Watauga County Commemorative Quilt: A Community Celebration of History
November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | Alexander Community Gallery
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild and local volunteers have crafted a remarkable 14-foot quilt that tells the story of Watauga County from early Cherokee settlements through modern times. Divided into three panels, each featuring three detailed scenes, the quilt highlights the county’s people, places, flora, and fauna while emphasizing historically accurate narratives, including the contributions of marginalized groups.
This project was made possible through a grant from America 250 NC, part of a nationwide initiative encouraging communities to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. In North Carolina, this initiative focuses on exploring the events leading up to and following the American Revolution, guided by themes such as *Visions of Freedom*, *Gathering of Voices*, and *Common Ground*.
The quilt is the result of six months of collaboration between library staff, volunteers, quilters, Appalachian Studies researchers, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Cherokee educators. Donna Breitenstein, a retired App State professor and library volunteer, wrote the grant application that brought this project to life.
Designed to align with the Watauga County elementary school curriculum, the quilt includes lesson plans to help young learners engage with local history. Following its unveiling in July 2025, the quilt has toured local schools and the Western Watauga Branch Library, and is now on display at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum before ultimately finding its permanent home in the Adult Services area of the Watauga County Public Library in Boone.
The Watauga County Commemorative Quilt celebrates the county’s rich history and the power of community collaboration, offering both a visual feast and a learning tool that connects past and present for all audiences.
This exhibition is supported by the America 250 NC grant by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
