Quilt Codes Disputed by Historians

Fact, Myth and Speculation

adapted from Karen Kissiah's post in Cheraw Chronical

Quilts, no matter who sews or designs them, are nearly always a labor of love and are often made in honor of an occasion or someone. But in recent years, the history of the quilt, or rather the role quilts may have played in one specific area of American history has become a matter of scholarly debate.

According to Leigh Fellner, who published an article in 2003 titled Underground Railroad 'Quilt Code,' tales of how Harriet Tubman and other members of the Underground Railroad incorporated geographical clues for escape within their quilt designs are being disputed among scholars.

Contemporary scholars have questioned the use of "quilt codes" to help run away slaves follow a safe route. "Along with many other myths involving quilts," said Fellner, "the code materialized in the 1980s during the post-bicentennial revival of folk art, the popularization of women's history studies, and Western notions of African culture comparable to early Hollywood depictions of Native Americans."

Fellner claims the twist in African American history of quilt making was generated by a children's book, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, by Ozella Williams. Fellner said Williams, a former California school administrator, "used her own version of a 'quilt code' to sell quilts in a Charleston, South Carolina, tourist mall."

"Although no historian has ever supported the code, by 2001 elementary and secondary schools were teaching it as historical fact," said Fellner.

The sources for another book, Hidden in Plain View by Jacqueline Tobin, published after Williams' death, have also been questioned by historians. That book was promoted on the Oprah Winfrey Show a few years ago.

"But after scholars pointed out numerous discrepancies between the code and documented Underground Railroad history," said Fellner, "earlier supporters of the code began distancing themselves from its claims."

In 1991 a book titled Abstract Design in American Quilts: A Biography of an Exhibition, described the debate over the existence of quilt codes: "Though there has always been an unfortunate mixture of fact, myth and speculation in some quilt writing and scholarship, it has been particularly evident in discussions of African-American quilts. There, the mixture has functioned as a dangerous substitute for missing history. This too has led to some recent fiascoes of scholarship."

Historian and acclaimed Harriet Tubman biographer Kate Clifford Larson wrote at a site devoted to African-American genealogy research that: "by dressing the story up all cute and pretty with quilt patterns and kindly folks who used them to guide runaways to freedom - then we don't have to talk about the realities of slavery, and of running away, etc. It seems to me to be part and parcel of the continued erasure of African American history - by creating mythical stories the truth is eventually lost. No one needs myths as a substitute for history, nor as a way to explain the complications of history. There is plenty of the real stuff out there, waiting to be exposed and taught to everyone."

Shelly Pearsall, who writes historical fiction for children, concurs: "Childrens' books about "The Quilt Code" enable schools to keep from tackling the realities of the runaway slave experience. I think it also diminishes the incredible courage, guts, and individual determination the journey required. There were no quilts -- there was hunger, there was fear, there was illness, there was bad weather, there was frequent misinformation and losing your way -- it was not a lovely journey of hopping from one quilt pattern to the next."

Book List

Recommended "Quilt Books" for Kids

Notable books for boys and girls and their families involving quilts and our quilting heritage:

