I think the obvious place to start this one is the fact that the new International Quilt Study Center in Lincoln, Nebraska opens on March 30, 2008! 

Why is this so important?  Please, please visit their site.  It is phenomenal:

http://www.quiltstudy.org/

And then, just start wandering around their wonderful site.

Do you want to see some quilts?  They have over 2,000 quilts available online in their "Search the Collection" area.  I generated one browse and came up with a stack of beautiful quilts, including this gem.  If you click on their picture a wealth of information pops-up on the quilt:

Primary Pattern: Log Cabin Alternate Pattern: Pineapple variation Brackman #: 2635 Title: Quiltmaker: Bryant, Jennie M. Geographical Origin: Made in Greenwood, Massachusetts, United States Date: Circa 1870-1890 Style/Type: Dimensions (LxW): 74 x 74 Inches 189 x 188 Centimeters Primary Technique: Pieced, Foundation-Hand Other Techniques: Primary Fiber: Cotton Primary Fabric: Calico Quilt Stitches/Inch: Binding: Straight Applied Inscription Type: Label Exhibitions: IQSC Collection: Ardis and Robert James Collection IQSC Object Number: 1997.007.0483

Click image to enlarge

Let me restate this:  There are over 2000 quilts you can browse through and research just like I did above.  Wow.

Okay, how about having them send you a wonderful quilt each month?  Just sign up for their Quilt A Month email service.  I did.  Here's an example of one of their monthly quilts:

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Quilt of the Month - October, 2005

Blazing Star
Maker unknown, possibly made in Missouri
c. 1875-1895
93" x 84"
1997.007.0405
International Quilt Study Center, Ardis and Robert James Collection

The complexity of the background of this Blazing Star quilt makes the star pattern nearly disappear. The viewer instead is drawn to the dark circle in the quilt's center, where the diamond pattern vibrates with contained energy. To further add to the bold dynamics of the quilt, the maker framed the top and bottom of the quilt with orange and green zigzag borders, and added a binding of bright red.

Star patterns have always been favorites among American quiltmakers. The single-star format, called a Star of Bethlehem or Mathematical Star, first appeared in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. Variations like this quilt as well as stars presented in a repeated block format, remained popular well into the twentieth century.

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Still thinking about visiting their site?  It gets even better.  They have talks and lectures available online in their Online Researches / Podcast & Videos Section.  While I've been writing this blog I've been listening to a lecture by Dr. Virginia Gunn entitled "Colonial Revival Influence on Quilt Design".  The lecture lasts 53 minutes!  Titles they have include:  "Nebraska Quiltmakers" (22 minutes), "Recycling and Resourcefulness: Quilts of the 1930s" (65 minutes), "The Underground Railroad Quilt Controversy:  Looking for the 'Truth'" (44 minutes) and others.  I need more tea!

And there's even more - info on visiting them (already mentioned this one to Christopher), classes, exhibits, membership, events and a webcam if you want to see what their new museum looks like.  Great website!

It seems the state Governor even issued a proclamation in response to this new museum that 2008 is the Year of the Quilt!  Now, that's support and enthusiasm.

Hope you visit and enjoy their site.

Best,

Fiona