Monroe County Historical Association

STARS & STITCHES FOREVER
QUILT CHALLEGE

The Monroe County Historical Association hosted a quilt-making challenge honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, looking to honor this momentous anniversary by displaying quilts unique to Monroe County.

Throughout our country’s history, quilts have been made to keep people warm and to feed the soul as artistic expressions.

Quilters were invited to interpret their journey or their family’s journey of migration or immigration to America and the area now known as Monroe County. This is a way to reflect on the past, honor the contributions of all people to Monroe County, and look ahead to a shared future. America250 looks to celebrate all of that, and the quilt challenge is just one way to honor that mission.

The challenge came not only in interpreting the theme but also in working within specific rules:

• Each quilt had to be 30” by 30” and include at least one star.
• Traditional or original patterns could be used.
• Fabrics, colors, and techniques were the quilter’s choice.
• Quilters of all abilities were invited to participate.

Challenge quilts will be on display December 11, 2026, in the Monroe County Historical Association’s Hughes Community Room in the new Heritage Center. Admission to the Challenge Quilt exhibit only is FREE to members, $3 to all others.

Visit America250PA Monroe County for information about other ways to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary in the Poconos.

On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing
of the Declaration of Independence.

Joining plans for nationwide America250 festivities, in 2018 the state General
Assembly and Gov. Tom Wolf established the Pennsylvania Commission for
the United States Semiquincentennial — America250PA — to coordinate the
commemorations in the state, which are to highlight Pennsylvania’s integral
role and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. The
statewide effort aims to engage citizens in all 67 counties to bring Pennsylvania’s
history into the national conversation.

On the local level, all 20 Monroe County municipalities passed America250PA resolutions in January 2025, making Monroe the second county in the Commonwealth to do so.

Monroe County Commissioner David Parker is representing the county on the America250PA county advisory committee, and has formed a committee to help the community commemorate this significant occasion.

Local subcommittees are focusing on eight areas:

• Arts & Culture
• Business & Industry
• Community Care
• Education
• Land, Water & Wildlife
• Preserve;
• Service
• Tourism & Marketing.

Committee work and planning have just begun. If you are interested in
volunteering, visit America250PA Monroe County to learn more and discover how to become involved.