	The Name Quilt, by Phyllis Root A young girl is enraptured by the family stories her granny tells based on the names that have been sewn on a quilt through several generations. Tales about granny's wedding, hornets nests, farm animals are favorites with Sadie. One day a storm blows away the quilt hanging out on the clothesline.
	Oma's Quilt, by Paulette Bourgeois Emily's Oma, (grandma) is unhappy by the recent move from her home filled with all its memories to a retirement home, where nothing is the same. At Oma's house,  Emily and her mother discover a wealth of lace and ribbons, blankets and curtains. The two of them devise a plan so that Oma will be able to keep her cherished memories near her and begin the adjustment to her new life.
	Papa and the the Pioneer Quilt, by Jean Ven Leeuwen This is a story of a pioneer family following the Oregon Trail that becomes tale of a patchwork quilt made along the journey that pieces together the memories of Papa's courageous family.
	The Tsunami Quilt: Grandfather's Story, by Anthony Fredericks. This story is one of the Tales of Young America series. The Tsunami Quilt is a story that boys can relate to. It is a story set in Hawaii that involves a grandfather and his grandson who love each other very much and who do many things together. Grandfather has many stories about the island but he keeps one story to himself. It has something to do with their yearly pilgrimage to a stone monument at Laupahoehoe Point.
	The Quilt Block History of Pioneer days, by Mary Cobb. For ages 7-12, this is a history/art project book. Cobb's well-written text will hold youngsters' interest, and the information about pioneer life is neatly tied to particular quilts, illustrated with simple, colorful watercolor sketches. The projects range from a bookmark to a greeting card to a recipe folder. All can be easily completed in one session.
	Quilting Now and Then, by Julie Dock This gem of a book is a great gift to accompany a quilt you give to anyone, especially kids. It is a great way to explain and share your passion for quilts and quiltmaking. The text is in a charming rhyme, presenting a show-and-tell the history of quilting with accurate facts and details. It tells the story of how quilts warm not only the body but also our souls! The last line of the book will really get you.
	Eight Hands Round, A Patchwork Alphabet, by Ann W. Paul For ages 6 to 10, this book is a valuable resource for studies of pioneer life. It also will encourage children to develop their own paper or cloth art creations. Information about pioneer life is colorfully elaborated through the alphabet of quilt patch names and the author suggests searching for more patchwork schemes and themes.
	Coat of Many Colors, by Dolly Parton Subtle lessons on family love, happiness, and resourcefulness in coping with poverty and necessities of life, such as a warm winter coat. Mama makes her daughter a coat made from scraps which the school kids class a rag coat. Although the child's feelings are hurt by the taunting, she takes heart from poetry - "And although we had no money, I was rich as I could be in my coat of many colors that Mama made for me."
	Every Quilt Tells a Story, by Helen Kelley The universal themes and stories of life are stitched together by Kelley to form a story line that inspires, touches the heart, shares joy and laughter. Kelley is a renowned quilt authority who has combined her love of the art of quilting with tender stories that have enriched quilters world wide through the publications of Quilters Newsletter Magazine.
	Hidden in Plain View: A secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad, by Jacqueline Tobin and Raymond Dobard Although this is a somewhat controversial subject as to actual proof, this book is one of several that tell the story of quilts being used as maps for slaves seeking freedom through the underground railroad. Page 33 of the book shares the author's own statement that the book is conjecture. No collaborative evidence was provided nor sought by the books' authors, and since neither of them are quilt historians. The book, Hidden in Plain View, is based on the oral testimony of an elderly lady, shared with one of the co-authors shortly before she died.
	Cassie's Word Quilt, by written and illustrated by Faith Ringgold A young African American girl gives a guided tour of her Harlem home during the 1930's era. This is a big sized book so small children can touch familiar items and scenes, leading to vocabulary gains. Ringgold's artwork is full of vitality, and beautifully captures this by gone era.
	The Quilting Bee, by Gail Gibbons This is a simple introduction to quilting for kids. It starts out by telling a little history on quilt making. Then it goes on to tell about various quilt patterns. The book features a helpful page of pictures of items used in quilting such as quilting frames and rotary cutters. In the end of the book a classroom quilt project is started by writing letter and mailing squares of fabric to children's book authors and illustrators. They are asked to decorate the square and mail it back to the student. The squares are made into a quilt.
	Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt, by Lisa Ernst This humorous picture book reminds children that men not only did the chores on the farm, but actually did some sewing and quilting. The men join forces with their wives to help solve a near-disaster when the quilts fall into the mud. The drawings are clear and colorful, and the resulting creation will inspire everyone.
	The Quilt, by Ann Jonas The concept of this book is wonderful: growing up while keeping in touch with one's past. Each cloth square offers a link to a little girl's past, and these quilt patches forming quilt go with her to her "grown up" bed and into a world of imagination. Comfort and adventure are partnered in this cheerful bedtime tale. This story can teach the importance of relationships, historical-mindedness, heritage, and family connections. Colorful, lively illustrations in this book will appeal to young children, especially those are learning colors and shapes.
