SVE Middle School students recently had the opportunity to engage with Spencer’s rich history by examining a unique artifact provided by the Spencer Historical Museum. Known as the “Seeley quilt,” this community-made treasure dates back to approximately 1900. The quilt, made up of 250 hand-sewn blocks, was part of a fundraising effort in which local residents contributed 10 cents for each block and stitched their names onto the fabric.
Joan Bartlett from the Spencer Historical Museum brought the quilt to the school, along with photographs and additional historical context. She shared her extensive knowledge about the artifact, answered students’ questions, and highlighted the significance of such pieces in understanding the shared history of a community. Although the exact creators of the quilt remain a mystery, it stands as a testament to the spirit of collaboration and connection that defined Spencer over a century ago.
Through this hands-on experience, students learned not only about the names and stories preserved in the quilt but also about the broader importance of preserving local history. Artifacts like the Seeley quilt offer a tangible link to the past, helping students understand how communities have worked together to achieve common goals and how individual stories contribute to a collective heritage.
Opportunities like this enrich students’ education by connecting classroom learning with real-world history, fostering a sense of pride in their community, and encouraging curiosity about those who came before them. S-VE Middle School thanks Joan Bartlett and the Spencer Historical Museum for bringing this invaluable experience to life for our students.