On the Calendar:  Friday, 2/12/2010
The Quilted History: THE QUILTED HISTORY: A TAPESTRY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY The Program: The Union Parish Library is proud to present a unique opportunity for Black History Month. Ms. Carolyn Williams of The Quilted History organization will present an exhibit and interactive program on Friday, February 12. Program and exhibit tours will be available as follows: 12:00- The Quilted History: Program Presentation 1:00- The Quilted History: Program Presentation 2:00-5:00- Exhibit open to public for individual tours 6:00- Program Presentation The History: The Quilted History is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education of children, young adults, and seniors to culturally enlighten, build self-esteem, and to promote the cultural history and legacy of the African American experience across our great nation. The Quilted History was organized in 1999 by Ms. Carolyn Williams and serves as a self-teaching and experimental tool for hands-on learning of the African-American experience. The exhibit draws upon one’s sense of hearing, smell, sight, and touch. Through this interactive approach, The Quilted History has gained national recognition for its provocative and educational impact. The Quilted History boasts artifacts pre-dating 1763. Artifacts were collected from South Arkansas and Northern Louisiana. The Exhibit: The artifacts cover the whole era of African-American history, from African masks and 1800’s era washing machines to slave papers, shackles, and other heart wrenching items. The objects play an important role in vividly witnessing history. In sharing the vivid stories of the pieces, participants in The Quilted History gain a deeper understanding of their ancestors. The Quilted History is an invaluable tool for fostering healing, forgiveness, and trust for all Americans. The pieces are presented in a traveling art exhibit—combining quilts and artificats for a unique experience of the rich and vibrant history of Slaves and African Americans. Items in the exhibit include: Ball and chain, quilts, slave papers, bill of sale, shackles, personal letters, period artifacts, and original artifacts. The Presenter: Carolyn Ann Smith Williams was born in Strong, Arkansas. The daughter of the Carl Lee Smith Sr. (deceased) and Doris Louise Williams. Carolyn is a graduate of Gardner High School in Strong, Arkansas. She attended college at Arkansas AM&N where she received her B.S. degree in Institutional Dietetics. She later joined the U.S Navy and retired in 1999. Upon retirement, she moved back home to her family roots and became an avid collector and archivist of family and lost African American artifacts. Ms. Williams has amassed a wealth of objects worth tens of thousands of dollars. She is also a skillful quilter and collector of rare quilts. She now exhibits her collections nationwide in hands-on exhibit that is awe inspiring. For More Information: To schedule a large group to attend a program slot or for more information, please call the Union Parish Library at 368-9226. Additional group presentations can be scheduled as needed. Calendar