A History of Gee’s Bend from 1816 to the Present
OCTOBER 2023—AUGUST 2024
From the settlement of a cotton plantation by Joseph Gee in 1816 through the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement to celebrated exhibitions at major art museums worldwide, this exhibit explored key moments in the history of the storied community of Gee’s Bend.
Beginning in September of 2024, A History of Gee’s Bend from 1816 to the Present was relocated outside the River Gallery as the latest expansion of the Gee’s Bend Heritage Trail.
Exhibition images by Stephen Pitkin.
People viewing exhibits in an art gallery with wooden walls, large windows, and colorful artwork.
A museum exhibit with visitors viewing quilting and textile art displays, including a wall hanging with abstract geometric shapes, informational posters, mannequins dressed in clothing, and people taking photos.
People viewing art and historical exhibit panels in a modern museum, with large windows and colorful textile art hanging on the walls.
An indoor exhibit space featuring colorful quilt artworks displayed on the walls, with informational panels on white stands, and seating including a patterned armchair and benches, with large windows letting in natural light and showing greenery outside.
Exhibition display panels in a museum showing history of Gee's Bend quilts, with some quilt artwork visible on the walls and a peaceful interior setting.
Exhibition display panels inside a museum, showcasing historical photographs, texts, and colorful quilted artwork in the background. The panels contain information about the history of Gee's Bend and feature black and white photos of people and buildings.
Exhibition space with several white display boards showcasing historical photos and text, a colorful quilt hanging on the wooden wall, a bench with blue and white pattern, and a large window with green plants outside.
Exhibition display panels with historical information and photographs in a gallery setting, featuring a quilt on the left, a colorful armchair, and large windows allowing natural light.
Interior of The River Gallery with white display panels showcasing various posters and photographs, large glass windows revealing greenery outside, and a patterned bench near a potted plant.
Exhibit display panels with historical information, photographs, and texts in a museum setting, featuring images of water, construction, and people. There are multiple white panels on wheels arranged in a row.
Exhibition display with informational panels about quilt art in a modern gallery.
The River Gallery interior with colorful quilt artwork on the walls, display boards with artwork and descriptions, a purple patterned armchair, and a bench. The space has wooden floors and a high ceiling with exposed beams.