The Red Cross has sent jackets, quilts, tents, rice, and cooking oil to the affected area.
In 1950 he married Katherine Westphal, a textile designer, and creator of art quilts and wearable art.
Permanent exhibits include the Instruments of American Excellence (IAE) (opened September 2012), the life of Duncan Hines, a look at the Civil War from a local perspective, a decorative arts gallery ranging from an Egyptian sarcophagus to 1970s macramé, plus a gallery of regional quilts.
Barbara Brackman, author of Clues in the Calico, considered to be the "Bible of dating antique quilts", has written a book, Facts and Fabrications.
Newman has received numerous national and international quilting awards, including her quilt "Hydrangea" being listed as one of "The 20th Century's 100 Best Quilts".