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~Pride of Berks County: Pennsylvania German Quilts from the Christ Collection~Join the Berks History Center for a very special May Second Saturday lecture program, taking place Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10:00AM. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 9:30AM. This program is offered both in person in the BHC auditorium and virtually, making it accessible to all who wish to attend. (For those who wish to attend virtually, return to the BHC Calendar of events and register through the VIRTUAL option).
***NOTE: We expect a large response for this program and pre-registration is strongly encouraged to ensure your spot.
The cost to attend is $5 for BHC Members and $10 for Non-Members.
Originally published in the Winter 1992–1993 issue (Volume LVIII, Number 1) of the Historical Review of Berks County, the only known documentation of Berks County quilts required more than two years of dedicated work and the efforts of over 145 volunteers. More than thirty years have passed since that landmark study, and many remarkable Berks County quilts have surfaced in the decades since.
Now, for the first time, over 25 Berks County quilts from the Christ Collection will be shared publicly at the Berks History Center. The majority of these quilts were created by the Pennsylvania Germans who settled in Berks County during the nineteenth century. Known for their bold use of color and distinctive regional designs, these quilts stand as vibrant expressions of cultural identity, artistry, and heritage.
This special presentation celebrates the craftsmanship, history, and enduring legacy of these “Berks County Treasures,” offering attendees a rare opportunity to view and learn about quilts that have not previously been available for public viewing.
~About the Speakers: The Christ Collection~
Arlan & Pat Christ
Arlan and Pat Christ reside in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Arlan is a tax accountant with his office located in Kutztown, PA. Together, the Christs continue to collect and study quilts while documenting their historical importance. Retrieving knowledge to secure the heritage of antique quilts has become the prime objective of The Christ Collection.
They have published works representing quilts in their collection, and quilt patterns have been developed based on pieces they steward. Arlan and Pat are members of the American Quilt Study Group, Quilter’s Hall of Fame, the Lehigh Valley Quilt Study Group, Mid-Atlantic Quilt Study Group, Midwest Fabric Study Group, and the Baltimore Appliqué Society.
The Christs have curated numerous exhibits across the country, including presentations at the New England Quilt Museum, National Quilt Museum, American Quilter’s Society, Virginia Quilt Museum, and the Vermont Quilt Festival, among others.
Through their lectures and exhibitions, Arlan and Pat Christ remain committed to preserving the legacy of quilts from past generations and sharing the rich history that surrounds the art of quilting.
For more information and to register, please visit: https://berkshistory.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F37627
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