To document the anniversary of September 11 and the Museum's role both in remembering tragedy and fostering peace and understanding across cultures, oral historian Liza Zapol created a multimedia piece involving interviews with visitors, a Museum lecturer, Faith Ringgold, and two of the student artists who helped create The 9/11 Peace Story Quilt, a three-panel quilt on display.

Preservation Librarian Mindell Dubansky examines some questionable book repair practices from the past.

Museum Librarian for Preservation Mindell Dubansky looks at some dubious book repair practices of times past.

Associate Curator Jane A. Dini discusses Harley Quinn, a modern version of the classic character Harlequin from the Italian commedia dell'arte, as well as this year's most popular Halloween costume.

In this interview, author and curator Amelia Peck discusses the history of quilting in Gee's Bend, Alabama, and how these works of art have historically been misunderstood.

Hawai'i-based poet Laurel Nakanishi explores the history of the native ‘ohi‘a lehua plant and extinct mamo bird in an original poem inspired by a traditional Hawaiian quilt.

Since 1910, when the Museum's first American bed covering was acquired, curators in the American Wing have gradually amassed an admirable collection. Except for a few justly famous pieces, however, it is largely unknown. The textile collections of many museums remain under-explored for several reasons. Traditionally, art museums have not emphasized the utilitarian, primarily homemade, and often anonymous items in their collections such as quilts. Additionally, bed coverings are difficult to exhibit because of their large size. Most importantly, because the cotton and silk textiles that make up many of these works are exceedingly fragile, a museum must take its job as cultural caretaker particularly seriously; by rarely displaying our bed covers, we are prolonging their lives. Over the years an increasing number of collectors, quiltmakers, coverlet weavers, scholars, and textile enthusiasts have asked to see our quilts and coverlets. The Museum staff is not able to accommodate requests to see the entire collection of 119 bed coverings. Only by prearrangement can we show a small number of them to an occasional viewer or allow visitors to make use of the catalogued information kept for study purposes. This book provides greater access to the Museum's outstanding collection and enables all who are interested to discover the beauty and historical significance of our American quilts and coverlets.