Bringing The Nation Together 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 block 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.
What do you celebrate most about America?
Instructions (Video Tutorial Below)
-
Quilt block must be exactly 12” x 12”, 12” x 14”, 16” x 16”, or 16” x 20”.
-
Quilt block can be made from any type of fabric.
-
Quilt block can be sewn or glued together.
-
Only fabric glue that adheres to muslin can be used.
-
Bonus: incorporate red, white, and/or blue in each block.
-
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 block for shipping by wrapping in plastic.
Video Tutorial
Once complete, blocks can be mailed to or dropped off at the address below for storage and assembly by February 28, 2026. 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 BLOCKS TO:
Visit Williamsburg
Attention: Selena Coles
421 North Boundary Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Terms: All quilt blocks are subject to review. Quilt blocks 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 block does not guarantee inclusion in the final quilt. We are unable to inform individuals if their block has been included or rejected.
By submitting your quilt block, 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.
The Great American Birthday Quilt FAQs
Instructions say blocks should be exactly 12x12 etc, but does that include seam allowances?
The blocks should be exactly 12" x 12" finished (or other allowed size), so no need to add seam allowances. They should be exactly 12” x 12”, 12” x 14”, 16” x 16”, or 16” x 20”.
Will the quilt blocks be returned to participants?
Quilt blocks submitted will become part of the final quilt and will not be returned. We’re hoping to create a lasting piece that reflects the diversity and creativity of all who participate. The final quilt will be displayed at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center throughout 2026 and then will be divided among the Historic Triangle museums and perhaps beyond!
Is the Great American Birthday Quilt project only for people who live in Virginia?
The Great American Birthday Quilt project is open to anyone who has something they would like to celebrate about America in commemoration of our 250th anniversary. We welcome contributions from anywhere!
Do I have to use red, white, and blue?
Red, white, and blue are mentioned as a nod to traditional patriotic themes; We absolutely encourage blocks that tell a story or reflect what you celebrate about America. Whether that’s through color, texture, or symbolism, your unique perspective is very much valued and encouraged.
Interpret the theme in a way that feels authentic to you. We’re excited to see how each block adds to the quilt’s collective narrative.
What is the deadline for submitting a quilt block, and where should I send my quilt block?
Once complete, blocks can be mailed to or dropped off at the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce below for storage and assembly by November 30, 2025.
MAIL COMPLETE BLOCKS TO:
Visit Williamsburg
Attention: Selena Coles
421 North Boundary Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Can I submit more than one block?
Yes! We encourage you to submit as many blocks as there are things you want to celebrate about America.
It is my intent to "hem" the entire piece to the appropriate size, or should I leave it so it can be stitched into a larger piece?
Yes! You’re welcome to hem your edges, glue them down, or simply cut your block to size—whatever works best for your skill level and preference. All blocks will be glued together to form the Great American Birthday Quilt, so there's no need to leave extra fabric for stitching.
This project is designed to be accessible to everyone regardless of quilting experience, and we encourage creativity and comfort in your approach.
SHARE YOUR QUILT'S STORY
Upload a video of you making your quilt block and sharing what you want to celebrate about America. Share the video on Instagram and tag #VisitWilliamsbug.
