LE09 - A Communion of the Spirits: The Quilt Journey of Roland Freeman
Friday, February 20, 2026
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Eastern time
Roland Freeman was an iconic, award-winning American photographer and folklorist who used his camera to document life across the United States. One of his most significant contributions is the acclaimed book A Communion of the Spirits, which captures the rich heritage of African American quilters and quilt collectors.
In this lecture, quilt researcher Lynette Warren will explore Freeman’s remarkable journey into quilt culture. She will present photographs from A Communion of the Spirits as well as images from the Roland Freeman Collection at the University of North Carolina.
Beyond photography, Freeman was dedicated to preserving the oral histories behind the quilts he encountered. Lynette will share some of these compelling stories, revealing why this work is considered a cornerstone of contemporary quilt history. Having spoken with Freeman before his passing in 2023, Lynette will also offer personal insights into what inspired his more than 20-year journey documenting this vital American tradition.
CART (Real-Time Captioning) will be provided for all lectures in the Lecture Hall.