In celebration of Black History Month, the Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society has placed on display a rare signature quilt from the 1840s for the month of February 2023.

The quilt assembled by the Society of Friends (Quakers) of Kennett Square, contains a number of anti-slavery sentiments written in ink on the squares of the quilt. J.R. Sower wrote, “I’d like to see, all people free/ Within this glorious nation.” That square is dated 1848. Another square, also dated 1848, records C.C. Sower’s thoughts, “First change the laws and then the cause/ Of freedom will grow brighter/ But if we have to free the slave/ We bind his chains the tighter.” During the quilt’s history, it was divided in half, but the two halves were donated to the museum in 1971 by Harold B. Taylor. There are 138 names on the quilt representing 48 surnames.

An examination and history of the quilt appears in the latest annual Journal of the Lycoming County Historical Society. Contributed by textile historian Ricki Moler, the Journal is available for purchase in the Museum Store at a cost of $10.00. There is no admission to view the quilt, however, there is an admission to tour the rest of the museum. Adults are charged $9.50, senior citizens $7.50, and children 3-12 years of age are $5.00. There is a special family rate as well as discounts for military personnel and AAA members. Members of the Historical Society are admitted free.

Touring hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Ample parking may be found to the rear of the building and on the street. For further information, please contact the museum at 570-326-3326 or visit our website at http://www.tabermuseum.org.