Remembering Cuesta Benberry 1923 - 2007
A great woman in the field of quilt history has passed on. Cuesta Benberry was one of the original members of the Quilt History Study Group and long before it's beginning in 1980 she was immersed in finding all she could about quilts and quilting of the past. In 1983 she was inducted into the Quilters Hall of Fame.
As an African American woman she did important work in uncovering accurate history about African American quilting and quilters. She was determined that their quilts should not be stereotyped. Because of her work we know the true depth of African American contributions to quilting.
She has been described as a gentle women yet strong in her insistence on the importance of quality research. She was always ready to help and encourage others in their quilt related research. She should be remembered as more than an authority in African American quilting for her interests, knowledge and influence covered all of quilt history.
To learn about her life and contributions go to Quilt Treasures Biography: Presenting Cuesta Benberry. Don't miss the mini documentary video of an interview with Benberry for in this interview her personality truly shines through.
My first introduction to this amazing women was through her articles and books. I've posted some of her books in the right column. Later when looking for information on pine cone quilts I discovered the interactive website A Piece of my Soul: Quilts by Black Arkansans. Benberry was the curator of this exhibit and author of the corresponding book. It is place where you can go to learn and to appreciate the work Benberry puts into such a project.
I hope you enjoy exploring these links as you learn from this very special women. I consider each of you getting to know her this way as a celebration of Cuesta Benberry's life.