	The Quilt Story, by Tony Johnston and Tomie dePaola This story is about the constancy of motherly love, even when everything else in the world seems to change. The story follows the quilt from it's creation in pioneer days, through to its restoration in modern times. It also follows two girls through the experience of moving, one in a wagon, one in a moving van. We see that ours is not the only generation that has had to cope with changes and transitions.
	Quilts from Heaven, by Lucinda McDowell Quilting hobbyist Lucinda Secrest McDowell sees each moment as a piece of quilt which God weaves together to make a glorious lifelong work of art. She thoughtfully recognizes the 'threads of faithfulness, stitches filled with love, and the all-important lining of his grace' while assembling her own patchwork of Scripture, testimony, and heartwarming stories, comparing the designs from many traditional quilting patterns to God's intricate work in every person's life.
	The Patchwork Quilt, by Valerie Flournoy Through its wonderful illustrations, this timeless book touches on multiculturalism, the family unit, confronting and dealing with death in a healthy manner. It is easily a lead-in to an art lesson. This book can lead to discussions on family, death, and classroom community and perhaps bind students together in making a classroom quilt.
	Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, by Deborah Hopkinson This story is told through the eyes of a young slave named Clara. Deborah Hopkinson's use of dialogue in this story is what really recommends it to be read aloud. The slave characters come through the story so well through their words, even though they communicate vital information in a round-about sort of way. They pretend not to have a care in the world, all the while desperately plotting against their captors. This is book would be a great tool for opening up a discussion about why people say one thing when they really mean something else entirely.
	The Patchwork Path: a Quilt Map to Freedom, by Bettye Stroud A child named Hannah tells of escaping to Canada on the Underground Railroad, accompanied by her father, and how they followed secret signs sewn into quilt patterns. The history is real and the story strikes directly to the emotions. The fascinating quilt-code messages will have children revisiting the page that shows each symbol and its secret directions. Helped by Quakers and other rescuers, Hannah and Papa make it to the border, but the sadness of her sister still in slavery and her Mama's death is with them as they cross.
	Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky, by Faith Ringgold Based on Harriet Tubman's account of a dream she had while very sick, of flying to freedom and enhanced with historical facts and imagination, Faith Ringgold has written a superb story that transports youngsters back to the slave holding plantations of the south, over one hundred years ago, and then sends them on a terrifying, yet exhilarating journey to freedom. Her engaging poetic text, full of imagery and magic, is complemented by her bold, expressive, evocative illustrations and together, word and art bring this emotional story to life. With additional biographical notes and map, tracing the underground railroad routes this book is a masterpiece.
	The Keeping Quilt, by Patricia Polacco "The Keeping Quilt" manages to blend family, love, tradition, the cycle of life, and the ebb and flow of events in one family which are anchored by just one thing: the family quilt.Made by the immigrant great-grandmother and her quilting bee friends, the quilt is composed of scraps of fabric from little girls' dresses, the aprons of aunts, and so on. All come together to form a beautiful quilt which features dancing animals, swaying trees, and all manner of beautiful ornamentation.
	The Kindness Quilt, by Nancy Wallace K to grade 2- Minna performs many acts of kindness and cannot decide which one to illustrate for her class project about kindness to others. In a burst of creative genius, she decides to create a quilt featuring several kind acts. Her classmates love the idea and continue to piece together a classroom patchwork. The enthusiasm then spreads to the whole school. As the project grows, so does the quilt, taking over a bulletin board and moving onto a hallway wall.
	The Elephant Quilt: Stitch by Stitch to California!, by Susan Lowell Based on diary and journal entries of 19th-century settlers, this story depicts one family's journey by covered wagon from Missouri to California in 1859. Lily Rose continually wonders why people say, "We're going to see the Elephant," when they head west. Working with her grandmother and mother, the girl stitches her experiences into a quilt representing their adventures. As they sew, Lily Rose sees the Elephant as a metaphor for their journey, and observant readers will see an elephant shape in the final illustration of the completed quilt.
	Luka's Quilt, by Georgia Guback ages 4-7, When Luka's tutu (grandmother) makes her a traditional Hawaiian quilt, Luka is disappointed because it doesn't have the colorful flowers that she envisioned. The two of them quarrel about it, and both are hurt. A story of intergenerational friendship and compromise, the changes in the relationship between Luka and Tutu are believable and well motivated, and the book provides an opportunity for young listeners to discuss their own emotions.
	The Quiltmakers Gift, by Jeff Brumbeau This beautifully illustratead book tells a message that is timeless - sharing what we have brings us true joy. A self centered king finds a generous spirit through much trial. This book has its detractors, both as to the message and the complex illustrations, yet many children will enjoy exploring the magnificent details of the illustrations. Three follow up books by Jeff Brumbeau include The Quiltmaker's Journery, Quilts from the Quiltmakers Gift and More Quilts From the Quiltmakers Gift.
	Stitchin' and Pullin', by Patricia McKissack A young girl in Gee's Bend, Alabama makes her first "Quilt of Gee's Bend" quilt. From picking out the cloth for memories, to using all of every scrap, to puzzling the picture, to telling a story, to feeling the colors and painting a poem with fabric, this quilt is a story of determination, courage, strength, emotion and family. As the young girl says when she completes her first quilt, "Quilts are about me, where I live, and the people who have been here for generations." Children ages 5-8 will appreciate this book about Gee's Bend and its now-famous tradition of quilting.