The National Quilt Museum is devoted to contemporary quilts and fiber art. Established in 1991, the museum is committed to the preservation and advancement of quilting. In an average year, quilters and art enthusiasts visit from all 50 states and over 40 countries around the world. Located in a 27,000 square foot facility in historic downtown Paducah, Kentucky, the museum’s three galleries feature exhibits of the finest quilt and fiber art in the world. The museum’s vibrant and breathtaking exhibits are rotated 10-12 times per year. Our primary gallery, with over 7,000 square feet of exhibit space, features quilts from the museum’s collection which includes over 600 works of art. Our two other galleries feature touring exhibits of unique and diverse quilts and fiber art. The museum has also gained a reputation for its educational programs.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts educational programs on a diverse number of topics for quilters of all skill sets. Quilters come from all over the world to attend the museum’s educational programs taught by master quilters. The museum’s youth education programs are attended by over 4,000 young people of all ages. Several of these programs have received national media attention. The School Block Challenge, sponsored by Moda Fabrics, is an annual contest in which participants are challenged to make a quilt block out of a packet of three fabrics. This challenge continues to be utilized by schools and community organizations as part of their art curriculum in over 25 states. Other popular youth programs include the annual Quilt Camp and the Junior Quilters Club. The National Quilt Museum is committed to supporting the work of today's quilters for years to come. For more information about The National Quilt Museum visit our website at www.QuiltMuseum.org.

The National Quilt Museum promotes the sustainability and expansion of quilting through in-facility and traveling exhibits, youth and adult education programs, and quilt preservation efforts. Values:

1. The museum believes today’s quilters create extraordinary artwork that is a unique and wonderful sensory experience for everyone.

2. The museum believes the individuals who create quilts and fiber art are accomplished artists who deserve recognition and respect for their talent.

3. The museum believes the work of these artists must be preserved, and their skills shared, for the enjoyment and appreciation of future generations.

The National Quilt Museum (NQM) attracts approximately 40,000 visitors annually from nearly every state and 50 countries. We serve approximately 7,000 youth with free admission and activities, and an additional 90,000 people who visit the museum's traveling exhibits.

Now the recognized leader in our commitment to being the best in quilt exhibitions, quilt education and the overall quilt experience, it all started with a dream of Bill and Meredith Schroeder of Paducah, Kentucky. In 1983, the Schroeders became interested in quilting after attending the "National Quilting Association" show in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, and the "Houston Quilt Festival" in Texas. They decided to bring attention to the extraordinary fiber art today's quiltmakers were creating. That idea launched the American Quilters Society, or AQS, a division of Schroeder Publishing. The first annual "AQS Quilt Show and Contest" was held in Paducah in 1985. The Schroeders were committed to increasing the respect the general public had for contemporary quilts and quiltmakers. Through AQS activities, Bill and Meredith came into contact with many of the top quilters from around the country, and began purchasing some of their quilts.

In addition, the top awards in the annual AQS Show were established as purchase awards. Gradually a collection developed. Out of a desire to share that collection, grew the concept of a museum dedicated to quilts, quiltmakers and quilting. Initially named the Museum of the American Quilter's Society, the Schroeder family supported the design and construction of the $2.2 million facility that houses the museum. In the summer of 1990, ground was broken for the construction of the museum and a separate 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by its own Board of Directors was founded.

When the museum opened in April 1991, our collection contained about 85 quilts on loan from the founders. Since that time, these and many others have been donated to the museum, bringing the collection to more than 600. In 2008, Congress designated us as The National Quilt Museum of the United States. The national designation brings additional attention and visitors. We offer educational opportunities with some of the world's top quilters. The museum has also expanded its services to youth through hands-on activities and off site programs.