CALL FOR INFORMATION:

                        QUILT INDEX

PROPOSED NEW ON-LINE RESOURCE FOR QUILT STUDY

Persons engaged in or interested in the study of quilts and quiltmaking
are invited to contribute descriptions of the ways a proposed new
on-line resource could be of value to ongoing or future research projects
or other efforts related to quilt study.

The Alliance for American Quilts, a non-profit organization focused on
furthering recognition of quilts and preserving the history of quilts and
quiltmakers, is currently developing the QUILT INDEX, conceived as
a comprehensive on-line source of information and documentation
about quilted textiles (see below).  The QUILT INDEX is a project of
The Alliance for American Quilts in cooperation with several Consortium
Partners.  Partners for the QUILT INDEX's first-phase efforts to date include:

        *The Alliance for American Quilts
        *The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress
        *H-NET
        *The Illinois State Museum
        *Michigan State University Museum

The  Alliance is currently in discussion with institutions in other
states interested in developing pilot projects to put state and local quilt
documentation project data and images on line.

As currently envisioned, the QUILT INDEX will be a central resource
where users will find on-line access to

        * images of and contextual documentation concerning quilts in
           public and private collections, compiled by State and regional
           quilt documentation projects

        * bibliographies of secondary materials relevant to quilt study

        * finding aids to assist with locating quilt-related primary
           document and hard-to-find secondary materials housed in
           public collections   (museums, historical societies, and archives)

        * digitized images and documentary information concerning
           quilts in public collections (museums, historic houses, and
           historical societies)



To aid in raising financial and in-kind resources in support of the
 QUILT INDEX, The Alliance for American Quilts is seeking information
from prospective users of this research tool.  Institutions and individuals
 engaged in **any** facet of research involving quilts and/or quiltmaking
are invited to submit written comments

        ** detailing any obstacles you have faced while gathering
             information related to the study of quilts or quiltmaking

        ** suggesting how the QUILT INDEX as described above
             would enhance your current research capabilities

Letters of support for the QUILT INDEX as proposed above are also
welcome, as are suggestions for additional components for inclusion.

Please address all written comments or questions to:

[log in to unmask]

Thank you.
Patricia Keller
Doctoral Candidate
Department of History
University of Delaware
Member, QUILT INDEX Steering Committee
Member, Advisory Council, The Alliance for American Quilts



____________________________________________________________________
Get free e-mail and a permanent address at http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1