Open Forum: A successful quilting bee in honor of the people enslaved at Belle Grove
KRISTEN LAISE
I am writing to share the wonderful success of the first community quilting bee held to honor the lives of the people enslaved at Belle Grove. This memorial event was especially meaningful during Black History Month. The turnout exceeded expectations, and every person who attended had the opportunity to contribute and participate in the hand quilting process, making the day even more special.
The “Quilt Honoring the People Enslaved” at Belle Grove is a meaningful tribute stitched together by many hands. It is a symbol of honor and remembrance of 270 individuals held in bondage at Belle Grove from the 1780s-1850s.
We owe immense thanks to the Godfrey Miller Center for hosting the event, particularly to Anna Lehman, the program coordinator, whose wholehearted support made this event possible. Our deep gratitude also extends to Sheila Miller and Mary Jane Robins of the Winchester Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America for their tireless assistance throughout the day.
A heartfelt thank you goes to The Winchester Star, Josephine School Community Museum, Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Douglas School Museum, Handley Regional Library, Winchester Patch, Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Scrappy Apple, and all the other organizations that helped spread the word about this important event. Without their help, we wouldn’t have seen such a great turnout.
We would also like to extend special thanks to the many individuals who braved a rainy and windy day to gather at the Godfrey Miller Center and put their stitches and hearts into the quilt. Your participation is what truly brought this event to life.
Looking ahead, we are happy to announce future quilting bees:
March 29, 2–4 p.m., Belle Grove Plantation, 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown; April 26, Session 1: 12:30–2:30 p.m., and Session 2: 3–5 p.m., Bowman Library, 871 Tasker Rd, Stephens City.
We’ll be celebrating Juneteenth by taking part in two special community events:
June 21: Clarke County Fairgrounds, 890 W. Main St., Berryville (time TBD)
June 22: noon–5 p.m.– Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst St, Winchester,
For more information and to register visit https://bellegrove.org/calendar/quilt.
Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this incredible day. We look forward to continuing this important work of remembrance and community-building.
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