DAR Champter creates America 250! quilt square

LACONIA — The United States of America stands on the eve of a grand anniversary and the Daughters of the American Revolution are readying communities to celebrate in a big way. One of the many DAR projects and programs in the works to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. is the construction of a national “America 250!” quilt representing the histories of each of our 50 states. The Mary Butler DAR Chapter of Laconia was honored to have been chosen to create New Hampshire’s quilt square.

New Hampshire’s winning quilt square design features Fort Constitution in Portsmouth (site of the first overt act of the Revolution), Revolutionary War Continental Navy ship USS Raleigh (pictured on the NH State Seal), 13 entwined circles representing the original 13 colonies, the NH state motto “Live Free or Die,” an Abenaki village, a stand of white birch trees, and a purple lilac. The design and hand embroidery of NH’s square were completed by Mary Butler Chapter Regent Julie Lynn Ford. Upon its completion, the quilt will be on display at the national DAR headquarters in Washington, D.C. and will also travel to various national celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S.

In 2016, Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission to lead the 2026 effort commemorating the 250th founding of the U.S. DAR was the first heritage society to formally partner with the America250 initiative established by the Commission. Earlier this year, NH Governor Christopher Sununu signed a bill formally establishing a state commission to organize NH’s observance of the anniversary. Some of the activities the Mary Butler Chapter has undertaken this year include an historic cemetery mapping project, knitting of blankets for the babies of U.S. military families serving overseas, and hosting a week-long “Revolutionary Summer Camp” for school-age children. If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit www.dar.org and contact Mary Butler Chapter, DAR, Regent Julie Lynn Ford at 517-927-4686 or marybutlerdar@gmail.com.