A unique collection of Southern Oregon history, genealogy, and quilt making is now available to the public in Piecing the Past, a new book featuring twenty-one historic and commemorative quilts preserved by the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society (RVGS) in Medford, Oregon. The book provides readers, genealogists, historians, quilters, and anyone interested in Southern Oregon history an opportunity to explore this remarkable collection.

For thirty years, members of the Jacksonville Museum Quilters worked and created quilts in the second-floor front room of the historic United States Hotel in Jacksonville, Oregon. In 2012, the group suddenly faced the need for a new location where they could continue their work and store their fabric, files, and extensive collection of quilt patterns.

There was also a need for a permanent home for approximately a dozen commemorative quilts the group had created, quilts that were important pieces of local history but were not intended for everyday use. An agreement was reached with the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society, and during renovation of the RVGS building, space was incorporated for quilt storage and display.

The twenty-one quilts featured in the book represent a fascinating combination of Jacksonville Museum Quilters creations and quilts made by early settlers of Jackson County from the 1850s through World War I. The Jacksonville Museum Quilters intentionally designed their quilts to preserve and tell stories of the region, including the Chinese experience, Native American heritage, Hawaiian contributions, pioneer life, local landmarks, and Southern Oregon’s natural beauty. The quilts made by early settlers tell their own stories through family history and genealogical connections.

Piecing the Past was created so these commemorative quilts, along with other historic quilts subsequently added to the collection, could be shared with the public.  Every quilt featured in Piecing the Past has been carefully documented by the RVGS Quilt Committee and submitted to the national Quilt Index at Michigan State University, helping ensure that information about these important pieces of material culture is preserved for future generations.

Piecing the Past is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop. It is an opportunity to discover Southern Oregon’s past through the stories carefully preserved in fabric, thread, and family history. To order now, click one of the links below. A limited quantity are also available at the RVGS Library while supplies last.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HCGY5299
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/9798234138521
Bookshop is a fine online bookseller. Profit from every online purchase benefits that customer’s designated favorite local bookstore. https://bookshop.org/p/books/piecing-the-past-with-the-rogue-valley-genealogical-society-quilt-collection/e2a7d250a688faec