The National Museum of the American Coverlet

NMAC gives coverlets the recognition and respect they deserve, while bringing their history to life. The Museum opened in Bedford, Pennsylvania’s historic (1859) former Common School building in May of 2006. Since then, it has welcomed visitors from around the world. NMAC offers changing exhibitions, generally showing 50 or more coverlets at a time, along with special events, classes, and a Shop. We are generally open daily, seven days a week. You are cordially invited to visit and take an informal guided tour. If you are traveling a distance, we encourage you to call ahead and let us know you’re coming. Plan your visit! The National Museum of the American Coverlet focuses on antique American woven coverlets. Dated coverlets in the collection range from 1771 to 1889. Coverlets are woven bedcovers, used as the topmost covering on a bed. The weaver worked on a loom to construct the textile itself one row at a time, and the pattern was woven in as part of the process. In comparison, quilts are often made by cutting and assembling pattern pieces, then sewing them to a backing with a filler material in between – much like a sandwich. A quilt is generally assembled from pre-existing cloth. A coverlet is made from scratch. Woven coverlets were popular in many states during the early-to-mid nineteenth century (1800s). Coverlets were woven by both men and women. The two main types are called geometric and figured and fancy.