History of the Tompkins County Quilters Guild

November 12, 1974

The Tompkins County Quilters Guild was founded. Here is a list of the founding members.

August 21-27, 1976

Finger Lakes Bicentennial Quilt Exhibit. A weeklong quilt extravaganza with over 600 quilts and events and exhibits all over Ithaca. A joint venture with the City Federation of Women's Organizations, it was one of the largest quilt exhibits in the nation at that time and was nationally recognized as influential in the quilt revival. This seminal show, with its workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and exhibit of over 600 quilts, became a blueprint for other quilt shows. It drew visitors and quilters from across the country as well as international attendees. Some of the country's top quilters and enthusiasts met at the show.

October 17-18, 1981

The beginning of the Tompkins County Quilters Guild biennial quilt shows that continue to the present.

November 9, 1996

Quilted with Care, a gala event and small quilt auction that raised $27,000 for the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance.

January 1999

Quilters donated more than 50 quilts to the Alzheimer's Unit of the Reconstruction Home.

October 21, 1999

The Guild received the Graceful Giving Award in honor and recognition of service to our community. Presented by the Ithaca Journal and the Community Development Professionals.

May 15, 2000

The Guild received the Award for Excellence for outstanding service to other not-for-profit organizations. Presented by the Tompkins County Foundation.

September 16, 2000

The second "Quilted with Care" small quilt auction raised $25,000 for the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance.

July 27-29, 2001

The 25th anniversary of the 1976 Bicentennial show included the biennial quilt show as well as exhibits at the History Center, Johnson Museum, Community School of Music and Art, and events at the Women's Community Building.

These are just a few of many events that make up the history of the Tompkins County Quilters Guild .