By Sue Loudon
The Harris-Kearney House in Westport will feature a quilt exhibit Friday, September 3 through October 30. Nineteenth century quilts belonging to the Harris-Kearney House will be on display as well as those that belong to the featured exhibitor, Tammy Reid, wife of Andy Reid, who coaches the Kansas City Chiefs. Reid has been collecting and enjoying quilts since she was a child. She has over 150 and will showcase 65 of them at the Harris-Kearney House quilt exhibit.
“We are grateful to Tammy for sharing her love of unique and dazzling quilts with our members and friends. Our goal is to educate and stir-up excitement for quilts from 1830 to today,” said Alana Smith, President of the Westport Historical Society and 1855 Harris-Kearney House and National Historic Site.
“Quilts show the evolution of their construction, materials used and the meaning of the symbols in the patterns. The art of quilt making has evolved, “said Smith.
The Harris-Kearney house was built by slaves in 1855 and was located to serve the California, Oregon and Santa Fe Trails. Westport was called “the jumping off” place. Westport was one of the last places in Missouri to buy supplies before going west into an unknown area.
This event is a benefit for the Westport Historical Society and the Harris-Kearney house, located at 4000 Baltimore, in the Westport area. (one block west of Main St. on 40th Street). Exhibit and tour hours are Friday and Saturday 1 to 5pm. The cost is $10 per person. Private and group tours may also be booked Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 1 to 5 pm.
The money will be used to make much needed repairs on the Harris-Kearney House as well as continue their education program for students.
The Harris-Kearney House in Westport, Kansas City’s oldest surviving residence, overlooked the bustling Santa Fe Trail.