DCHS Presents Chenille Bedspreads Exhibit Sept 2 thru 4

Chenille Bedspread. Submitted.

The Door County Historical Society is excited to announce their first temporary exhibit, Chenille Bedspreads: From Rummage to Treasure. The exhibit will be held in the Village Chapel at Heritage Village at Big Creek from Sept. 2 through Oct. 4. The opening day, Sept. 2, will also be the Heritage Village’s festival, Vintage Day.

What started as a donation of several old linens to the Door County Historical Society for its annual rummage sale evolved into a nostalgic exhibit celebrating chenille bedspreads. Highlighting the history of the chenille industry, guests can learn how early “tufters” created designs on fabric. This immersive exhibit will allow guests to “walk down memory lane” as they learn about which stores sold chenille products in Sturgeon Bay.

More than 40 chenille items will be on display and the exhibit will explore chenille’s history, techniques, fashion and local availability. Surprising to some, chenille was not only used for the bedspreads at grandma’s house, but it was also popular on fashionable clothing items, rugs, curtains and stuffed animals.

Chenille Bedspreads: From Rummage to Treasure will be open for viewing Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm during the Heritage Village at Big Creek’s regular hours. The exhibit and admission fee is $6 for adults and free for children under 18. The Heritage Village is located just east of the Highway 42/57 and Michigan Street roundabout, at 2140 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay. For more information, call 920.421.2332 or visit DoorCountyHistoricalSociety.org.