BEACON BLANKETS MAKE WARM FRIENDS
This exhibit delves into the history of Beacon Blankets, a New England textile company that migrated to the town of Swannanoa, near Asheville, North Carolina during the Great Depression. The Beacon Manufacturing Company operated for nearly 80 years in the Swannanoa Valley, changing the economy and culture of the region. Beacon’s influence is international: It was once the largest blanket manufacturer under one roof, and today many Beacon blankets are collector’s items. This exhibit highlights several aspects of Beacon’s history, including the community and culture of Beacon’s mill villages, Beacon’s production process, the company’s controversial use of the term “Indian Design” when advertising its blankets, and workers’ union efforts.
This traveling exhibit consists of 14 34″ x 81″ pop-up banners and the option for a variety of artifacts, including historic robes, blankets, shuttles, spools, Beacon Quarter Century Club memorabilia and more.
Pricing available upon request. The host venue is required to pick up and return the exhibit to the Swannanoa Valley Museum. Contact the museum at 828-669-9566 or email swannanoavalleymuseum@gmail.com to learn more.
