NEW MILFORD, Conn.—In a matter of days history and art will merge for a brilliant celebration of thread and fabric.
An “Airing of the Quilts,” featuring an extensive display of quilts throughout history, presentations about quilts and children’s activities will be held Friday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown New Milford, including on the historic Village Green.
The event is a celebration of “250 years of stitching our country together through thread and fabric,” according to its organizer, the New Milford Celebrates America 250 Committee.
The committee has presented several events over the past few years leading up to the country’ semiquincentennial in 2026. Among them, a Boston Harbor Tea Party, a Patriots’ Day celebration, the planting and dedication of a Liberty Tree, and Culper Spy Ring activities at Sarah Noble Intermediate School.
The town joins other communities around the nation in preparing for the nation’s milestone anniversary.
The “Airing of the Quilts” is a collaboration between the committee, the First Congregational Church of New Milford, the New Milford Historical Society & Museum, and St. Peter’s Masonic Lodge.
Several Kent residents are involved in the event.
More than 100 quilts will be displayed over the pews and possibly hung over the rails of the balcony at the church located at 36 Main St., as well as at the historical society at 6 Aspetuck Ave. and the lodge across the street from the museum.
In addition, three special programs with well-known local quilters will be offered May 3 at the lodge.
Several downtown businesses will also exhibit quilts in their windows and some downtown residents may hang quilts on their porches during the event.
Guest speakers will include Sue Reich, a quilter and quilt lecturer, researcher and appraiser, who will discuss “Quilts and Quiltmakers Covering Connecticut” at 10 a.m.
Quilter Veralyn Davee will present “Quilts: An American Heritage” at 1 p.m.
The Roger Sherman Chapter, NSDAR will a present a Quilt of Valor at 2 p.m. A Quilt of Valor is a handmade quilt that is awarded to a service member or veteran who has been touched by war.
The museum will exhibit approximately 10 of its historic quilts, along with three Roger Sherman Chapter, NSDAR quilts. The oldest quilt from the historical society’s collection dates back to the 1750s.
In addition, quilt squares made by senior center members several years ago that were used for the museum’s Black Experience exhibit will be exhibited during the event at the museum.
The squares feature symbols that were used on quilts said to communicate messages to those using the Underground Railroad.
The two-day event is free. Children’s activities will be offered throughout each day at the lodge.
Donations will be accepted to support building funds at both the church and lodge.
