That’s how surprised those who attended the “Quilting and Lace: 100 Year Wiregrass Legacy -1870-1970” program Saturday at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama were.

The program was presented by Sherry Burkhalter, who knows and appreciates quilts.

“Old things seem to mean more when you know something about them,” penned John Rice, Irwin, Norris, Tennessee, and Burkhalter ascribes to that.

She is a native on Louisville came to the Pioneer Museum of Alabama as “Clara Jo” and wearing a “period” handmade dress, which was most appropriate for sharing her appreciation for and knowledge of quilts.

“I will be sharing Clara Jo’s family quilts and, with all the information I could gather, kind of like historical fiction with as much truth as I could find in the newspaper and from others in the area,” Burkhalter said.

She told the large gathering of quilters that she was able to purchase the “treasures” that she was sharing at a farm sale that happened after the death of (her) husband.

“A sliver of a princess feather quilt was showing in the advertisement and I knew it was something I wanted to see,” Burkhalter said. “I ended up purchasing boxes of random textiles and these are some of the treasures I am sharing today.”

Burkhalter provided information about many of the quilts and her audience was visibly and vocally amazed by her “treasures” and the stories she shared.

Barbara Tatom, director of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama, said the number of quilts showed and the information shared provided a special opportunity.

“Old things do seem to mean more when you know something about them,” Tatom said. “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to know more and we thank ‘Clara Jo’ for sharing her knowledge of quilts and her appreciation for them.”

Those who attended Burkhalter’s presentation left knowing more and, perhaps, eager to know even more about quilting and the history of the “art.”

Visit Sherry Burkhalter at Quilted Creations, 245 Main Street in Headland.)