Located in Tillamook, Oregon, the Latimer Quilet & Textile Center offers exhibits of antique and contemporary quilts, weaving and spinning demonstrations, and instruction in various textile arts. Housed in the restored former Maple Leaf School since 1991, the non-profit center has already completed the first two phases of the American Association of Museums Assessment Program, and is well on the way toward museum accreditation.
The Center hosts meetings of the Oregon Coast Fiberartisans, the Ocean Breeze Rugkrafters Guild, and the Tillamook County Quilters Guild.
There is a research library for on site use, a climate controlled textile repository, and a gift shop with hand-made items, books and vintage and hand-dyed fabric.
“One of the bigger stories of Tillamook County has been the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center in Tillamook. Beginning with an abandoned school house with blackberries growing through the floors and birds finding safe havens through holes in the ceilings and a common dream, its supporters have not disappointed anyone but the birds and the blackberries.” – Van Moe, Oregon Eagle, Inc.
The fully restored Maple Leaf School, now the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center, is one-quarter mile east of Highway 101, just south and east of the Tillamook Cheese Factory. The location brings visitors into the Center from all over the world. Latimer employs a manager to run the center and to oversee volunteer help, and a part-time employee to fill in during the summer months.