As we celebrate the rich tapestry of history in Virginia, a remarkable project is stitching together narratives from the past through the art of quilting. Titled Stitching Together History: 250 Quilts Commemorating the Commonwealth of Virginia, this upcoming book set for release in 2026 by Schiffer Publishing, priced at $34.99, showcases Virginia’s contributions to the nation through 250 artistic quilts. Edited by seasoned quilt experts Mary Kerr and Donna Marcinkowski DeSoto, this collection promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the state’s vibrant heritage.
Mary Kerr, a certified appraiser and quilt curator with over 40 years of teaching experience, collaborates with Donna Marcinkowski DeSoto, a textile artist and author who has called Virginia home for more than four decades. Together, they have curated a selection that includes works from both acclaimed artists and amateur quilters. The quilts cover themes ranging from coastal Virginia to significant historical events and personalities.
Highlights of the Quilt Collection
Among the featured quilts are stunning representations of Virginia’s landscape and history. For example, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge quilt beautifully depicts a waterfowl habitat, while the Battle of Hampton Roads showcases two iconic ships from this pivotal naval engagement. Additionally, quilts honoring jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald from Newport News and the Emancipation Oak, where Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation was read, are sure to resonate with many.
The collection also includes quilts like Freedom’s Fortress, representing Fort Monroe, and The Amazing Peanut, which pays tribute to this important agricultural crop. The Battle of Great Bridge quilt features silhouettes of troops, encapsulating the spirit of valor that defined many historical moments in Virginia. Each quilt tells its own story, with quotes from the book illuminating the inspiration and significance behind these artistic pieces.
A Nationwide Effort
The creation of these quilts is part of a larger initiative, with quilters from across the USA contributing to the project throughout 2024. An impressive total of over 275 quilts were submitted, with 257 finally selected for inclusion. All the quilts measure 20″ by 20″ and depict various aspects of Virginia’s history, ranging from the serious to the whimsical. This project, supported by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, aims to honor the state’s rich heritage.
Mark your calendars for the exhibition at the Virginia Quilt Museum, which will run from July 4 to December 22, 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to witness these artistic representations of Virginia’s past up close. A companion book will also be published by Schiffer Publishing, further expanding on this collective effort.
Historical Context of Virginia Quilting
Quilting holds a special place in Virginia’s cultural history, as highlighted in the book QUILTS OF VIRGINIA: 1607-1899, published by the Virginia Consortium of Quilters. This work emerged from a quilt documentation project in the 1980s and features over 270 historical quilts, including pieces from George Washington’s great-grandmother. With more than 350 color and vintage photographs, this book celebrates Virginia’s quilting legacy, showcasing regional designs and stories that continue to inspire artisans today.
For those interested in the rich history of quilting in Virginia, and to learn more about the upcoming projects and exhibitions, you can visit the Coastal Virginia Magazine and the Virginia Quilt Museum. Discover how these vibrant pieces of fabric not only tell stories but also connect generations through shared heritage.