The Quilt & Textile Museum in La Connor, WA

Gaches Mansion

The Quilt & Textile Museum in La Conner, Washington is a must-see attraction for both quilters and local history buffs that are traveling in the Pacific Northwest. It is located less than two hours from Seattle in the Gaches Mansion, which was built in 1891. The quilt museum occupies three floors of a restored Victorian-era mansion. The entire three floors are restored with period furnishings, and each room contains a fascinating exhibit of quilts. The hand-made quilts range from the late 1700’s to the present. In addition, the quilts showcase many techniques, styles, and patterns. Throughout the year, new quilts are added to the collection. 

The museum’s brochure indicates that the mansion had a long history of different uses before it became the quilt museum. Originally it was the private residence of La Connor’s prominent Gaches family. Later, it became a small town hospital, a boarding house, and previously served as the original location for the Museum of Northwest Art. 

In 1973 the building was nearly destroyed by a fire. However, through the efforts of local citizens and volunteers, it was rescued and restored to its present condition. Today the Gaches Mansion is owned by the La Connor Quilt & Textile Museum and staffed with volunteers who act as docents, greeting visitors and working at the front desk and museum store.

 

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