New York curator and oral historian pays visit to Nielsen's Freedom Quilts Amy Weinstein, associate curator and oral historian from New York, came to Fonda and Varina to learn the history of how Freedom Quilts came about. Amy came to Betty and Dennis Nielsen's home to visit and see where Freedom Quilts started. Amy siad she was surprised to see the Nielsen's living room where there were different stages of quilts. Some have blocks ready to be sewn, some top need the boarders, some binding cut and pinned so it can be taken to St. Columbkille parish in Varina to be tied. Some quilts need a label and a letter written for the families and then packaged and sent. Amy spent Sunday visiting with the Nielsens, and on Monday she came to Varina to watch the ladies work. She tried her hand at tying and then she went to interviewing everyone. Any got to enjoy the ladies potluck, something the Freedom Quilters are famous for. Eaight quilts were done that day along with the interviews. Many questions were asked, especially, Where were you on September 11?" What were you doing? What was your reaction after watching what was on TV? How did you get involved with Freedom Quilts? Were just a few of the question asked. After a long day of interviewing and hard work, Amy came and had supper with the Nielsens. On Tuesday, Amy finished the interview with Norma Gehrig and the Nielsens. One of the questions asked to the Nielsens was to describe the famous living room in the Nielsens home. What got us to start the project and why the name Freedom Quilts? The answer to the question, "Do we see an end to this project?" There will always be devastation in this world. The war will be over some day but something else will happen. Freedom Quilts stand for compassion "Made with Love to Comfort YOU." Is our logo. Betty was in New York on the fifth anniversary 0f 9-11to give out quilts to those families that for some reason still have yet to receive a quilt when talk of our last of our original quilt was mention where War Paint will have it permanent home. It was discuss that the permanent home for War Paint will be the National September 11 Memorial and Museum World Trade Center located at Ground Zero in New York. War Paint will remind us all that we can make a difference. Our country is truly a great country and together we can do anything. War Paint is a part of all of us. When we look at War Paint we see all the people that came together to help make this project bring comfort to the families that needed us. The donations from those who support this project are symbolized by War Paint. So now War Paint has retired until October when the museum will add it to their exhibit of 911 when it comes to Des Moines. The date has been set but not the location in Des Moines just yet. When Freedom Quilts get more information we will pass it on for all those that wish to be there. We wish especially for those that have had a part in Freedom Quilts to be there. It will be a total honor for our community and state to see War Paint handed over to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum World Trade Center. It will be open for all to come. The show in Des Moines will be a taste of what the museum will have for all to see in New York.
For those interested in helping contact
Freedom Quilts Inc
C/O Betty Nielsen
13637 550th St
Fonda, IA. 50540
or email at debeniel@ncn.net website www.freedomquilts.net