THE CAMDEN SHOE SHOP & QUILT MUSEUM
The Camden Shoe Shop & Quilt Museum, a 501(c)3, is an African American history museum located in the Black Belt region of Alabama. We tell stories about African American life and culture in Camden, Gee’s Bend, and surrounding areas from slavery to the Civil Rights era. The museum focuses on sharing these histories through the crafts of quilting, shoe making, gastronomy, lye soap making, foraging of herbal medicines and natural dyes, garment making, needlework, and artmaking. We believe that telling stories through these materials and techniques is a powerful way to get to know those who came before us. The Shoe Shop and Quilt Museum of Camden, Alabama pays homage to the people who developed specialized knowledge about how to work with the resources they had and transform them into resources to build their lives and care for their communities.
Founded by Betty Anderson
Founder Betty Anderson was born and raised in Camden, AL and has family dating back generations there and in Gee’s Bend. The museum honors her foremothers and -fathers who lived in Camden and Gee’s Bend and began some of the first black-owned businesses and co-ops in those places. The Shoe Shop and Quilt Museum is located inside the former Shoe Shop business started by Joe Anderson (Anderson’s father) and has many quilts dating from 1880s-2011 including those made by master quilters, Minder Coleman (Anderson’s grandmother) and Marie Coleman Anderson (Anderson’s mother) who made the “911 Quilt.”
Anderson, an artist in her own right, founded The Shoe Shop and Quilt Museum of Camden, Alabama in 2007. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to see an array of historical documents, equipment, tools, furniture, artwork, photographs and crafts dating back to the 1800s. Visitors have the opportunity to hear stories of life and regional culture from Anderson on guided tours. The museum is walking distance from historic downtown Camden where Anderson also occasionally provides walking tours.
Visit The Camden Shoe Shop & Quilt Museum website to learn more: shoeshopandquiltmuseum.org
TOURS
Tours are scheduled by contacting her at BBTCAC (334)-682-9878 or info@blackbelttreasures.com.
Tours may be individualized to suit your specific interests or groups’ focus. In addition, groups may want to include tours of BBTCAC, downtown murals and art, or travel to Gee’s Bend and other locations as part of their tour experience. The staff at BBTCAC is happy to assist
you in planning your itinerary.
Suggested Donation for Guided Tours:
- Groups of 4 or less $25 minimum donation
- Groups of 5 & up $5 per person minimum donation
- Large Groups over 20 Call for individualized pricing and tour details
- School Groups Call for individualized pricing and educational program details
Support the Shoe Shop and Quilt Museum of Camden, Alabama:
https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form-v2/9f7bf557-1c55-49ed-a2d7-4afc705739bb
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS and ARTS ENRICHMENT/HISTORY PROGRAMS
Betty is available for a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of your organization or school. Programs can be held on site in Camden or at your location.
Programs available include Wilcox County and Gee’s Bend Quilting History; Betty's Involvement In the Selma to Montgomery March; Lye Soap Making; Women of Gee's Bend Dolls; and more upon request. Hands on art projects are available for an additional fee.
For more information regarding Programs: (334) 682-9878 or info@blackbelttreasures.com, include in subject "Betty Anderson Tour and Program Information"
ADDRESS
222 Planters Street in Camden, located on the corner of Planters and Union Streets. Just look for the brightly painted sidewalk.
LEARN MORE
Absolutely Alabama's visit to the Camden Shoe Shop Museum
Alabama Farmers Coop "Cooperative Farming News" Article "Step Back in Time"
Auburn University's Living Democracy Program article on Betty Anderson, by Laura Agee
Hilltop Montessori School's visit to Camden Shoe Shop Museum and BBTCAC