The story of the Airing of the Quilts begins long before it became a celebrated festival. For generations, the women of Alberta and Gee’s Bend, Alabama, stitched quilts out of necessity, transforming worn clothing, denim, flour sacks, corduroy, and other fabric remnants into warm, durable coverings for their families. Each quilt reflected the maker’s ingenuity, personal style, and the traditions passed through generations. At the end of each summer, they brought these treasured quilts outside to clean and air them before the colder months arrived. Draped across clotheslines, fences, porches, and tree limbs, they filled the countryside with striking colors and bold patterns, creating a scene that was as beautiful as it was practical.

This annual tradition took on new meaning in 1966 with the founding of the Freedom Quilting Bee (FQB). Formed during the Civil Rights Movement under the leadership of Estelle Witherspoon and with the support of Father Francis X. Walter, the cooperative gave Black women in Alberta, Gee’s Bend, and surrounding communities a pathway to economic independence.

At a time when many families faced retaliation and financial hardship for exercising their right to vote, quilting became more than a household craft—it became a source of income, dignity, and opportunity. Through the Freedom Quilting Bee, quilts created in these rural communities reached customers across the country through retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Bonwit Teller, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Sears, bringing national attention to the extraordinary artistry of Alabama’s Black Belt.

As the quilts gained recognition, so did the remarkable stories behind them. The landmark 2002 exhibition The Quilts of Gee’s Bend at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, introduced audiences worldwide to quilts whose bold compositions and improvisational designs challenged traditional ideas of American art. The exhibition sparked international interest in the quiltmakers, their families, and the rich cultural heritage of Gee’s Bend and Alberta, inspiring visitors to experience these communities for themselves.

The Airing of the Quilts Festival was created to honor both this history and the generations of women who have carried the tradition forward. Inspired by the seasonal custom of hanging quilts outdoors, the festival transforms the communities of Gee’s Bend and Alberta into a living gallery where quilts once again sway from clotheslines, porches, and historic homes. Visitors are invited to meet the quiltmakers, hear their stories, experience demonstrations, enjoy local music and cuisine, and explore the enduring connections between quilting, community, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Today, the Airing of the Quilts is more than a festival—it is a celebration of culture, creativity, and resilience. It honors the women whose artistry preserved family histories, strengthened communities, and elevated quilting from a practical necessity to an internationally recognized art form. By sharing this living tradition with new generations, the festival continues to preserve the legacy of the extraordinary quiltmakers of Alabama’s Black Belt while creating opportunities for education, cultural tourism, and economic growth for the communities they call home. The organizing sponsors of the Airing of the Quilts Festival are two federal nonprofits which operate in the communities of Gee’s Bend and Alberta.  

The Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy and Sew Gee’s Bend Heritage Builders serve this community.  They bring economic development, adult learning and financial opportunities through cultural tourism.