Something for Everyone

Visitors to the NEQM experience global exhibitions that explore the artistry, history and importance of quiltmaking, past and present. Changing gallery exhibitions (8 - 10 each year) feature the innovative works of prominent quilt artists, as well as historical themes that highlight the most important and beautifully preserved antique quilts in America. A small selection of the NEQM's renowned collection is always on view and changes periodically in the designated Nancy Donahue Gallery.

Housed in an 1845 landmark building, the NEQM is conveniently located in the heart of Lowell’s inviting historic district and vibrant creative community. The entire Museum is wheelchair accessible.

Permanent Collection

The NEQM collection includes more than 450 antique and contemporary quilts, historical textiles, and related objects representing the history of American quiltmaking and textile arts.

From whole cloth quilts made in the late 18th century to contemporary art quilts made by some of the world’s most innovative artists, the NEQM collection reflectcs 250 years of quilt history. Professional staff maintain best practices to ensure the preservation of the collection for the benefit of future generations.

Celebration, 1995 - Jude Larzelere · Westerly, RI - Gift of Fidelity Investments, NEQM 2012.32

Our Beautiful Earth, 1994 - Tomie Nagano · Dedham, MA and Hokkaido, Japan - Gift of Wayne E. Nichols, NEQM 2022.12

Reflection 19, 1991 - Caryl Bryer-Fallert Gentry · Port Townsend, WA - Gift of the artist, NEQM 2022.08

Baltimore Album-Style Quilt, 1990 - Beatrice S. Utley · Hampton, CT - Gift of William T. Utley, NEQM 2003.01

Black Widow Spider, 1988 - Janet Elwin · Walpole, Maine - Gift of the artist, NEQM 2011.14

Bloodroot, 1986 - Ruth B. McDowell (1945 – 2024) · Colrain, MA - Gift of the New England Quilters Guild, NEQM 1986.03

Composition, 1986 - Michael James · Lincoln, NE - Gift of the artist, NEQM 2012.33

Light of Liberty, 1986 - Carol Anne Grotrian · Cambridge, MA - Gift of the artist, NEQM 2006.02

Archipelago, 1983 - Nancy Halpern · Natick, MA - Gift of the New England Quilters Guild, NEQM 1983.01

Sundown Star, 1975 - Unknown Maker - Gift of Richard and Susan Doll, NEQM 2012.15

Gold Welsh Wholecloth Quilt, c. 1930 - Unknown Maker · Wales - Gift of Holice Turnbow, NEQM 2008.11

Blue Hawaiian, c.1920 - Unknown Maker · HI - Gift of the Binney Family, NEQM 1991.31

Crazy Quilt, 1891 - Mary Stinson · Norristown, PA - Gift of Richard and Susan Doll, NEQM 2012.21

Log Cabin Variation, 1890-1910 - Florence Bachstad · Pennsylvania Mennonite - Gift of the Binney Family, NEQM 1991.19

Peony Quilt, c. 1870 - Made by either Abigail Bentley Larkin (1811-1898) or - Abigail’s daughter, Sarah Ann Larkin Marshall (1838-1908) · Tolland, MA - Gift of Elise B. Simmons, NEQM 1988.06

Central Medallion Civil War Album Quilt, 1865-R.A. Sibley, Rosa Aldrich, Mary Slone, A. Ludworth, E.G. Fitzgerald, & Alice Coburn·Boston, MA-Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Hobart M. Harmon, NEQM 2004.17

Log Cabin, Straight Furrow Variation, c.1865 - Sarah Bryans · Scituate, MA - Gift of the Binney Family, NEQM 1995.20

Appliqued Pictorial Quilt, c.1860 - Emily L. Wiley Munroe · Lynnfield, MA - Gift of Hope Carter Ayers, NEQM 2000.02

Path of Thorns, c. 1860 - Unknown Maker - Gift of the Binney Family, NEQM 2007.04

Album Summer Spread, c.1850 - Unknown Maker · NY - Gift of the Binney Family, NEQM 1991.15

Windblown Tulips, c.1850 - Unknown Maker - Gift of the Binney Family, NEQM 2007.09

Eight-Pointed Star, c. 1820 - Member of the Cook-Borden Family · Fall River, MA - Gift of Irene King, NEQM 1996.07

Our Mission

The New England Quilt Museum (NEQM) uses quilts and the stories of quiltmaking—a rich legacy of artistic expression and historical documentation from the earliest days of this country to the present—to educate and inspire quiltmakers and the public.

As the only institution in the Northeast dedicated to quilts and textile arts, the NEQM’s ability to protect and care for works of artistic and historical importance is critical to the entire region.

The NEQM is a nonprofit 501c3 that operates with financial support from members, quilt guilds, foundations and individual donors.

Our History

In the 1980s, a group of visionary women who were members of the New England Quilters Guild began to dream of establishing a regional museum where quilts would be preserved, studied and celebrated. That dream became a reality in 1987 with the founding of the New England Quilt Museum. During the five years that followed, the early museum developed into a community of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, donors and staff in need of a permanent home.

In 1993, the board of directors purchased and renovated a classic Greek Revival-style building constructed in 1845 as the Lowell Institute for Savings. This landmark building in Lowell’s historic district remains the home of the NEQM, which continues to advance the mission first conceived by its founding mothers.