Rural Development Leadership Network – Holiday Auction 2017
Auction Ends: Nov 30, 2017 10:00 PM EST

Collectibles

Freedom Quilting Bee Potholder 2

Item Number
167
Estimated Value
30 USD
Opening Bid
10 USD

Item Description

This potholder was handmade by the Freedom Quilting Bee, a former women's quilting and sewing business, operating like a cooperative, that grew out of the Civil Rights movement.  Founded in 1966 in Wilcox County, Alabama, the Bee was headed for many years by Ms. Estelle Witherspoon, who attracted resources from far and wide, acquired orders from companies like Sears and Bloomingdales, and arranged exhibits at the Smithsonian and other venues.   The Freedom Quilting Bee by Nancy Callahan was published in 1987, and a paperback came out in 2005. The group owned its own building and several acres of land. Quilts, aprons and other items were available through RDLN's website.  RDLN graduate Alice Paris, later with Tuskegee Institute, assisted the Bee in diversifying its products and making conference bags for organizations as her RDLN Field Project. The Bee provided an early catalyst for quilting in the area, noted in recent years by the exhibits of Gee's Bends quilts in museums and books.  http://www.ruraldevelopment.org/FQB.html

Item Special Note

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Rural Development Leadership Network, a vibrant network of community builders and activists

Rural Development Leadership Network, a vibrant network of community builders and activists