Several pieces dating back to 1930 as among the many historic pieces displayed at the Goodman-LeGrand Museum. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Every stitch tells a story at the Goodman-LeGrand Museum, where the fifth annual quilt display showcases more than just fabric and thread — it weaves together history, artistry, and love.

Now through April 5, history buffs, quilt lovers or anyone simply looking for a unique weekend outing can explore this special quilt exhibit. The display features 25 quilts on loan, with pieces dating as far back as the 1800s and a few from the 1930s. Several quilts once belonged to the Goodman family, and the collection spans from the 1830s to the 1950s, carefully arranged throughout the home. New to this year’s exhibit are intricate embroidery pieces, adding another layer of artistry.

Museum Supervisor Debbie Isham said two of the quilts on display belonged to the Goodman family themselves.

“… I love quilts, and I have learned so much about the details and the artistry that it takes to make quilts. It’s just great to show the community and the visitors that come in even from out of state to see the work,” Isham said.

Quilting has long been a way to bring people together, serving both practical and social purposes.

“A group of ladies used to sit around and quilt together and work on one quilt that could be a wedding gift for someone,” Isham said. “It could also be a fundraiser — if a church is needing a new pew in the church building, they might auction off a quilt that has been made. So you’ve got all kinds of reasons why people love to quilt, plus some just love to sew and create.”

Among the contributors to this year’s exhibit is John Sauls, who generously loaned quilts from his personal collection.

“He is highly respected in the Tyler area,” Isham said. “He has this huge collection of quilts and is known to help with restoration of quilts, something he’s done for years.”

Isham noted that the exhibit’s dates were scheduled to coincide with the March 21-April 6 Azalea Trail, a time when many visitors come to town, as well as a large quilt show that draws quilters from across the region.

“There’s also a large quilt show that happens around the same time,” she said. “A lot of quilters come in… we have a big quilting community here in Tyler, with several local quilt guilds.”

Just as quilting has brought people together for generations, the craft itself has evolved with different materials and techniques. Quilts can be crafted from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, velvet, silk, and challis wool. Many patchwork quilts also feature intricate appliqué designs, adding another layer of artistry to their construction.

Additionally, early quilters often dyed their own fabrics, but not all colors stood the test of time. While Turkey red remained vibrant, others, like greens and reds, faded to muted tans, according to Isham.

When it comes to taking care of a quilt, Isham advises to never put them in a washing machine.

“The main suggestion is to have it professionally done. You also want to adjust the folds where you store it; make sure it’s nowhere that is damp. And don’t let direct sunlight hit it… over time it will fade out the fabrics.”

The Goodman-LeGrand Museum itself is a significant part of Tyler’s history. Originally built in 1859 as a modest four-room dog-trot cabin by Samuel Gallatin Smith, the home changed hands several times before becoming the Goodman family’s residence in the late 19th century. When Sallie Goodman passed away in 1939, she left the house, its contents, and the surrounding nine acres to the city of Tyler, intending it to serve as both an art museum and a community gathering space. Today, the museum continues to honor that legacy, hosting exhibits and special displays such as its latest quilt collection.

The museum has been a Texas Historic Landmark since 1964 and was the first property in Smith County listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2010, it was designated a Historic Site by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Located at 624 N. Broadway Avenue in Tyler, the Goodman-LeGrand Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but a suggested $3 donation per person helps support the museum’s daily operations. For groups of 10 or more, the fee is $3 per person. All donations are greatly appreciated.

For more information, call the museum at 903-531-1286 or visit www.TylerParksandRec.org.