December 3, 2024 3:20 a.m. 

The Douglas County Museum has a new limited time exhibit titled, “Quilts & Christmas”.

A county release said the exhibit will feature quilts, Christmas ornaments and toys from the museum’s extensive collection. The temporary exhibit is slated to run through February 2025.

The quilt portion of the exhibit will showcase a diverse collection of hand-stitched family quilts, each with its own unique story and craftsmanship. The quilts date back to the mid-1800s, with several having traveled along the Oregon Trial. The exhibit will also highlight a stunning contrast with a modern “Graffiti” quilt from 2002, blending traditional quilting techniques with contemporary artistic expression.

These quilts, often passed down through generations, not only serve as functional items but also carry the stories and culture of the people who made them.

The “Christmas” portion of the exhibit will display a curated selection of antique and noteworthy Christmas ornaments and toys. Some items date back to the early 20th century, offering a glimpse into the traditions and joys of Christmas celebrations through the years, showcasing the evolution of festive décor and the sentimental value placed on holiday treasurers. The exhibit will also feature photographs capturing the journey of the 2002 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

The release said for more than 50 years, curators of the Douglas County Museum have been collecting, preserving, and exhibiting natural and cultural history items.

The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History is located off Interstate 5, adjacent to the Douglas County Fairgrounds. It is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free to members and children up to age 4. Students ages 5 to 17 are $2, adults are $8, and seniors and veterans get in for $5.