Home Exhibits Admission and Hours Location History Contact Information Membership 1856 Society Collection • Quilts • Artifacts Classes Volunteering Special Events Links

1856 Society The Board of Directors of the Virginia Quilt Museum is pleased to announce the formation of The 1856 Society. Construction of the Warren-Sipe House , which houses the museum, was completed in 1856, and membership in this society will acknowledge the ongoing support of groups, businesses and individuals for the preservation of our museum facility and support of the museum's many programs and events. Since opening in 1995, the Virginia Quilt Museum has grown to a fully operational museum housing a growing collection of quilts, providing a variety of changing exhibits during the course of each year, and offering educational programs for participants of all ages.. The Museum has become internationally known as a showplace and resource center for the art of quilting and has seen visitors from every state and twenty-eight foreign countries. The City of Harrisonburg gifted the historic Warren-Sipe House to the Museum, and the generosity of museum members and friends has made it possible to renovate and improve the facility to meet national museum standards. In 2000, the Virginia General Assembly designated the Museum as "the official quilt museum of the Commonwealth." On August 27, 2005 the Virginia Quilt Museum celebrated its 10th Anniversary, a milestone for the organization; however, as the Museum continues to grow, additional funding is required to secure its future and that of its programs. This is where you can help by joining the 1856 Society. Membership in the prestigious 1856 Society is granted with your gift of $1856.00. This pledge of support can be made in a single payment or divided into equal payments over a two to three year period. Once the pledge is completed, the donor's name or designee will be placed on a permanent plaque at the museum. Honorariums or memorials are invited and encouraged to pay tribute to a loved one while perpetuating the art and culture of quiltmaking. There is still much work to be done at the Virginia Quilt Museum, and we appreciate how you and fellow supporters continue to rise to the challenge. Please join us in helping to establish an endowment that will insure the future of the Museum. Simply return the pledge card below, indicating your payment preference, along with your check. All gifts to the Virginia Quilt Museum are fully tax deductible. Thank you for becoming a member of the 1856 Society and for your generous support. Click here to download a printable 1856 Society Pledge Card.

TM and ©  The Virginia Quilt Museum All rights reserved. Any reproduction, duplication, or distribution in any form is expressly prohibited.