came with an accompanying pledge for financial support and thus solidifying the inception of the International Quilt Study Center.
The International Quilt Study Center is seeing through that their efforts lead to the continued archiving of collection and preservation of quilts and the techniques of quilt making. They also find it their mission to study, exhibit, and promote these traditions of quilt making and the specimens that they acquire from different cultures, countries, and time periods. They envision their institution as a center that is creative and dynamic, a source of formal and informal learning and discovery that will contribute to the education of students, teachers, scholars, artists, quilters, and others.
Inside the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s International Quilt Study Center is a comprehensive collection of quilts from all over the world, accessible to all who wish to see them. Aside from these historic pieces, they also contain related or similar textiles and important documents not only for study and research, but also for inspiration and insight.
There are a number of noteworthy collections found in the International Quilt Study Center, foremost of which are the Ardis and Robert James collections of both antique and contemporary quilts.
The collection contains a number of Ardis and Robert James’ collection of over 1000 quilts that they started collecting over two decades ago. The Jonathan Holstein collection can also be found here, which includes the 1971 Whitney Museum Exhibition. Another notable collection that calls the confines of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln home is the Sara Miller Collection of Midwestern Amish Crib Quilts. Hailing from Kalona Iowa, Sara Miller began her collection of quilts in 1985. the International Quilt Study Center acquired the collection from Sara Miller in 2000 and is a wonderful representation of Amish culture and history. Also included in the International Quilt Study Center’s compendium of quilts are the Robert and Helen Cargo collection of African-American quilts, the Kathryn Berenson collection of French quilts, and the Linda and Dr. John Carlson Four Block quilt collection.