The Unity Quilt Project draws inspiration from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, first displayed on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on October 11, 1987. That quilt became a patchwork of remembrance and hope, bringing together communities across the nation to grieve, honor, and advocate. Similarly, as we approach the 250th anniversary of American democracy, Pennsylvania—a state central to the nation’s founding—serves as the ideal canvas for a collective expression of democratic values, resilience, and unity. This project seeks to celebrate the past, recognize the present, and inspire future generations by weaving together the stories of every county and capital city. 

The Unity Quilt will consist of 70 quilts: one from each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, and one each from Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Harrisburg. Each panel will be 3 feet high by 6 feet wide, providing ample space for communities to express their identities and contributions to democracy. Once completed, the quilts will be presented together in Harrisburg, making an enduring testament to the state’s collective commitment to democratic ideals.