THE CAMDEN SHOE SHOP & QUILT MUSEUM
The Camden Shoe Shop & Quilt Museum, a 501(c)3 started and Directed by Betty Anderson with assistance from her Board of Directors, pays homage to Anderson's parents and grandparents along with their hometowns of Camden and Gee's Bend. Guests are given tours personally by Betty, who not only entertains each and every guest with her captivating stories, but also educates citizens and tourists about local and regional history, quilting, civil rights, and religion. The museum includes an eclectic display of quilts, furniture, artwork, period clothing, and documents, along with her father's (Joe Anderson) historic shoe repair equipment, which dates to the late 1800's.
ABOUT
Betty Anderson's mother (Marie Coleman Anderson) and grandmother (Minder Coleman) made most of the quilts by hand in Gee's Bend, and they date from 1920 to 2011 - when Marie Coleman Anderson quilted the "911 Quilt".
Step back in time and listen to Betty Anderson stitch a tale of life and regional culture at her Camden Shoe Shop & Quilt Museum. The museum is walking distance from historic downtown Camden and Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center, where Betty is an Artist in Residence and has a studio for making her Gee's Bend Lye Soap and her Gee's Bend Women dolls.
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
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.
https://www.blackbelttreasures.com/visit-the-camden-shoe-shop-museum.aspx
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