BRISTOL — The Elkhart County Historical Museum is honoring quilts by hosting its fifth annual Quilt Documentation Day.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, the museum will showcase bedcovers that symbolize family traditions and tell stories about their makers.

The public is invited to bring in quilts to be documented for the museum’s quilt registry. Visitors are encouraged to bring quilts they have made or quilts made by relatives or ancestors.

Donna Kooistra, the American Quilter’s Society certified appraiser of quilted textiles, will lead the documentation process. Using her expertise, the museum has documented over 100 quilts from residents of Elkhart County.

Quilts will be laid out for examination by Koositra during the event. She will help quilt owners learn more about their quilt’s history as she explains the pattern, fabric, condition and general history of each piece.

Koositra said quilting continues to be an important part of Elkhart County history.

“Although we all enjoy getting together and sharing the quilts, both vintage and newly made, there is an enduring reason for us to have Documentation Day,” said Koositra. “On a local level, quilts have been an important part of the history of our county and regional area. I think of our Amish and Mennonite heritage but also the social and cultural history that our quilts contain.”

Those planning to bring a quilt for documentation should call ahead to sign up at 848-4322.

For more information about Quilt Documentation Day, visit www.elkhartcountyhistory.org.