University to host Ozark coverlets presentation and book-signing

University of the Ozarks will host a presentation and book-signing titled "Cracking the Code of Ozark Historical Coverlets," at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, in the newly renovated lower level of Munger-Wilson Memorial Chapel.

The event is sponsored by the Presbyterian Women of the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville and will feature authors Martha L. Benson and Laura Lyon Redford. The authors will speak about their experience in researching and writing "Ozark Coverlets: The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Collection."

In 2012, Benson and Redford, being expert handweavers who are intrigued with fibers and patterns, set forth upon an adventure to study the surviving coverlets and the notes written by the original weavers long ago, now at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale, Ark.  They engaged in meticulous analysis in order to recreate the drafts or patterns used to weave the coverlets.  The researched identities of the women who wove these precious coverlets, the reconstruction of their coverlets, and the amazing and surprising history of hand weaving in Arkansas comprise the newly published book, which is heralded by historians as well as internationally known weaving experts.

Said Brooks Blevins, Noel Professor of History at Missouri State University, "Even if all you know about quilts is that they remind you of sleeping at grandma’s house, you’ll find ‘Ozark Coverlets’ educational and entertaining. In the spirit of the beautiful coverlets whose stories they reconstruct, Martha L. Benson and Laura Lyon Redford have crafted a book that is both elegant and practical."

Authors Martha L. Benson (left) and Laura Lyon Redford will present a talk and book-signing titled, "Cracking the Code of Ozark Historical Coverlets," at 11 a.m. on Aug. 3, in the lower level of Munger-Wilson Memorial Chapel on the U of O campus. The event is presented by The Presbyterian Women of the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville.

There is no charge to attend the presentation, which will be followed by a book-signing. The public is invited to come and be inspired by the story of these resilient 19th century Arkansas women, and the current-day Benson and Redford who have "discovered" them and their story for our generation.

Topics: Community Events