Welcome To The Virginia Quilt Museum’s New Home
After nearly three decades nestled in downtown Harrisonburg, the museum has embarked on a new chapter just five miles down the road. Now housed in the beautifully repurposed Silver Lake Mill, the museum continues its mission to cultivate and preserve the quilting arts of Virginia.
“We spent 29 years in our original home in downtown Harrisonburg,” says Alicia Thomas, executive director of the Virginia Quilt Museum. “The county has been really supportive, the town of Dayton’s been really supportive, and just welcomed us wholeheartedly.”
The story of the Virginia Quilt Museum began with a single idea in 1992: to collect and celebrate the textile arts of Virginia. By 1995, that idea had a physical space and, at the time, just fifteen quilts. Fast forward three decades, and the collection now boasts over 300 quilts. From traditional bed quilts to modern art pieces, the museum offers an evolving portrait of textile artistry in Virginia.
The new Dayton location has opened up more than just gallery space. Visitors also have access to a vibrant classroom area, where they’re invited to get hands-on with quilting history. Try your hand at dating antique quilt fragments, experiment with patterns on the design wall, or simply enjoy the tangible connection between quilting and the rich cultural traditions it carries.
But this museum isn’t just about looking back; it’s also about engaging the community today. The Virginia Quilt Museum has become a proud participant in Rockingham’s local traditions. During the town’s Dayton Days celebration, the museum opened its doors for free and welcomed more than 250 visitors.
“The town has been really welcoming to us,” Thomas says. “We’ve just been welcoming our neighbors into the museum and encouraging them to come visit us.”
No matter your experience with quilting, the Virginia Quilt Museum offers something for everyone. You’ll find inspiration, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for Virginia’s rich artistic heritage. Make a day of it by exploring the town of Dayton, then wander through the museum’s galleries, where every quilt shares a story you won’t want to miss.
