CANNON BEACH – Once relegated to the realm of quaint handicrafts, quilts are now recognized by historians as valuable visual social records of women’s contributions that were often overlooked in official histories and traditional documents. Mary Bywater Cross presents a free, public Oregon Chautauqua program, “The Ties that Bind: Quilts of Community,” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Cannon Beach History Center.

Beginning after the initial pioneer settlement in the 1870s and moving to the present, quilt historian and author Cross will illustrate how women drew their communities together through quilting for one of four primary purposes: raising funds for programs and organizations, creating tributes to individuals who supported and guided a group or community, commemorating cultural, social or economic events, and attending to the utilitarian necessities of warmth and social interaction.

Cross will illustrate her discussion with slides of contemporary and historic community-based quilts, using the makers’ documentation to help participants develop an awareness of the many roles that quilts play in communities. Cross considers quilts artifacts that connect the diverse geography, history and culture of the Pacific Northwest.

Cross’ program is made possible by funding from the Oregon Council for the Humanities, an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Cannon Beach History Center is located at 1387 S. Spruce St. in Cannon Beach.