COLUMBIA, Oct. 11, 2022 – The Missouri Bicentennial Quilt is making its final stop at the Missouri Quilt Museum in Hamilton where it will be on long-term exhibition, along with the Missouri 4-H Bicentennial Quilt and a rotation of county quilts in the state. An opening reception for the two bicentennial quilts and a special quilt from Caldwell County will be held Oct. 18, 1 p.m. at the Missouri Quilt Museum, 300 E. Bird St., Hamilton.
The Missouri Bicentennial Quilt features a block from each of Missouri’s 114 counties and the independent city of St. Louis showcasing the diversity of Missouri’s culture, people and geography. To honor Missouri’s 200 years of statehood, the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO), Missouri Star Quilt Company and the Missouri State Quilters Guild teamed up to find quilters for each quilt block. Quilters from across the state submitted 6.5 x 6.5-inch blocks to represent the county where the live or have a connection. The Missouri Star Quilt Company stitched the blocks together and gave the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt its final look. The quilt toured throughout the state in 2021 through August 2022.
“The quilt has brought Missourians together to tell a story of who we are and how we see ourselves and others across the state. One of our goals for the bicentennial commemorations was to help start and continue that conversation into the future,” said Beth Pike, SHSMO assistant director, Communications and Education Outreach.
The Missouri 4-H Bicentennial Quilt celebrates the rich history of Missouri 4-H. Created by hands of 4-H members, volunteers and supporters, each block represents 4-H and different parts of Missouri. The quilt top was pieced together by past Missouri 4-H Director and avid quilt maker Ina Linville. The quilt has toured with the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt with display stops, including the Missouri State Fair.
