WILLIAMSBURG, VA – Visit Williamsburg blanketed Merchants Square in the heart of the Historic Triangle Saturday at a ceremony to reveal of “The Great American Birthday Quilt,” a nationwide art project crafted from hundreds of heartfelt quilt blocks submitted by Americans of all ages.
The 500-foot-long quilt, which includes blocks made by 800 quilters, honors the nation’s 250th birthday with designs that celebrate the spirit, stories and shared heritage of the nation.
Its creation was a joint effort between Visit Williamsburg and Steve Prince, the Muscarelle Museum of Art’s director of engagement and distinguished artist in residence.
Gathered at the quilt reveal celebration were two children, June and Auden Butkus, who are descended from Betsy Ross and contributed their own quilt blocks. Additionally, families, quilting guilds, Girl and Boy Scouts, faith groups, students and military veterans were recognized for their participation in making the quilt.
“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, there is no destination more fitting to honor this milestone and proudly display this quilt than the Historic Triangle,” Visit Williamsburg President and CEO Edward Harris, said. “When you see all 500 feet of the quilt together, you’ll realize it’s more than fabric, glue and thread. Every quilt block represents someone who loves this country and wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves. It’s personal stories of what America means to them, told by people from diverse backgrounds and from every corner of our nation.”
The quilt will be on public display through the end of the year.
“This quilt is a powerful metaphor and symbol of unity and creativity, especially in the face of this divisive moment we are in nationwide," Prince said. "This project has been a way for people from all 50 states to tell stories that remind us how beautiful, brilliant, unique and sacred our nation is at its core."
The Great American Birthday Quilt is expected to draw quilters, history enthusiasts, families and patriotic travelers to Williamsburg to see their quilt blocks and enjoy more America250, VA250 and Williamsburg250 commemorative events, entertainment and educational experiences this year and next.
The Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia, is where America’s journey first took shape.
For more information about the Great American Birthday Quilt and to download the Williamsburg 250 Passport for discounts on everything from colonial reenactments and cultural exhibits to archeological digs, concerts, art festivals, and more, visit www.visitwilliamsburg.com.
