Collections Policy

The McCarl Coverlet Gallery collects coverlets and other weaving examples that exemplify weaving traditions in the colonial to post-bellum Northeastern United States. If an artifact is particularly unique, the gallery will consider accepting weavings that fall outside of the noted geographic range. In addition, the McCarl Coverlet Gallery collects items dealing with the history, genealogy, and trade practices of weavers associated with the collections. Weaving equipment and other material dealing with folk life from the 1830s to the 1860s Northeastern United States may also be accepted at the discretion of the curator. The McCarl Coverlet Gallery will accept these items through the gift, donation, or bequest from the donor.

Please note that storage space at the Gallery is limited.

Since there is very limited space to expand the collection, the curator must exercise discretion in determining which donations (if any) the Gallery is able to accept. Preference will be given, for example, to objects that are in pristine condition, of local provenance, and/or particularly unique. Even if we cannot ultimately accept your coverlet(s), we are still interested to learn about them. Let us know what you have or bring them in, and we will be more than happy to photograph and fully document your coverlet(s) for posterity through the Coverlet Documentation Project.

Do you offer appraisals?

No. The Gallery employees cannot, in their official capacity, give appraisals for the purpose of establishing the tax-deductible value of donated items. If the donor intends the gift as a tax donation, it is the responsibility of the donor, not the College, to establish the value of the gift and to execute all forms required by the IRS or local tax authorities. Evaluations must be secured by the donor at his/her/their expense. If you choose to have your item appraised prior to donation, we ask that you submit a copy of the appraisal to the McCarl Gallery for its records.

What about tattered old coverlets in poor condition?

If you are wondering what to do with a threadbare coverlet fragment that’s in poor shape and maybe even falling apart, consider donating it to be documented and "upcycled" rather than sent to a landfill. We are always excited to add more coverlet records to the Coverlet Documentation Project regardless of their condition. We are also always on the lookout for worn and partial coverlets that can be re-sewn into keepsakes to be used and appreciated for years to come. We always fully photograph and document these fragmentary coverlets for posterity before reselling or repurposing them.

For further inquiries, please contact the Curator.