The Virginia Quilt Museum is unveiling an ambitious and meaningful project, “Stitching Together History,” in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. This groundbreaking initiative will see the creation of 250 quilts, each telling a unique story about the rich history of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The project, set to launch on July 4, 2026, will transform the Virginia Quilt Museum into a vibrant tapestry of historical narratives as told through a specially curated collection of quilts displayed throughout the entire museum until December 22, 2026.
To ensure a cohesive and inclusive representation, the quilts will be based on adaptations of four key themes proposed by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for the 250th Anniversary: Unfinished Revolutions, We the People, Power of Place, and Virginia Experiments.
Quilters from all corners of the United States are invited to contribute to this monumental project. The advisory committee, comprising experts in both content and technical skill, will carefully select quilts for display during the exhibition. Subsequently, the quilts will be returned to the artists or offered for sale as part of a fundraising initiative.
Complementing the exhibition, the Virginia Quilt Museum will roll out a diverse array of programming beginning in the fall of 2023 and extending through 2026. The programming will include both virtual and in-person events across the state, with a focus on assisting quilters in their research and creation process. Activities such as lectures, office hours, and discussion groups will be led by historians and museum staff, fostering a collaborative and enriching environment.
Opportunities for public participation will be integrated throughout the project, providing visitors with avenues to suggest topics to be covered by quilters. In addition, an artist-in-residence will be hosted to create a quilt during the exhibition, reflecting the final theme of “Doing History” as outlined by AASLH.
A highlight of the project is the development of a comprehensive book divided into four sections, corresponding to the exhibition’s themes. Each section will feature pictures of the quilts alongside historical information, with a prominent figure contributing the forward. Schiffer Publishing, known for their commitment to quality quilt-related books, is being approached as the potential publisher for this significant work.
The Virginia Quilt Museum invites the community, historians, and art enthusiasts to join in this remarkable journey of “Stitching Together History,” as the Museum works to weave together the fabric of Virginia’s rich and diverse past.
For more information about the project, submission guidelines, and programming updates, please visit vaquiltmuseum.org.
The Virginia Quilt Museum, located in downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art of quilting. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement, the museum strives to enrich the cultural landscape and foster an appreciation for the craftsmanship and storytelling inherent in quilts.
