Missouri Basketweavers Guild's Origins and History

A meeting of 23 weavers on March 5, 1988 in St. Louis became the foundation of what has now become the statewide Missouri Basketweavers Guild. On December 1, 1988 steps began to organize a Missouri Basketweavers Guild in St. Louis. An official guild meeting was held March 5, 1989 and in September 1989 officers were elected.

The transition to a statewide guild and convention began with the vision coming to fulfillment in late 1990. Laury Kramer, Paula Gulley, Pat Moritz and other members of the St. Louis Missouri Basketweavers Guild were instrumental in joining forces with Ann Clark, Paula Harrison, and Sandy McCormick from the Kansas City area. In December 1990, an important decision was made by the St. Louis guild to create a statewide guild and local chapters to form in affiliation. Other weavers wanting to establish chapters were invited to join. The St. Louis guild became known as the Eastern Chapter (now Gateway Weavers Guild).  Woven Circle Guild in the Kansas City Area was formed with 13 original members.  These chapters became an affiliate of the Missouri Basketweavers state guild. 

The statewide meeting in Hannibal June 1-2, 1991 became the first official statewide guild convention and meeting. Frances Wight of Somerset, Iowa taught a pineneedle basket to those in attendance and state elections were held.  The following officers were elected:

Celebrating MBG's 20th Convention

On August 6, 2011 during the convention evening program, MBG's historian, Jena Baumgarten gave a presentation of the guild’s history.  For those who missed the presentation or those who would like to see it again, click on 20th Annual Convention Presentation.   (Note: MAC users may need to download and install a component that supports Windows Media Video files.)