Celebrating the Life of Quilt Historian Cuesta Benberry

The Atlanta Quilt Festival is pleased to premier its inaugural Marva Swanson Lecture Series. Marva Swanson was a co-founder of the Atlanta Quilt Festival who tirelessly promoted quilt education. It is in her spirit that we offer a series of lectures during the Festival in 2024.

Lynette Warren provides an overview of the life and extensive research on quilting conducted by Cuesta Benberry.  Ms. Benberry was a powerhouse in quilt history and research.  Benberry affectionately called her work “minding her Ps and Qs,” Ps being patterns and Qs being quilts.  An elementary teacher and librarian by trade, Benberry’s research helped usher in the scholarly study of quilts and quilt history.  Benberry began studying quilts, quilt patterns and their history following her marriage and her interest in the quilts of her husband’s family in Kentucky.  From the initial interest in family quilts grew a fascination with all quilts. Her participation in a round robin group eventually led to a collection of quilt patterns and articles filling 150 scrap books.  Her scope narrowed to the diversity found within the African American quilt community.  The extensive research she performed in quilting led her to found and participate in several quilt groups.  She encouraged the scholarly study of quilts, and consequently Benberry served as mentor to several noted quilt historians.  Her first work, “Always There: The African American Presence in American Quilts” is considered one of the most important published works on African American quilting.  The tireless efforts of Ms. Benberry led to her induction into the Quilters Hall of Fame in 1983. Ms. Benberry’s passion and love for quilting can be read in the many letters she wrote.  Lynette Warren’s presentation will shed light on the life and research conducted by focusing on her work, correspondence, and memories from those who knew her best.

A reception follows questions and answers. There will be time to view the 2024 juried exhibit and the "Getting Into MY Good Trouble" exhibit before the venue closes at 5 p.m. 

Seating is limited. Get your ticket early.