"We the People" Community Quilt Project

"We the People" Community Quilt Project

Quilts embody a history of reuse and resourcefulness, of community relationships and care. They also invite collaboration, combining individual perspectives, skills, and stories into a diverse whole.

This project was part of activities happening across Erie County throughout 2026 to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With its proximity to the vital resource of the Great Lakes, the region we call Western New York has long been home to vibrant and diverse communities, both before and after the pivotal events of this country’s founding. This quilt project aimed to visually reflect the unique cultural and familial histories of communities in this region throughout its history.

Residents of Western New York were invited to make and submit a 9 inch by 9 inch fabric square (sewn or constructed using glue) responding to the question “Who are ‘we the people?’” A quilt of these unique fabric squares was be sewn together in August 2026.

If you have questions regarding a specific quilt square in this collection or one that you were responsible for creating, please contact the Grosvenor Room at grosvenorref@buffalolib.org.