Bringing The Nation Together One Stitch At A Time With The Great American Birthday Quilt

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, there is no destination more fitting to commemorate this milestone than Virginia’s Historic Triangle—Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Known as the Birthplace of America and home to the world's largest living U.S. history museum, this is where the nation’s story began. It is where the first permanent English settlement took root, the ideals of liberty were forged, and the fight for independence was won. Visitors can step into history by walking the streets where revolutionaries once debated, standing on the battlefield where victory was secured, and experiencing the journey from colony to country firsthand.

Visit Williamsburg is bringing the nation together one stitch at a time by celebrating America250 and Virginia250 with the creation of The Great American Birthday Quilt. The goal of this project is to engage people from all over our country to handcraft a powerful tribute to America that can be admired by many generations to come. This collaborative project will be led by Steve Prince, Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at The College of William & Mary, in partnership with Visit Williamsburg. 

The finished quilt will be unveiled in Williamsburg in 2026 and put on display at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Design Direction

Each square should illustrate what you want to celebrate most about America. You can take inspiration from anywhere, such as inspiring people (past and present), places you love, iconic landmarks, famous quotes and historic events.

Instructions (Video Tutorial Below)

• Quilt square must be exactly 12” x 12”, 12” x 14”, 16” x 16”, or 16” x 20”.

• Squares can be made from any type of fabric.

• Squares can be sewn or glued together.

• Only fabric glue that adheres to muslin can be used.

• Incorporate red, white and/or blue in each square.

• Acceptable materials to adhere to the fabric are buttons, yarn, felt, paper, ribbon, sequins, feathers. Any other materials adhered to the fabric may result in the submission not being used in the quilt.

• Prepare your quilt square for shipping by wrapping in plastic.

Video Tutorial

Once complete, squares can be mailed to the address below for storage and assembly by November 30, 2025. We accept all major shipping methods, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx. All packages must be sent with postage prepaid. We do not provide or reimburse shipping labels or postage costs.

MAIL COMPLETE SQUARES TO:

Visit Williamsburg
Attention: Selena Coles
421 North Boundary Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185

Terms: All quilt squares are subject to review. Quilt squares can be rejected if they do not meet standards for design or appropriate content or are not received before the submission deadline. Due to the high volume of submissions anticipated, submission of a square does not guarantee inclusion in the final quilt. We are unable to inform individuals if their square has been included or rejected. 

By submitting your quilt square, you grant Visit Williamsburg the right to use your submission in any form of media-print, digital, social or otherwise- for the purpose of promoting the project.

For specific questions related to the quilt project, please email info@visitwilliamsburg.com a team member will get back to you promptly. Details coming soon on upcoming workshops.