For generations, the clothes we wear and the fabrics we sew have told much about who we are, our relationships and communities. A new special exhibition at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville brings that story to life, going back to the 1830s.

Threads of Time: Quilts and Textiles special exhibit opens Friday, February 14 and runs through May 4. The Lake County Forest Preserves operates the nationally accredited museum.

“Step into this exhibit and explore how quilts, clothing and sewing artifacts from the museum’s collection carry stories in their stitches,” said Director of Education Alyssa Firkus. “A cherished quilt that’s traveled through four generations and a winter wedding gown once worn by a Yugoslavian-American bride are just two highlights.”

Every piece in the exhibition tells a Lake County story. Visitors will see quilts, tablecloths, sewing machines, thimbles, a braided rug, a quilt squares sun bonnet, an apron worn by a factory worker, banners, a Girl Scout uniform and a display of county fair ribbons.

Special exhibitions at the Dunn Museum are sometimes traveling exhibits presented by national touring companies. Other times, they are inspired by objects in the museum's collection and the result of skill, expertise and hard work of the Dunn Museum staff, which is the case with Threads of Time: Quilts and Textiles. “Staff-curated exhibitions like this one allow us to really delve into what makes Lake County and its residents so special," Firkus said.

The Dunn Museum has a large collection of artifacts and archival materials that represent many diverse aspects of Lake County's history. However, only a small percentage of the collection can be on display at one time. "When museum staff members curate an exhibition, it enables us to show more of the collection and connect visitors to our shared history," Firkus added.

“I’m proud of our dedicated museum staff for bringing this exhibition to life,” said Jessica Vealitzek, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “I can’t wait to walk through Threads of Time and see all the stories stitched into Lake County’s history.”

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