Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail

It all began in Adams County, Ohio, in 2001 with Donna Sue Groves, a Field Representative with the Ohio Arts Council. She decorated her family barn with a quilt square pattern from one of her mother’s quilts. It grew to over 20 quilt panels in Adams County, Ohio, and now quilt panels can be found in every state. Many states have several local trails participating in this wonderful movement. To find quilts trails throughout the United States, visit Barn Quilt Info. Oconee County was the first county in South Carolina to embrace the Quilt Trail concept. They added their own special features to the model by extending the Quilt Trail to homes, historic buildings, parks, schools, and businesses that want to participate. Anderson and Pickens Counties joined this effort early on, and the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail was on its way. The founding group thought a local quilt trail would be a good way to preserve our heritage and involve the community supporting this art form. The project is community-based and involves individuals from all walks of life and ages. It’s not unusual to find production team volunteers providing a quilting education program at local schools and then supervising students to paint a panel for their school. Quilting has a long tradition in the Upstate of South Carolina and continues today with traditional and studio quilters throughout the area. Many of these quilters are honored in the stories written about the quilts displayed on the Trail. Many of the original quilts can be seen at various destination sites throughout the area. Production team members work closely with quilters and quilt owners to bring their historic quilt back to its original colors or replicate their special quilt. More quilt panels are underway as requests come in from throughout the area. With the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail app, visitors can easily find the quilt blocks they want to view. Please keep in mind that these quilt squares are on private property and should be viewed and photographed from public roads. Many owners may allow a closer look if you ask their permission.