Explore Birmingham's History in Quilts, Firsthand

If you're a serious quilter, you might want to pay attention to what's going on at the .

Museum staffers are gathering quilts from the museum's collection for the special Quilters Tea and Turning, happening Jan. 22, where local quilters will have a chance to check out historical quilts firsthand as well as have their quilting questions answered by an expert.

According to Leslie Pielack, director of the Birmingham Historical Museum, the event is ticketed, and space is limited. Tickets cost $50 each and include tea and a meal. All proceeds go to the museum.

"This is a very special kind of event," Pielack said. "We have a very fine quilt collection that was locally collected, plus this provides a fun way for quilters to get together."

In addition, quilting expert Beth Donaldson from the Michigan State University Museum will be on hand to answer participants' questions about their own antique quilts, all of which they are encouraged to bring.

All participants will also be entered for a chance to win a 58-by-67-inch vintage fabric quilt in a variable star pattern, with a hand-quilted top made by museum volunteers.

The event kicks off at 1 p.m. Jan. 22. To register, call 248-530-1928 or visit the museum's website.