OTISFIELD – The Otisfield Historical Society will sponsor experts from the Maine Quilt Heritage Committee of the Pine Tree Quilters Guild in a quilt documentation day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Otisfield Community Hall, Route 121.

Quilt owners are invited to bring one or several quilts made before 1950 for free expert evaluation.

The purpose of the session is to help preserve Maine’s quilting heritage by documenting old quilts. Wendy Garland, one of the experts involved, said, “All too often quilts are tucked away in closets and attics to be retrieved by another generation with questions like, ‘Who made that?’ or ‘When?’ or ‘Why’? Recording the history of our quilts now will save future generations from repeating these frustrating questions.”

Each quilt will receive individual attention. First, a registration number will be assigned and forms completed with a description of the quilt. Quilt analysts will identify the pattern and the sewing techniques used in its construction. The quilt will also be photographed.

The owner will receive a copy of the registration, the documentation information and advice on how to care for the quilt. The committee does not appraise the value of the quilt or certify its age.

The Maine Quilt Committee will retain the original documentation and photographs, which will be kept on permanent file for the use of future generations.

All quilt owners in the area, regardless of residence, are invited to take part. The quilt documentation will be held on a first-come, first-served basis, and no appointment is necessary. For more information, contact Jean Hankins at 539-2521 or Ethel Turner at 539-4404.